《All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Portal Fantasy Adventure)》 1. It Always Starts With Goblins Justin belched mightily, creating a fine dust of Cheetos accompanied by a cloud of spit mist. He took a quick whiff of the cheesy exhaust before it could waft too far from his nostrils, then smacked his thin pink lips set below a wispy mustache. ¡°Come on, you son of a gun,¡± he mouthed. ¡°Come on!¡± He and his raid group had the boss down to 1% health. As he set up the chain combo to finish him for good, he was already salivating over the loot that was going to drop. Would it be the Armor of Eternal Night? Or perhaps even the Staff of Storms? The possibilities made chills break out over his unwashed skin. Just seconds away from blasting down the last of the boss¡¯s HP, the screen suddenly went dark. Justin blinked, unbelieving, before rage welled up within him. And then, from deep within his soul, he screamed with a despair that went far beyond the inconvenience, seeming to encapsulate, in auditory form, everything he had ever felt about his life up until this point. ¡°REEEEEEEEEEEEEE!¡± He got up and kicked over his stained computer chair and was about to give his monitor the same treatment before he saw in its black reflection his acne-ridden, pale, and pudgy countenance. The image of his greasy red hair and face was so offensive and alarming that instead of making him want to rage, it only made him want to cry. Had it always been this way? How had he let himself slip so far into the abyss? But before he could dismiss these thoughts, the basement walls rumbled, and the lights went completely out. Justin removed his headphones, only to hear the sound of thunder and pouring rain. As with most nights, he was in the basement of his mom¡¯s house. It was a rare thing for her to intrude on his underground sanctuary, except to deposit the odd meal, but normally for a storm of this magnitude, especially in the great state of Oklahoma, one would think she would have given him at least some warning. Where was his mother, anyway? ¡°Mom? Mom!¡± The wood floor above him vibrated ominously. Was that normal? And why did it sound like a freight train was heading his way? ¡°Seven hells, just what I need!¡± To his dismay, the sound of the train only grew louder. Could it be . . .? No, it couldn¡¯t. But his mom hadn¡¯t answered, so he had to make sure she was okay. Decision made, Justin headed for the stairs. Though it was nearly pitch black in the basement, he knew his way by heart. He ascended as fast as his heft would allow him. For the first time in what seemed like years, he was thinking about something other than a video game. It was almost as if there were an electric charge in the air, a distinct feeling that something huge and something unavoidable was about to happen. He entered the dining room, where outside the window the sky was terribly dark. The scene was positively apocalyptic, with a sepia sky filled with boiling clouds and violently swaying trees. And louder, the sound of a train approaching. He rushed to the television, but of course, there was no power. ¡°This is what I get for leaving the basement. Mom? Where are you?¡± Before he could think to check his phone, the wind started pounding the wall something fierce. He realized that the best spot for him was right back where he had come from. Justin fled, or at least tried to flee, but he tripped over his own feet, taking a spill on the floor. Before he could get up, at that very moment, the ceiling was pulled out from over him as lightning slashed above. But the ceiling did not fall, as expected; instead, it went up. Up, into the funnel of a tornado. He squealed, but the din was so loud that he couldn¡¯t even hear his own voice. Everything in the room started to move, including him. He was being lifted up, almost gently, toward the lattice of lightning slashing its way inside the tornado¡¯s core. Faster and faster he flew, until all was chaos and noise. He no longer screamed. There was no point. In fact, it was at this point that a strange sense of calm acceptance overcame him. If he were going to die, well, the thought had crossed his mind before. It was just happening a little more quickly than he¡¯d originally thought, that was all. But before he could truly make his peace, the darkness deepened. To his surprise, he was still very much alive, a field of endless black extending in all directions. Was he in the center of the tornado? Was he already dead? That was when a blue light appeared, like a distant star. And that star seemed to be pulling him closer, an ovoid plane that flashed with potential. Justin tried to move but could do nothing to control his trajectory. He was heading straight for that light, whether he liked it or not. By fate, or perhaps luck, or even a mixture of both, he was thrown right through. And this time, he did scream.
Justin blinked and woke up, hearing the faint trill of birdsong. Everything hurt, especially his head. Feeling it with his fingers, there didn¡¯t seem to be any external injuries. It was just the mother of all headaches.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Mylanta,¡± he breathed. ¡°What the hell happened?¡± As his vision returned, he found himself in what appeared to be a forest. A thrill of fear coursed down his spine. He scrambled up, looking every which way, wild-eyed and afraid. Trees . . . trees everywhere. Where could that tornado have possibly carried him? Oklahoma had its share of forests in the eastern part of the state, but not in Enid, where he lived. That would have meant the twister had carried him a hundred-plus miles. ¡°Impossible,¡± he said. The aroma of earth and wild things filled his nostrils, while the cool air touched his skin almost like a kiss. Despite the situation, he felt a strange sense of calm in the surrounding natural beauty. ¡°Okay. What is going on?¡± That was when his eyes focused on something before him in the meadow, something he had completely missed in the confusion, though it was impossible to see how. It was a bright, glowing orb that swirled with every color of the rainbow. An ethereal, melodic hum emanated from it, and it rotated slightly on its axis, as if it were a miniature world unto itself. It was just sitting there, waiting to be picked up. Seeing nothing better to do, Justin did just that. He gasped as the orb reacted to his touch. A prismatic rainbow of light entered his body. Justin felt an infusion of power and potential that was equivalent to a rapturous experience on a mind-altering substance. You have absorbed a Prismatic Core. No Core Attribute detected. Please select a Core Attribute. Justin blinked as a holographic screen projected in front of him. Six words floated in the air before him: Power, Coordination, Endurance, Intellect, Perception, and Charisma. Suddenly, realization dawned. Justin had played enough video games and read enough LitRPGs to know exactly where he was and what was happening. There had been the tornado, of course, and that tornado had obviously knocked him out, sending him into a medically induced coma. His brain, therefore, was recreating a video game, which shouldn¡¯t have been a surprise. After all, he had spent almost every waking hour playing one. This, he supposed, was inevitable. All he had to do was play the game and wait for the docs to resuscitate him. But then again, there had been that strange portal. A common trope to be sure, and arguably a clich¨¦, but how else was an adventure like this supposed to get started? A tornado had worked for Dorothy and Toto, so why not he, Justin Talemaker? He rubbed his pudgy hands in glee. This could actually be fun! He noticed his hands were pale and freckled, the same hands he had in the outside world. He frowned in consternation. Couldn¡¯t he be an elf or something? Why was he still the same overweight individual he was in real life? Wasn¡¯t the entire point of video games and LitRPG books to escape, to be the hero for once instead of the failure staring back at him from the mirror? He would worry about that later. Aside from semantic differences, it seemed these Attributes were quite similar to many other games he had played. Power for smashing, Coordination for sniping, Endurance for tanking, Intellect for outsmarting, Perception for... magicky stuff? He wasn''t sure about that one, to be completely honest. And then there was Charisma. Usually, as helpful as a chocolate teapot in games. ¡°Hmm,¡± he said, stroking his second chin. ¡°Decisions, decisions . . .¡± After thinking about it for a while, there was only one real choice he could think of. He would be a mighty warrior, and if possible, a barbarian of sorts wielding a claymore or warhammer. He didn¡¯t know why, but he always gravitated to such builds in the RPGs he played. There was something strangely calming about smashing heads in like overripe pumpkins. Although doing so in a game as realistic as this one might prove to be a bit of a different experience. Justin sighed and reached for Power. But just before he could lock in his selection, a hideous screech resounded from behind him. He let out a yelp, and he threw his hands out in alarm. Only to touch the floating screen. Congratulations! You have chosen Charisma as your Core Attribute. He hardly registered the news because now he was faced with three short and nasty goblins, all bearing crude clubs. They had pointy ears, green skin, and slobbering mouths with rows of pointy yellow teeth. They garbled in a harsh dialect. ¡°Holy crap,¡± Justin said. ¡°Goblins! Why do these things always start with goblins?¡± As the goblins closed in, Justin backed away to a nearby tree. You have unlocked Basic Charisma Classes. Choose wisely! Your choice cannot be undone. Justin hardly paid the screen any attention. He saw enough to note several familiar classes, including Bard and Merchant, along with several unfamiliar ones, including Diplomat. It was all he had time to look over. After all, his life was in the balance. ¡°Take this damn screen away!¡± he wailed. Please choose your Basic Charisma class. Justin let out a frustrated growl. He couldn¡¯t deal with this right now. He swiped the screen away, hoping the action would clear the messages. But all he had done was select a class at random. Congratulations! You have chosen: Socialite: Your character excels in social situations, making connections, and gaining favors. Shit. How was being a bloody Socialite supposed to help him survive this goblin encounter? As a Socialite, you have unlocked your unique Class Skill: Epic Barb. Epic Barb. That sounded useful. Was it a magical arrow or something? Maybe he could use it to kill these goblins, which were hanging back a few paces away. Maybe they weren¡¯t allowed to attack him while he was making his choices. Justin read the ability description: Epic Barb: Once a day, you may come up with the perfect barb, taunt, insult, comeback, or rejoinder that is sure to impress! Justin sputtered. ¡°That¡¯s useless!¡± You are now level 0. Good luck and enjoy Realms of Eyrth! The screen finally disappeared, and as soon as it did, the goblins began advancing, their mouths slathered with saliva. It was almost as if the ¡°System,¡± if it could be so called, had held them back just so Justin could make his selection. Which meant there had been no need to panic; he could have picked any class at his leisure. ¡°Ye gods,¡± Justin said, nearly in tears. ¡°Am I really going to die so soon?¡± There was only one way out of this. He had to use his ability. It seemed to happen naturally, without having to press any sort of button. He directed Epic Barb at the goblins advancing on him. He felt himself filled with adrenaline, a sort of primal instinct rising within him. Words began flying out of his lips unbidden. ¡°You guys must have been born on a highway because that¡¯s where most accidents happen!¡± The goblins looked at each other in confusion, clearly not understanding the insult. Justin gulped, realizing he needed to come up with something better. Sure to impress his ass. Maybe it was because he was Level 0. ¡°Or maybe you should go on a diet,¡± he fumbled, pointing at their rotund bellies. ¡°You know, green is a wonderful color on you, but I think it would look better on a salad.¡± The goblins snarled and charged forward, brandishing their clubs, but Justin had distracted them for a split second, enough to make a run for it. He dashed through the trees as fast as he could. He had a stride advantage over the goblins for sure, but he was very out of shape. The last time he¡¯d been forced to run was in ninth grade P.E. class, and that was well over ten years ago. His breaths came out in pained wheezes. Did this fantasy world have asthma? He sure hoped not. He swiped at the underbrush, pushing it out of the way, occasionally stealing glances over his shoulder. The goblins let out high ululating cries, clearly some sort of predator instinct kicking in. Justin sobbed, his legs burning with exertion. He was wondering if he¡¯d have to stand his ground at some point when he came to a sudden cliff. He slid, attempting to stop, but it was far too late. With a shriek, he tumbled over the side and began sliding down the steep slope. He cried out in pain, wondering if this would be how he died: fall damage less than twenty minutes in. At last, he came to a stop on a dusty wagon track, still conscious and hurting from head to toe. The goblins stood on the cliff above, yelping in vexation, seemingly not wanting to follow him down. Justin didn¡¯t understand why. They could easily end him in such an exposed state. But that¡¯s when Justin noticed he wasn¡¯t alone. He looked up to see a most unexpected sight... 2. Welcome to Eyrth Justin felt something poke him, what he recognized to be the shaft of a heavy weapon. He squeaked and stood up, and when he got a good look at the one doing the poking, he wondered if he should run again. The man stood tall and proud, his broad shoulders stretching the straps of his armor. His muscular frame was wrapped in a suit of gleaming steel, intricately crafted to resemble the scales of a dragon. A large shield emblazoned with a fiery phoenix was strapped to his left arm. He wore robes of white, giving him an almost holy aura. His chiseled jaw was set in a determined expression, and his blue eyes scanned his surroundings with a sharp intensity. Every inch of him exuded a quiet confidence and readiness for battle, as if he were born to be a warrior. He was perhaps in his late thirties or early forties. He was a man, Justin thought, who had clearly invested in his Power attribute. At that moment, Justin realized the pain was all over his body. Nothing was broken, but the bruises on his arms and legs were deep, while his skin was covered with scrapes and dirt. His head throbbed, and a sharp pain stabbed his left shoulder. The man stepped forward. ¡°Here, son. Try to stay still.¡± Before Justin could do anything, the man raised a gloved hand, which became wrapped in an aura of golden light. Justin felt the energy spread to him, cold and refreshing, like diving into a cool spring. His wounds, internal and external, were instantly healed. He looked down at his arms, amazed to see they were knitted anew. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. ¡°What¡­what in the¡­?¡± ¡°Bind Wounds. A basic spell all Paladins get.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°My stars, that was¡­magic, was it not?¡± The man frowned in confusion. ¡°Yes. You¡¯ve never seen a basic healing spell before? Well, I guess that¡¯s possible, but not likely.¡± Justin changed the subject. ¡°Where am I? What is this place?¡± The man frowned in confusion. ¡°What do you mean? You don¡¯t know where you are?¡± Justin realized, without having to be told, that this man didn¡¯t think this was a game. An NPC, maybe. Although if he were an NPC, he seemed to be a very aware one. ¡°What year is it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re on about, lad, but you¡¯ve clearly got your brains all mixed up from that fall.¡± ¡°It was goblins.¡± The man scrutinized him for a moment, then chuckled. ¡°Goblins, eh? Well, not everyone can be a Paladin, I suppose.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a Socialite.¡± The man laughed even harder, even wiping a tear in mirth. Justin merely frowned. ¡°Now that¡¯s the funniest thing I¡¯ve heard in weeks.¡± ¡°How¡¯s it funny?¡± ¡°Well, for one, you rarely find those types here in the Wildwood Forest. They¡¯re up there in the big cities, looking pretty and being useless.¡± The man looked him up and down. ¡°You¡¯ve got at least one of those things covered.¡± Justin was confused. He didn¡¯t know what the man meant by ¡°one of those things.¡± He looked down at himself, trying to figure out what the man saw that he didn¡¯t. ¡°What do you mean?¡± The man gestured to Justin¡¯s outfit. ¡°That getup of yours. I¡¯ve seen nothing like it. It¡¯s certainly not armor.¡± Justin looked at his outfit, realizing for the first time how out of place it must seem to this man. He was dressed in an Iron Maiden t-shirt, cargo shorts, and crocs. Not exactly ideal for adventuring. To his embarrassment, he realized he still had a Cheeto stain on his gut. ¡°This isn¡¯t my usual attire,¡± Justin said defensively, though it most certainly was. The man raised an eyebrow. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not doing you any favors out here. You might as well paint a target on your back.¡± Justin sighed. How was he going to get out of this mess? All he wanted was to log out of this ¡°game¡± and get back to his real life. ¡°How do I log out?¡± ¡°Log out? What¡¯re you talking about?¡± ¡°I mean, this is a game, is it not? Am I on an RP server or something?¡± ¡°Listen, son,¡± the man said, taking him aside, ¡°I can tell your brains got jumbled in that fall. Has happened to me far too many times to count. Listen. Why don¡¯t we join up and I can see you safely to Mistwatch? Maybe someone knows you there.¡± ¡°Mistwatch?¡± The man shook his head. ¡°Just five miles up the track here. Where¡¯re you from?¡± ¡°Oklahoma.¡± ¡°Ok-la-ho-ma?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Justin said earnestly. ¡°Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain?¡± ¡°Ain¡¯t never heard of it. Funny name, that.¡± This was getting worse and worse. ¡°This¡­isn¡¯t Earth, is it?¡± ¡°You mean Eyrth?¡± ¡°Yeah. I mean, no! Earth. Pronounced Urth, not Ear-ith.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a strange one, kid. Come on. We¡¯ve got to get moving.¡± Alistair has invited you to join his party. Do you accept? Seeing no other way out, Justin accepted with a mental push. You have joined Alistair¡¯s party. You are now refreshed by his Divine Aura, boosting your Power by 5%. They were walking down the path for a few seconds when Alistair gasped. ¡°Arion above!¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You¡¯re Level 0!¡± ¡°Yes. And?¡± ¡°You must¡¯ve just gotten your class, then. You must be what, twenty-four years old or something?¡± ¡°Twenty-eight, actually.¡± ¡°Twenty-eight? And you¡¯re still Level 0? I¡¯ve seen sheltered, spoiled, worthless brats before, but this takes the cake!¡± ¡°I just got here! Give me a break.¡± Alistair looked at him as if he were insane. ¡°Just got here?¡± Justin ignored his question. ¡°How can you tell what level I am, anyway?¡± ¡°You can inspect anyone in your party.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± ¡°I suggest you open your character sheet. You know how to do that, right?¡± Justin was about to ask how when a simple thought summoned a screen before him. It seemed he was the only one who could see it. To his surprise, he found he had about ten points in each attribute already. Somehow, he intrinsically knew this was the default amount, what everyone started with. On his sheet, he saw an avatar of himself, along with his sweat, dirt, and Cheeto-encrusted clothing. ¡°Aw, nuts,¡± he said. ¡°Nowhere to go but up,¡± Alistair said. Justin gave his character a closer look.
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 0 Experience to Level 1: 0/1
Power: 11 (10 +1) Coordination: 10 Endurance: 10 Intellect: 10 Perception: 10Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Charisma: 10
Skills: (Level 0) Epic Barb: Once a day, you may come up with the perfect barb, taunt, insult, comeback, or rejoinder that¡¯s sure to impress!
Active Effects Divine Aura: 5% boost to Power (minimum of 1 Power)
That was all there was to see, at least for now. He closed the screen. He realized what Alistair had meant. It would be nearly impossible to reach twenty-eight years old without at least getting some experience just by living life. After all, if he was reading things correctly, it took a mere one experience point to get from Level 0 to Level 1. Just from that fact alone, Alistair had correctly surmised that he had just gained his class. Whether Alistair could use that knowledge to figure out the rest, Justin wasn¡¯t sure. He didn¡¯t seem to realize this reality had all the trappings of a fully immersive VRMMO, such as the kind Justin was familiar with. To Alistair, this place wasn¡¯t a game, but reality. A reality with stats and game-like mechanics. Justin had fantasized about this moment for a long time, a way to escape his mundane life. But now, all he wanted to do was wake from this nightmare. And to top it all off? He was a Socialite instead of literally any other useful and cool class. He didn¡¯t know what his class was capable of, but almost certainly he was super lame. The ¡°System¡± had told him the decision was not reversible, so it seemed he was stuck with it. Justin sighed. Nowhere to go but up indeed. They walked for a few minutes before Justin broke the silence, mostly to distract himself. ¡°So, what do you do, Alistair?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a Paladin for the Church of Light,¡± Alistair replied, puffing out his chest. ¡°A Paladin? So, you fight evil and stuff?¡± Alistair nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. I serve the Church of Light and smite any darkness that threatens the innocent.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s cool, I guess.¡± Alistair chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s not all glamor and glory, kid. It¡¯s a tough job, but someone¡¯s got to do it.¡± ¡°So why are you helping me out, then?¡± Alistair shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m a Paladin. I help people when I can. It¡¯s who we are.¡± Then he gave a devious smile. ¡°And¡­helping the weak and innocent also gives me experience.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± When Alistair nodded, Justin¡¯s mind raced with thoughts. He could help people, too, and get level ups, along with new attribute points and skills. Alistair laughed. ¡°I see what you¡¯re thinking, kid. It doesn¡¯t quite work that way.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Well, depending on your class, you get rewarded for doing things related to that class. Paladins, for example, get experience for helping people, hunting the undead, and healing. I¡¯m not sure what it is for Socialites, but you guys probably get experience for¡­well, socializing. And not just any socializing, but making things go your way with your honeyed words.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said, considering this. ¡°Well, I suck at social situations. So, I¡¯m screwed.¡± For a moment, he thought back to the horror show that was high school, along with the sadness that was his brief college experience before he¡¯d dropped out because he couldn¡¯t get his Aether Quest addiction under control. That had been his favorite MMO, to where he¡¯d spent most of his adult life within it than without. He¡¯d always repelled people, and especially women, with his general attitude and appearance. It had made him quite bitter over the years. If involuntary celibate were a class in the real world, that was exactly what he would have been. Justin had accepted his lot with time. Video games helped a lot, along with eating. No one bothered him, and he bothered nobody. Plus, online, he could be anybody he wished. But now, he was expected to socialize, and there was no other way for him to advance in this world? ¡°What if I had killed those goblins?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Would that have given me experience?¡± ¡°It depends,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Only if the action harmonizes with your Core Attribute.¡± That sounded familiar. Hadn¡¯t the ¡°System¡± voice talked about that? ¡°What¡¯s a Core Attribute?¡± Alistair shook his head. ¡°That fall must have been worse than I thought. Your Core Attribute is what you¡¯re born with, One of the Six. Like I said before, you only get experience for doing things related to your class. That¡¯s just how it works and there¡¯s no way around it.¡± Justin could only feel mounting horror. ¡°So, I have to talk to people? Then why am I not getting experience for this conversation?¡± ¡°Well, probably because you haven¡¯t charmed or manipulated me yet.¡± ¡°So, if I tell you a joke and make you laugh, that will level me up?¡± ¡°Maybe. But you should be careful. The Gods know when you¡¯re trying to fiddle with things, so it might not have the effect you want. There need to be stakes, that¡¯s for sure. The bigger the stakes, the more the experience. But why don¡¯t you try it and see for yourself?¡± Justin thought hard, though nothing truly funny was coming to mind. He could only think of a joke his chemistry teacher had used as an icebreaker on the first day of tenth grade. ¡°Why don¡¯t scientists trust atoms?¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Alistair asked. ¡°Because they make up everything.¡± Alistair frowned, clearly not getting the joke. ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ve known a few Adams, and most have been upstanding people.¡± ¡°No, atoms,¡± Justin said. ¡°They¡¯re these extremely small¡­forget it.¡± Apparently, they didn¡¯t know about atoms here, which made sense, considering Alistair was using a war hammer and heavy armor. And if this was a virtual reality, it was probably all just ones and zeroes, anyway. As they approached the edge of the forest, Justin spied a small town in the distance. The settlement was surrounded by a wooden palisade, smoke rising from chimneys dotting the rooftops. A gothic cathedral rose from the town¡¯s center, many times higher than any other building. The multihued sunset only added to the idyllic scene. ¡°That¡¯s Mistwatch,¡± Alistair said, pointing to the town. ¡°You¡¯ll be safe there.¡± Justin nodded numbly. They continued walking toward the town. Justin could see people going about their business; blacksmiths hammering away at metal, farmers tending to their crops, children playing on the road. Justin watched, somewhat dazed. It was like he¡¯d stepped back into medieval Europe. As they entered the town itself, the cobbled streets were mostly empty. Most buildings were of one or two stories, and a light fog had settled on the streets. Justin realized that was where the town had likely gotten its name. Not that he cared too much at the moment. Acceptance, and the accompanying depression, was settling in. Alistair led Justin toward an inn. A wooden placard swung in the wind, with a small, winged creature with a cherub face and rosy cheeks. The placard read, ¡°The Drunken Pixie.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll stay here for the night,¡± Alistair said. Justin followed Alistair inside, and they were greeted by the warm glow of a fireplace and the sound of merry chatter. A group of travelers were gathered around a table, playing a game of cards. Most of the patrons looked up for a moment to size them up, some of those eyes lingering on Justin. He felt entirely out of place in his ragged clothing and general heft, neither of which were the norm in this society. Justin kept his eyes forward as he and Alistair approached the innkeeper. She was a beautiful woman who looked to be in her late thirties with fiery red hair that left Justin a little flummoxed. She had a welcoming smile that put him at ease. She wore a simple but elegant green dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was pulled back in a loose bun, with a few loose strands framing her face. ¡°Two rooms, please,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Right away,¡± the innkeeper said. ¡°That¡¯ll be ninety coppers. A full silver if you want dinner and breakfast on the morrow.¡± Alistair reached for his coin purse, handing over one gleaming silver. ¡°Thank you kindly,¡± the innkeeper said, handing over two small keys. She looked Justin up and down and seemed to smirk a bit at his appearance. His cheeks burned with embarrassment, but he found he had nothing to say. Being embarrassed by pretty women was nothing new, so he would bear the shame in this world as much as the last one. He tried to say, ¡°thank you,¡± but no words came out, just an awkward rasp that he tried, and failed, to cover with a cough. She pretended not to notice. As they made their way up the stairs, the events of the day hit him in full force. He felt a despair such as he¡¯d never known. He was stuck in what had to be a video game with no way out, and he¡¯d probably picked the worst possible class for survival. Survival. Was that really the game here? Maybe if he died, he would wake up back home in Oklahoma. Then again, maybe he was already dead from that tornado, and this was some sort of afterlife or weird quantum purgatory. This might be his only chance at living. Did he really want to throw that away? Or maybe, just maybe, if there was a portal to this world, didn¡¯t it stand to reason there might be a portal back? ¡°You all right, lad?¡± Somehow, they¡¯d ended up in the hallway on the second floor. Alistair was looking at him with concern. ¡°I¡¯m tired, I guess. I appreciate your help, Alistair.¡± ¡°Get some rest. That¡¯s all you really need.¡± He sniffed. ¡°And order a bath.¡± He reached into his coin purse and pulled out ten pieces of copper. ¡°That should cover it.¡± ¡°Do I just order it at the front?¡± Justin asked, not wanting to face the red-haired beauty again. Alistair smiled, seeming to guess his hesitation. ¡°While you¡¯re down there, maybe you can try to negotiate a lower price. Or hells below, make her smile. It looks like she¡¯s having a rough day. That might get you to Level 1. Wouldn¡¯t that be a positive spin on a bad situation?¡± Alistair left him with that as he went to his own room. Justin looked at the copper in his hand doubtfully and went down to the common room. Before he could second-guess himself, he headed toward the beautiful innkeeper, who was looking into what appeared to be a ledger book. Justin stood there a moment before clearing his throat awkwardly. ¡°Excuse me.¡± She didn¡¯t seem to hear him. ¡°Ahem. Excuse me!¡± His tone came out harsher than he had intended, and there was a moment of affront on her face before he was wiped away by a professional mask. Yes, this was going swimmingly. ¡°How might I help you, sir?¡± ¡°I was wondering if I could order a bath.¡± ¡°You may,¡± she said, not maintaining eye contact. ¡°Twenty coppers for a man of your¡­size.¡± A few men sitting at a nearby table had a laugh at that. Justin¡¯s cheeks colored, and he almost wanted to shout his protest, but he remembered what Alistair had said. Negotiate. He put on his best smile, which felt extremely fake. ¡°Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?¡± ¡°Thirty coppers.¡± ¡°And irksome?¡± From her stony expression, she wasn¡¯t going to budge. ¡°Never mind. I¡¯ll go find a river or something.¡± He turned to leave. ¡°Eighteen coppers,¡± she said. ¡°Best offer.¡± ¡°I know it¡¯s not worth more than ten. So, why would I pay eighteen?¡± She looked him up and down. ¡°We¡¯ll need to use more water.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± ¡°You¡¯re bigger.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t believe this. ¡°So, you¡¯re basing the higher price solely on my size? That¡¯s discriminatory!¡± She shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s business. Bigger bodies need more water.¡± ¡°Well, if it¡¯s truly based on water usage, then I should pay less, not more. Because I am larger, I take up more volume. So, you¡¯d actually be using less water. That¡¯s basic arithmetic.¡± ¡°Are you being smart with me?¡± Justin could see the innkeeper was not amused by his comment, but he pushed his luck, anyway. ¡°Not at all. I¡¯m simply stating a fact, and you¡¯ve already acknowledged the price is based on water usage. And I think we both know that¡¯s not really the case. You see me, and my appearance, and it disagrees with you. That¡¯s fine, I get it. I¡¯m even used to it, you might say. But you know, and I know, that ten pieces of copper is a fair price. Please. If I¡¯ve done anything to offend you, I¡¯m sorry. If I can get a bath for a price I can afford, well, I¡¯ll be less offensive on all fronts.¡± Justin didn¡¯t know where all this was coming from. The words just seemed to flow from him like water. In normal circumstances, he wouldn¡¯t let out more than a squeak around a woman of her beauty. And to his surprise, his words were having an effect. The innkeeper sighed and gave him a small smile. ¡°You¡¯re persistent, I¡¯ll give you that. This is a fine establishment, and you are rather filthy. Filthier than our usual patrons, and that¡¯s saying something. And you¡¯ll be using our towels. In normal circumstances, yes, ten is a fair price. But I can¡¯t let you bathe here for less than fifteen coppers.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have fifteen,¡± Justin admitted. ¡°But I have ten. I¡¯ll skip my breakfast tomorrow and we¡¯ll call it even.¡± He patted his belly. ¡°I¡¯ve got plenty in the tank here, anyway. Deal?¡± She considered for a moment. ¡°Deal.¡± Justin handed her the coins and watched as she wrote something down in the ledger book. ¡°Your bath will be ready in thirty minutes. We¡¯ll bring the water up.¡± The innkeeper went back to her ledger. Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a little proud of himself for negotiating a better price. It was something, however small. 1 XP gained! Your experience stands at 1/1. He waited another moment, but nothing else happened. Why wasn¡¯t he leveling up? He checked his character sheet, only to find the experience was 100% full. 1/1. ¡°Well, of course it would be bugged,¡± he muttered. He headed up the wooden stairs and into his room. 3. First Steps in a New World Thirty minutes later, a copper tub came, hauled by several strapping young lads. They set it in the center of his room, along with a couple of towels. Justin wondered just how they managed to lug such a heavy item all the way into his room without so much as a spill. As soon as they were gone, he locked the door and sunk into the deliciously warm water, filled to the brim with lavender-scented bubbles. The warmth soothed his aching muscles, and he lowered himself into the water with a sigh of relief. The bubbles tickled his skin as he closed his eyes and leaned back against the tub. The stress of the day slipped away with each passing moment. He stayed in the tub until the water cooled, feeling renewed and refreshed by the experience. He would have fallen asleep had it not been for the knock at the door. They were probably coming to take the tub back. ¡°Just a moment.¡± He got up and, to his surprise, found a pair of basic clothes waiting for him on his bed that he¡¯d missed before: tan breeches, a white shirt, socks, and boots. All seemed close to his size, which must have been rather difficult to procure. Justin assumed it was from Alistair. The man was truly too kind. He got dressed and unlocked the door, and as he suspected, it was the boys coming to take the tub. Justin was grateful they didn¡¯t comment on the filthiness of the water. They also brought him some food; nothing fancy, just a slab of cold roast beef, cheese, bread, and watered wine. As soon as they were gone, he scarfed down his food, never tasting anything so delicious, despite the simplicity of the fare. After setting his plate in the hallway outside, he returned to the room¡¯s tiny bed and lay down. Such were the events of the day that he was instantly asleep.
Justin blinked awake only to find himself in a room that wasn¡¯t his. He had a moment of panic before he remembered everything that had happened. A groan escaped his lips and he hid himself under the sheets. And he would have stayed there, had a voice not entered his mind. You have reached Level 1, just one small step on a very long and winding road. You see mountains in the distance, but you also feel determined to begin your journey. Much to Justin¡¯s surprise, he felt a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Something that seemed to come from outside himself. And he realized he hadn¡¯t leveled up yesterday because it was waiting for him to sleep. Some RPGs were like that. As a Level 1 Socialite, you have unlocked your second class skill and you have one attribute point to distribute. Justin opened his character sheet and saw that he could place the point into any of his six Core Attributes. It was tempting to put it in power or endurance, as that might help his survivability. But he knew he could not do so. He was a Socialite, and his strength was charisma. All of his skills would surely benefit from it, and in fact, he could not level up unless he used charisma-based skills, at least as far as what Alistair told him. He sighed, letting go of the dream that he could be a mighty warrior or mage, or a Paladin like Alistair. He locked the point into charisma and confirmed. Almost instantly, he felt his thoughts become clearer, and he sat up straighter. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was an effect of the stat increase, or something else. He looked into a mirror on the wall, and was surprised to see his cheeks were a little less pudgy and his eyes less red. The fresh air and exercise had done wonders for his complexion. He wasn¡¯t good looking by any stretch. Not even average. But he looked better than he did on his best days, of which admittedly, there weren¡¯t many.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Was it exercise, or something else entirely? Whatever it was, it was a step in the right direction. Please select your Level 1 class skill. Choose wisely. There is no going back! Justin looked through both of the skills presented to him. Tantalizing Miasma: Once a day, you may create an indelible aroma that makes others treat you as if you have +5 charisma for five minutes. Justin thought about the implications. The ¡°tantalizing aroma¡± giving him a +5 boost to charisma could be huge in the right situations. He would be five levels higher in that stat, at least temporarily. Enough to sway an important social situation in his favor, which could be powerful since his level was so low. It could give him access to resources early on he might not otherwise get or allow him to gain experience more easily. He examined the other skill. Poison Barb: Your Epic Barb becomes even more powerful. You know precisely what to say to cause emotional damage to someone, stunning them temporarily. If your barb renders them speechless for at least three seconds, the cooldown immediately refreshes, allowing you to do it again. Justin thought the skill over. Clearly, there were two paths he could take. One seemed to be more passive, and the other more active. Which was better simply depended on his aspired playstyle. It would be nice to have his Epic Barb become even more powerful. This would be useful in situations where Justin needed to defend himself or manipulate others, but it also required Justin to engage in conversation and potentially offend or upset people. The Epic Barb immediately going off cooldown was extremely useful, but it only worked if the Poison Barb rendered a foe speechless for more than three seconds. That was not a guarantee. Tantalizing Miasma provided a more passive benefit and would be generally useful. It would help him make a good first impression or persuade others, something he sorely needed to do, being alone in this strange new world. The downside was it could only be done once per day; Poison Barb, in theory, could be used infinitely in ideal conditions. Justin could see the merits of both. If he expected frequent social interactions where he needed to manipulate or defend himself, then Poison Barb was the better choice. However, if he expected to encounter situations where he needed to make a strong first impression or persuade others, then Tantalizing Miasma was more useful. There was another consideration, too. If Epic Barb became Poison Barb, there might be other skills later in his progression that enhanced it even further. This seemed like an important choice, and he didn¡¯t want to bungle it. Assuming he actually survived this game long enough to get to a high level, eventually the +5 bonus to charisma for five minutes probably wouldn¡¯t be all that useful unless he had a bunch of other percentage modifiers stacking on top of it. He¡¯d played many games where the game mechanics became truly ridiculous because the developers had added too many stacking percentages. Of course, in situations like that, every increase in your base stats just made those bonuses even more ridiculous. He wasn¡¯t sure that would be the case here or not. He already knew there was one such modifier with Alistair¡¯s Divine Aura, a passive boon that had given him 5% to his Power stat. The truth was, he didn¡¯t know what the right choice was. So, he chose the one that was far more interesting at the moment: Poison Barb. Congratulations! You have unlocked: Poison Barb. As Justin felt the knowledge of the skill enter him, he felt good about the decision, although he was curious what the ¡°indelible aroma¡± was he was missing out on. He went back out into the hallway, just in time to see Alistair leaving his room, all decked out in his Paladin gear. ¡°I got to Level 1!¡± Justin exclaimed. ¡°Well done, lad! You¡¯re on the right track. You¡¯ll always remember your first level up.¡± ¡°Heading out?¡± Alistair nodded. ¡°Yes. Zombies to slay and all that.¡± ¡°Need help?¡± Alistair chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine on my own. I¡¯m afraid I must beg my leave. But before I do, a parting gift...¡± He reached into his coin purse and gave Justin five silver coins. ¡°Alistair, you don¡¯t have to.¡± ¡°I know I don¡¯t. But something¡¯s different about you, that much I can see. Not every day you meet a Level 0 Socialite!¡± ¡°How do levels work here, anyway? When do people get to pick a class? Does it happen from birth?¡± Alistair looked at him, marveling. ¡°You really don¡¯t know any of this stuff, do you?¡± Justin hung his head. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s all right. Well, it¡¯s influenced by a variety of factors. From birth, the Gods know your strength, your purpose. It¡¯s up to you to build it. You¡¯ve handled yourself well so far. Who knows how far you can go if you try?¡± Alistair gave another shrug and walked past Justin, heading down the stairs. Alistair has left the party. Justin felt a certain warmth leave him. At first, he thought it was a sense of sadness that he was on his own again, but he also remembered that it might have been Alistair¡¯s Divine Aura dissipating. Whatever the case, he was on his own again. Level 1, in a new world, with no proper goals or motivations. One thing was obvious, though. He had to learn more. He headed downstairs, and could only wonder what the day could bring. 4. A Pocketful of Sarcasm ¡°Checking out?¡± the innkeeper asked. Justin nodded. ¡°I¡¯m wondering where I might get some basic gear. A coin purse, a map, a pack...¡± ¡°You¡¯ll want to go down to the market square,¡± the innkeeper said. ¡°There are plenty of shops that sell those sorts of things. You might also try the general store at the edge of town.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Justin said. ¡°One more thing,¡± the innkeeper said. ¡°If you want your breakfast, I can get you a bit of bread and meat before you head out the door.¡± She gave him a warm smile. ¡°Wait right here.¡± Justin nodded, wondering what could¡¯ve inspired this change of heart. Maybe that one point of charisma had made all the difference. She came back with a baguette laden with meat and cheese. It would be perfect to eat on the road. ¡°Appreciate it,¡± he said. ¡°In return, just point any new customers to the Drunken Pixie,¡± she said. ¡°I have the feeling you might go far. Good day.¡± Justin nodded and headed out the door. He was already out on the street before realizing he hadn¡¯t even asked where the market square or general store was. He walked and ate, and the market was easy enough to find, just a street over from the inn. Dozens of shops and stalls lined the central square, along with the towering cathedral, quite lofty for a town of this size, with the same phoenix Justin had spied on Alistair¡¯s armor. It must be the Church of Light. Well over a hundred people were gathered here, buying, selling, haggling. The air was misty and cool. As the innkeeper said, there were vendors selling many goods, from food to clothing to weapons. He spotted a store that looked promising and headed inside. A friendly-looking woman greeted him with wavy brown hair. ¡°Welcome, traveler,¡± she said. ¡°What can I do for you today?¡± ¡°I need some basic gear. A coin purse, a map, and a pack, for starters.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve come to the right place. We have everything you need.¡± She led him to a section of the store that was filled with backpacks, pouches, and other travel gear. Justin selected a sturdy pack and a small pouch to hold his coins. Despite its size, the shopkeeper assured him that it was enchanted to hold more than it seemed. He picked out a map that was also enchanted to fill in details as he discovered new areas, and a few supplies, such as a pocketknife, flint and steel, a pot, canteen, and some basic foodstuffs, on the storekeeper¡¯s recommendation. After that, there was little left to spend. ¡°Is there anything else you need?¡± the woman asked, after Justin had handed over five silvers and got forty coppers back, in a twenty-five copper piece and three fives. As he stowed them in his new coin purse, he was sure they wouldn¡¯t fit, but to his amazement, there was more than enough room, as the shopkeeper had said. ¡°A bit of information, perhaps,¡± Justin said. ¡°If you have the time.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s been a slow morning, so ask away.¡± ¡°What can you tell me about the Socialite class?¡± She frowned. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve heard of it, but I¡¯ve met no one who has it. It¡¯s one of the Basic Charisma classes, of course. Everyone knows that. I think you¡¯ll find some in the big cities. Most of us with Charisma Cores learn something that¡¯s a bit more useful, if we have the means.¡± She gave a sudden smile. ¡°As for Socialites, we don¡¯t have much need for that around here. Like any other Basic Class, the Socialite class can be adopted on one¡¯s twentieth name day.¡± Twentieth name day. So, a person wasn¡¯t allowed to pick a class until they turned twenty. She looked at him a bit curiously. ¡°Are you a Socialite, dear? If so, you¡¯re far from the courts of Belmora.¡± ¡°Belmora? Where¡¯s that?¡± She watched him strangely. ¡°That¡¯s the capital of Aranthia. Quite far from here, but you can make it in a couple of weeks by walking the Silver Road heading south from Mistwatch. Before that, though, you¡¯ll come to Silverton, about fifty miles away. Not the biggest city by any stretch of the imagination, but there¡¯s lots of work there in the mines. It¡¯s definitely someplace all the young ones want to get off to. If you¡¯re aiming for something bigger, well, as I said, Belmora on the Golden Gulf is what you want.¡± She gave a playful smile. ¡°Are you running from something, lad? Or chasing a girl?¡± Justin smiled easily, the instinct seeming to come naturally. ¡°Why? You interested?¡± She gave a good-natured laugh. ¡°Well, I do like ¡®em a bit on the heavy side, but you could do with a good shave.¡± She smiled. ¡°You aren¡¯t entirely unhandsome, though.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a green light if I¡¯ve ever heard one.¡± The woman smiled, and with a start, he realized he was flirting. And she was actually enjoying it. He couldn¡¯t remember the last time this had happened, if ever. She touched his arm. ¡°You¡¯re too funny, dear. Too young for me, I¡¯m afraid.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°What do you mean? You don¡¯t look a day over thirty.¡± Her cheeks reddened. ¡°Oh, stop. I am spoken for, after all. Is there anything else I can help you with, young master?¡± He smiled graciously. ¡°No, ma¡¯am. Have a pleasant day.¡± As he walked out of the store, he pondered the conversation. Such flirtations were not his normal character, so had to wonder if it had to wonder if his class that was causing him to act this way. It was almost like an instinct. 2 XP gained! Your experience stands at 2/200. Well, that was unexpected. He opened his character sheet, and to his shock, saw that the experience requirement for level 2 was a full two hundred points, far more than single point required to get to Level 1. Well, he would get there. One day. Out in the market square again, he retrieved his enchanted map and gave it a good look. It seemed to be highly detailed up to twenty miles, but after that, things became more nebulous, listing only major landmarks and settlements. Silverton was fifty miles away and was barely contained on the edge of the map. There was no sign of Belmora, so clearly, this was a local map. As he examined the map, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. To his surprise, he could zoom in on the map and get a better sense of details, though it didn¡¯t reveal everything. He found Mistwatch, which was in the center of a place called the Wildwood Forest, in a country called Aranthia. The road to Silverton went south, over a range of hills called the Umber Range, with Silverton set in a pass within it. As the shopkeeper had said, it was about fifty miles. Fifty-two, to be exact. He briefly examined other points of the map, but found there wasn¡¯t much information, just some cities, forests, hills, and mountains. ¡°Interesting,¡± he said. He looked around, not sure what to do with himself. A sudden sense of loneliness and homesickness overcame him. He thought about his old life, how he had taken everything for granted there. He kicked himself for making such a mess of things. And now he was stuck here. Completely lost and overwhelmed. He needed a goal. But what? Level up as high as he could go? Too boring. Every RPG was about that. Yawn. Here, he could make his own life, his own destiny. He took out a few coppers from his pocket, staring at them for a moment. He had a charisma-based class. Maybe he should try to make some money. Start a business. Then again, he wasn¡¯t a Merchant, and wouldn¡¯t get bonuses for owning a store or anything like that. Literally all he could do was schmooze with people. Could it get any worse? Justin decided to head to an inn¡ªa different one than before¡ªto get some information. It seemed to be the thing to do in most games. But as Justin walked down a random street, he couldn¡¯t help but notice how deserted it was. Skulking in the alley between two shabby buildings were two youths. They were both tall and thin, with greasy hair and scruffy clothes that looked as if they hadn¡¯t been washed in weeks. Their eyes flickered over to him, and they exchanged a few quick words Justin couldn¡¯t quite catch. Justin headed for the open door of a nearby inn, but the two youths stepped out in front of him, blocking his path. One of them, a tall boy with a pockmarked face, snarled at him. ¡°Hey there, Tiny. If you¡¯re lost, the pig pens are back on the farms over yonder.¡± Justin tensed up. He was all too aware that he had nothing but the pocketknife he¡¯d just bought to defend himself. He could see the glint of greed in their eyes, and he knew they were after his newly purchased possessions. How long had they been tailing him? Justin smiled as a line serendipitously came to him. ¡°Lost? Just thought I¡¯d take the scenic route and admire the local ambiance. But you two are really bringing down the local property value.¡± The second boy, shorter and skinnier, laughed. ¡°Some sort of wise guy, eh? We saw you at the market square. You¡¯ve got some silver on you, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m fresh out of silver, but I have a pocketful of sarcasm, if that interests you.¡± The boys didn¡¯t seem interested in his witty banter. ¡°Hand over the silver, and we¡¯ll let you go,¡± the taller one said, brandishing a rusty knife. ¡°Otherwise, things are going to get ugly.¡± Justin realized there was only one way out, since handing over his goods was the last thing he wanted to do. He would use his Poison Barb ability to inflict maximum emotional damage. And his barb would have to be so good that it would render the first boy speechless, allowing it to immediately go off cooldown and use it on the second boy. Maybe that¡¯d give him enough of an opening to escape into the inn. Thankfully, the act of him leveling up had refreshed its cooldown. Justin looked at the two boys up and down, feigning boredom. He felt a surge of energy, as if he was tapping into some deep well of mystical power. Somehow, the Poison Barb ability allowed him to read his opponents like a book, to know exactly what to say to hit them where it hurt the most. He perceived that the tall boy was self-conscious about his ragged appearance, while the shorter one was shamed by being bossed around by the older one. With his heightened insight, he crafted a perfect barb for the situation. ¡°Ah, two scrawny weeds have sprouted from the cracked pavement.¡± He eyed the taller youth. ¡°And what is that? Unwashed hair? And are those garments you¡¯re wearing, or merely rags that have been scavenged from a garbage heap? I can smell the stench of your unwashed body from here, and truly, your presence is an offense to my eyes. I would not be surprised if they became infected by your foul visage.¡± The taller boy¡¯s eyes widened, and he seemed unsure for a moment. But after a few seconds, he scowled, and the shorter one couldn¡¯t help but chuckle nervously. Poison Barb refreshed. ¡°You¡¯re going to regret that, you little¡ª¡± the tall boy said, suddenly coming to his senses. But before he could finish, Justin struck. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m quaking in my boots! Do you want to know what really scares me, though? The thought of being stuck with your repulsive appearance for even a few more seconds. It¡¯s like you¡¯re trying to make me physically ill. I doubt even a rat would come near you for fear of catching something. You look like you crawled out of the sewer!¡± Again, the boys watched him, flummoxed. Poison Barb refreshed. As Justin took another step forward, with confidence he didn¡¯t know he possessed, he turned his attention to the shorter boy. ¡°And you,¡± he said, his voice low and dangerous, ¡°you¡¯re just the tagalong, aren¡¯t you? Can¡¯t even come up with an insult of your own. Just do what your master tells you. How pitiful!¡± The shorter boy flinched, his eyes darting nervously between Justin and his partner in crime. Poison Barb refreshed. Justin continued his barb chain. ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a scared little mouse. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m sure your big, tough friend here will protect you!¡± By now, Justin had caused such a scene that something of a crowd had gathered. The taller boy took a quick look around and breathed a curse. ¡°Come on!¡± He bounded down the alley, the shorter boy clipping at his heels. Poison Barb refreshed. Justin watched him go with a smirk, feeling a surge of satisfaction. 20 XP gained! Your experience stands at 22/200. Justin shook his head. With the would-be attackers gone, whatever instinct had possessed him vanished, leaving his hands shaking. He ducked into a nearby inn, hoping the two boys wouldn¡¯t follow him into such an establishment. 5. A New Job Inside, Justin found himself in a dimly lit common room. The warm glow of the hearth cast flickering shadows on the wooden tables and benches that filled the space. A few patrons were scattered throughout the room, nursing drinks and conversing in hushed tones. The air was certainly different here, but despite the shabby interior, the owner seemed to keep the establishment clean and in good working order. Taking a deep breath, Justin approached the bar, where an older man with grizzled hair and a bushy beard stood wiping a mug. He looked up as Justin approached, his eyes appraising the young man before him. ¡°What can I get you, lad?¡± the man asked gruffly. ¡°Just a drink and some information if you have it. ¡°Drinks are cheap. Information is pricier, depending on the request.¡± What drinks did they have in games like this? Probably not a Harvey Wallbanger or a Moscow Mule. ¡°Ale is fine.¡± The innkeeper nodded, sliding a tankard of dark-hued liquid across the counter. ¡°That¡¯ll be five coppers.¡± Justin fished the coin out of his pouch and handed them over. Taking a swig of the ale, he savored the bitter taste as it cooled his tongue. ¡°I¡¯m looking for some advice,¡± Justin began after taking another swig. ¡°I¡¯m new around here, and I need to figure out a way to make some money.¡± The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. ¡°What skills do you have?¡± Justin hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m a Socialite.¡± He cleared his throat awkwardly. ¡°Level 1.¡± The man¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Just got out, eh?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t play coy. Happens to a lot of men. Ironhold? Shadowkeep?¡± Justin didn¡¯t want to elaborate, but he was reasonably sure the barkeep was talking about prison. ¡°Ironhold.¡± ¡°Ah, tough luck, that. Well, you wouldn¡¯t be the first faced with a class reset, but it¡¯s better than the other option.¡± Apparently, a common punishment for criminals was to get their levels reset, or perhaps taken away altogether. That was how rare it was to find someone who was Level 1 and looked to be above twenty years of age. Justin wanted to ask more questions, but he didn¡¯t want to give himself away. He put on a very long mental list of things he had to look up later. There had to be a library or something. ¡°Truth be told, I don¡¯t have much in the way of practical abilities, but I can talk to people,¡± Justin went on, feeling as if he were lying through his teeth. And who was to say that wasn¡¯t true? In his old life, he was a bumbling fool who couldn¡¯t string two words together to anyone who even slightly intimidated him. But here, he had more important concerns. Talking was easier now, and his thoughts were strangely clear. Either it was the fresh air, his class, or the endless dangers making pesky things like social anxiety take a backseat. Now, he had anxieties of a different sort. The innkeeper considered this for a moment, stroking his beard. ¡°Well, there are a few options that might suit you. You could look for a job as a merchant¡¯s assistant, helping with negotiations and deals. Or you could try your hand at being a courier or a scribe. People are always in need of someone who can deliver messages or write letters, assuming you can write.¡± ¡°I can.¡± ¡°That puts you ahead of most, at least in this town. You got something of an education, so you can aim for something that gets you at least a silver a day. The Royal Mail is always hiring couriers. Dangerous, especially these days, but it could suit you if you want something a little more. Might make ten silvers a week doing work like that, up to twenty, depending on the danger and how many jobs you take on.¡± ¡°Twenty? Now we¡¯re talking.¡± ¡°Granted, a lot of your pay would have to go into financing your own coach, horse, and perhaps a guard or two. It¡¯s a hard business. My advice is, try to work in the post office. A lot safer, and quite stable.¡± ¡°I really can¡¯t just deliver letters on my own? Can¡¯t be that bad.¡± The barkeep chuckled. ¡°You¡¯d just be asking for it, even on the roads. Especially on the roads.¡± Justin thought back to those goblins and realized the barkeep might be right. Justin mulled over the suggestions, then said, ¡°What about putting my class abilities to use? Are there any places where I might find work that would allow me to use my charisma?¡± The innkeeper chuckled. Thankfully, he seemed to find the conversation with Justin amusing, a break in the monotony. Justin couldn¡¯t think of any other reason he was being so helpful. ¡°I suppose you could try the local theater,¡± the barkeep said. ¡°They¡¯re always looking for actors with a bit of charm, though that¡¯s mostly volunteer based. You need to go to the big cities to make a living of it.¡± Justin nodded, mentally noting the possibilities. ¡°Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it.¡± The innkeeper waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, lad. Just remember that sometimes, it¡¯s not what you know, but who you know. Make the right friends, and doors will open for you.¡± With that piece of wisdom, Justin finished his drink and left the inn. He had no friends, so that last bit of advice was probably useless. Truth be told, he hadn¡¯t ever held a job in his life. His mom always got on him for that. She always told him to at least do something, even if it was working at McDonald¡¯s, but his pride would never allow it. Looking back, he realized it would¡¯ve been good for him. He¡¯d gotten more sun and nature in the past couple of days than he had in the last couple of years. Maybe even the last couple of decades. Here, though, he didn¡¯t have to be his old self. He could be whoever he wanted, and there was no one to say boo. There was power and freedom in that. He would start by making connections, forging alliances, and learning everything he could about the people and places around him. And he would begin right here in the town of Mistwatch. He headed back toward the town square, looking at his map all the while. The town wasn¡¯t large, so it took about half a minute to find the post office. He made his way inside, completely oblivious that he was being tailed.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
He strolled through the front door, the bell above the entrance announcing his arrival. The room was simple, with a long wooden counter at the end. Behind the counter were rows of pigeonholes filled with letters and parcels, each one sorted by destination. He read brass placards in those holes with names like Silverton, Belmora, Windfall, Draegor¡¯s Keep, and Highcliff. A middle-aged woman with a strict bun and spectacles looked up from her ledger. ¡°Can I help you?¡± she inquired. ¡°I¡¯ve heard you need couriers,¡± Justin replied, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m here to offer my services.¡± She arched an eyebrow, eyeing him up and down, taking in his basic clothing and the hesitant way he stood. ¡°Experience?¡± ¡°Fresh out of Ironhold. Need to start somewhere.¡± He internally cringed. Starting a job interview by mentioning a fictitious stint in a fantasy world prison was not exactly a winning strategy. Her gaze softened slightly. ¡°Ye Gods. Well, we¡¯re desperate for help, and most don¡¯t want to take the Silver Road these days...¡± He swallowed hard. ¡°I¡¯m aware of the risks. But I need the job.¡± ¡°We have something safer. Doesn¡¯t pay as well, but at least you¡¯ll keep your head. We need someone to do the sorting.¡± ¡°Pay?¡± ¡°Fifty coppers a day.¡± ¡°That¡¯s poverty wages! I was told to expect a silver.¡± She chuckled. ¡°Even I don¡¯t make that, young man! We need help, but we¡¯ll pay you market rate for it. Fifty coppers and not one more. Any old Jack of the street can do it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not any old Jack, trust me. If it¡¯s truly only fifty coppers, then I want something more. I¡¯ve got a fire in my belly, and nothing can stop me! Tell me about your courier job.¡± She looked him over once more, then sighed. ¡°All right. If you¡¯ve survived Ironhold, then I suppose you might be the man. I¡¯ve got an important parcel that needs to be delivered to Baron Valdrik in Silverton. Normally, I wouldn''t give it to someone as fresh as you, but it needs to go out the door today. You deliver this and head to the postmaster there, and you¡¯ll get five silvers. Sound good?¡± Justin blinked. The Baron of Silverton? This didn¡¯t sound like a simple delivery. That was a high-profile task. But then again, if he was successful, that would give him some money. Five silvers were the equivalent of five hundred coppers. Justin had figured that one out by looking at his inventory screen this morning. With one job, he¡¯d have ten times the pay. Walking fifty miles to Silverton shouldn¡¯t take over two or three days, even considering Justin¡¯s size. Even assuming three days, that was a base pay of one silver and sixty-six coppers a day. Over three times as profitable. Plus, it would get him to a bigger city, where his class might be more useful. ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± he said determinedly. ¡°But I want seven silvers.¡± ¡°Five,¡± the clerk said firmly. ¡°This rate is set by the client and is non-negotiable.¡± ¡°Very well. You drive a hard bargain, postmaster. I¡¯ll take it.¡± She arched an eyebrow as she handed him a small package, tied up with twine and sealed with red wax, along with an envelope. ¡°That¡¯s your seal. It¡¯s enchanted; once accepted by the intended recipient, it¡¯ll log with the Universal Ledger. Once that¡¯s done, head to the local post office for your pay.¡± She leaned forward meaningfully. ¡°And be careful. You¡¯re a professional, so I shouldn¡¯t have to say this, but so many couriers these days go missing because they refuse to hire help." Justin smirked. ¡°At these rates, I can see why.¡± The clerk was not amused. ¡°The Mercenary Guild is just down the street. And remember, if you fail, don¡¯t bother coming back.¡± Justin nodded, putting the parcel in his pack. ¡°Understood.¡± As he left the post office, the game-like user interface in the corner of his vision flashed.
Job gained: The Baron¡¯s Parcel Deliver the parcel to the Baron of Silverton. Upon successful delivery, go to the Silverton Post Office to collect your pay.
Rewards:
Justin couldn¡¯t help but smile. It wasn¡¯t just about delivering a parcel. It was a challenge, a game. Or at the very least, something to do. He got out his map and made his way to the local Mercenary Guild to see if he could hire some protection. It was going to be a long journey, but the prospects of five silvers and the experience points were too enticing to pass up. So far, his basic interactions had granted him very little experience. He had gotten none from his interaction with the clerk, probably because he had failed to convince her to give him more. Soon enough, he had arrived. The Mercenary Guild was smaller than he¡¯d expected, a simple door in what appeared to be a row of shops, open to the street. But as soon as he entered, there was a cacophony of noise and activity. Justin pushed through the throng of armored men and women, feeling somewhat intimidated, trying to find someone who looked like they might be available for hire. Everyone just leered at him dangerously. He approached the main counter, manned by a burly orc with green skin and pointed tusks. Or at least, was Justin assumed to be an orc. The sight of him threw Justin for a loop. It was the first time for him to see a non-human in this world. Or really, a non-human sapient in general. It should have surprised him, but for some reason, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. As Justin cleared his throat, he felt the weight of dozens of battle-hardened eyes on him. ¡°What can I do you for, sir?¡± the orc asked gruffly, his expression disinterested. ¡°I need protection for the Silver Road journey. As far as Silverton.¡± ¡°Very good. What kind of protection?" ¡°The good kind.¡± ¡°Well, it can be had, if your pockets are deep enough.¡± He considered a moment. If he paid even two silvers, that meant the rate would only be double what he would get working as a clerk. But double was better than not double. ¡°I¡¯ve got two silvers to pay,¡± he began, trying to sound sure of himself. ¡°On arrival, of course.¡± Laughter erupted around the hall, and Justin felt his cheeks burn. The orc grinned, further revealing his yellowed tusks. ¡°Two silvers? Do you want your hire to fight with a twig? No one here will risk the Silver Road for anything less than five, especially these days!¡± Justin had hoped to negotiate, but this was more than he¡¯d expected. ¡°I can go as high as three.¡± The orc guffawed. ¡°Sod off, little boy. This clearly isn¡¯t for you.¡± ¡°Never mind, then. I suppose I¡¯ll have to go to Silverton on my own. Good day.¡± Whispers and snickers followed him as he made his way to the exit, deflated. Every step intensified the realization that most couriers venturing on the Silver Road did so alone, which was likely why many never returned. If they were only paying him five, the risk of the job made it pointless. In reality, he should have been getting at least ten. He¡¯d been played for a fool. The Baron had probably set out a lowball bid, hoping some desperate rube would come along and take it. Experienced couriers would have laughed at the offer. But now that he had taken the parcel, something about it seemed binding. It was a job, and a job had to at least be attempted. Otherwise, he¡¯d be stuck with this parcel for the rest of his life. Emerging into the sunlight, he stopped, feeling the weight of his decision. Maybe he should just take that sorting job at the post office. No. That wasn¡¯t his path. It was Silverton or die. Just as he was about to turn around and head for the town gate, a hand grabbed his arm, pulling him into a nearby alley. He was about to shout when he was met by the intense gaze of a young woman. Her striking green eyes sized him up, and her slightly disheveled clothing suggested she was having a rough time herself. She had a lean face, hawkish features, and hollow cheeks that bespoke more than a few missed meals. Justin found her presence a bit alarming, but she didn¡¯t seem to mean him immediate harm. He guessed she was in her mid to late twenties, about the same as him. ¡°I overheard your conversation in the inn,¡± she whispered, glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one had followed. ¡°I also saw you stand up to those thugs in the alley. You¡¯ve got guts.¡± Justin tried to regain his composure. ¡°You¡¯ve been following me? Who are you?¡± ¡°Lila,¡± she responded, ignoring his question, and drawing a dagger and twirling it in her fingers with practiced ease. ¡°Level 1 Bard. I¡¯ve been looking for a break like this. Those Guildies don¡¯t know an opportunity when they see one. I¡¯ll escort you to Silverton for three silvers.¡± Justin eyed her warily. ¡°How can I trust you? You were stalking me, after all.¡± She smirked. ¡°I could¡¯ve taken advantage of your predicament in that alley, but I didn¡¯t. Besides, I need the experience and money as much as you do.¡± ¡°Will the experience be split between us?¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t work like that. You get as much as the gods think you should get. Pull your weight, and you should get the full amount. Same goes for me.¡± He thought for a moment. The path ahead would undoubtedly be perilous, and Lila was a Bard, which was a charisma-based class, unless Justin was misremembering. In most of the games he¡¯d played, Bards were known for their songs and music skills, not martial prowess, but Lila seemed to be good with that knife of hers, and Justin had nothing else. The question was one of payment. If he was giving her three silvers, then what was the point of taking the risk? He might as well just stay here in Mistwatch. ¡°All right, here¡¯s the deal,¡± Justin said. ¡°How about we split the money in half? That¡¯s two and a half silvers each. That¡¯s a fair arrangement.¡± Lila contemplated, then nodded in agreement. ¡°Deal.¡± In the corner of Justin¡¯s vision, his user interface blinked. Decision Made: Hired Protection 2 XP gained! Your experience stands at 24/200. Lila has joined the party. ¡°Ready?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Lead the way,¡± Justin said. With newfound determination, the unlikely duo set forth for the town gate. 6. Crossroads of Choices As Justin and Lila made their way toward the town¡¯s southern gate, the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets seemed to meld into a distant hum. The palisade walls were illuminated by the morning sun approaching noon. It had been a busy morning, and Justin wanted to get at least halfway to Silverton before the day was through so that they could arrive by evening tomorrow. It was quiet at first, and awkward. Justin wasn¡¯t sure of the proper protocol for hired muscle. Did they talk or ignore each other? He and Lila couldn¡¯t have been more different, at least on the surface. Appearance-wise, he supposed she wasn¡¯t bad, but she was no beauty, either. Whatever the case, she was far out of his league. He supposed his mind shouldn¡¯t go to such places, but there it was. ¡°So, a Socialite?¡± Lila began with a smirk, glancing sideways at him. ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯ve met one of those before.¡± ¡°It seems to be a common sentiment.¡± ¡°So, how does that work? Do you fight enemies with the power of charm and dinner parties?¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Well, words can be as powerful as any sword. And trust me, social situations are difficult. You¡¯d be surprised how much damage a whisper can do.¡± Lila feigned a look of mock horror. ¡°Please, spare me from your deadly gossip!¡± ¡°Hey, don¡¯t underestimate the power of a well-placed rumor. It can break empires!¡± ¡°Well, you¡¯re Level 1, just like me. I think it¡¯s a little early to call yourself the Breaker of Empires.¡± ¡°True enough,¡± he conceded. ¡°I could hardly convince the innkeeper to fetch me a bath last night.¡± Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°Really, though. A Socialite? You¡¯re obviously not from around here. I heard something about Ironhold, but where were you before that?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a long story,¡± Justin said. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe me if I told you.¡± ¡°Well, now I want to know even more.¡± ¡°Alas, I must maintain an air of mystery, at least for now. Suffice it to say, my class is powerful in the right hands.¡± ¡°Okay, Mr. Socialite, here¡¯s a question for you. What happens when words fail and fists fly?¡± Justin smirked, adjusting the pack on his back. ¡°That¡¯s why I hired you, isn¡¯t it? I trust you are handy with that knife and that spinning move you did wasn¡¯t all just for show.¡± ¡°You sound skeptical. Bards are far more capable at combat than you might realize. I don¡¯t just play with knives; I can make them fly as true as any Ranger¡¯s arrow.¡± ¡°Is that so? It isn¡¯t all just songs and dance?¡± ¡°Well, I am a wonderful singer.¡± ¡°So, what is your Level 0 ability?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you look for yourself?¡± He set his thoughts on Lila¡¯s character and quickly found the information he was looking for:
Character: Lila Fairwind Class: Bard (Level 1)
Attributes Power: 10 Coordination: 11 Endurance: 10 Intellect: 10 Perception: 10 Charisma: 10
Skills Bardic Inspiration (Level 0): Once a day, start a melody that can enhance the morale and capabilities of your party and allies, providing a +2 boost to a selected attribute for the duration of the song. Knife Thrower (Level 1): Become a skilled knife-thrower, gaining a ranged attack that can damage or distract foes with deadly precision.
¡°Interesting,¡± Justin said. ¡°Sounds like that knife-throwing could be powerful, especially when combined with the song.¡± ¡°The whole reason I¡¯m investing in my Coordination,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ve tested it out already. I only have three throwing knives, but I hope to add more soon. They''re surprisingly expensive!¡± ¡°I invested in Charisma, because it doesn¡¯t seem like I have many options,¡± Justin admitted. ¡°But in case things get rough, it¡¯s good to know I have you at my side.¡± She grinned, clearly liking the compliment. ¡°And don¡¯t you forget it! Still, I must admit, it¡¯ll be interesting to see how your . . . unique skill set comes into play on our journey.¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. At that moment, Justin got a sense that Lila was inspecting his character. He wasn¡¯t sure how the thought entered his mind, but he was sure of it. ¡°Poison Barb,¡± Lila said. ¡°What is this emotional damage?¡± ¡°It¡¯s like a stun,¡± Justin said. ¡°Consider it a punch right to the heart and soul of a person. It¡¯s pretty amazing to see in action.¡± ¡°I suppose that¡¯s what you did to those two boys earlier? I thought the insults were kind of silly, and strangely specific, but it seemed to do the trick. I¡¯d rather get in a fistfight than have to deal with that.¡± Justin looked ahead, finding that somehow, they¡¯d already passed through the gate. The vast expanse of the Silver Road stretched out before them. In the distance, the Umber Hills waited, rising low out of the misty forest. Justin hoped to make it there by nightfall. Their banter faded as they left the city behind, the daunting challenges of the Silver Road awaiting them.
The Silver Road, stretching out like a ribbon through the dense Wildwood, led Justin and Lila to a narrow, steep-walled canyon as the late afternoon dragged on. The trees overhead formed a thick canopy, their branches intertwined, blocking most of the sunlight and casting eerie shadows on the path before them. The distant chirping of birds and the occasional rustling of leaves were the only sounds accompanying their footsteps. As they were approaching the mouth of the canyon, Justin suddenly motioned for Lila to stop. He pointed to a bend in the road up ahead, where muffled voices reached their ears. Silently, they crept closer to get a better view and soon found themselves behind a massive boulder, using it as a vantage point. A group of rough-looking men, unmistakably highwaymen by their worn-out leather armor and crude weapons, had surrounded an elderly traveler. The man¡¯s horse stood nervously to the side, its saddlebags being rummaged through by one of the robbers. In the corner of his vision, Justin spied an alert for a new Quest. His heart raced, knowing that every quest brought experience and rewards, but also peril.
Quest: Rescue the Waylaid Traveler Description: A group of notorious highwaymen are robbing an elderly traveler on the Silver Road. Will you be the beacon of hope in these perilous times and stand up against the oppressors? This quest is high-risk, but with significant risk comes glorious reward. Objective: Stop the highwaymen from harming the traveler. Experience Points: +500 Rewards: Whatever the robbers carry, plus any potential bounties on their heads.
Justin nearly gawked at those rewards. It would be enough to put him at Level 2 and then some, and the amount of loot could be quite a bit, likely far more than his current job. Before he could tap the alert and accept, Lila grabbed his wrist, pulling it away. ¡°Are you insane?¡± she whispered. ¡°There are four of them, and they look like they¡¯ve been doing this for a while. We¡¯d be killed!¡± ¡°But we can¡¯t just let them rob and hurt that man,¡± Justin whispered back, torn between his sense of justice and the danger in front of him. ¡°I know, it¡¯s a hard thing to watch. But one dead is better than three dead. And I don¡¯t think your Poison Barb or my knives will be much use against those broadswords.¡± Justin immediately saw her point. This wasn¡¯t just a game. As far as he could tell, there were real consequences here. If he died, he really died. This might be his only chance at life. The will to live was a powerful thing, and Justin felt fear clutching his throat. He decided perhaps, given the circumstances, it was best to stay on the sidelines. The scene in front of them took a grim turn. After snatching all the man¡¯s valuables, one highwayman roughly pushed the traveler to the ground. Another unsheathed his dagger and, with a swift motion, ended the old man¡¯s life. It was quick and methodical, with no hesitation. Clearly, they had killed before, and this group might even be the source of all the missing couriers. The shock of witnessing the cold-blooded murder left Justin frozen, his mouth agape. The brutal reality of the game world hit him hard; it wasn¡¯t just a series of challenges, but a ruthless environment where death lurked around every corner. Lila¡¯s hushed whisper pulled Justin out of his daze. ¡°We need to retreat. Now.¡± Without waiting for his reply, she turned and made her way deeper into the woods, away from the Silver Road. Justin, still trying to process what he had just witnessed, followed her. They walked in silence for what felt like hours but was probably closer to minutes. The approaching dusk painted the sky with dark purples and blues. Lila finally stopped in a small clearing, hidden by thick foliage. ¡°We¡¯ll set up camp here for the night. We¡¯re far enough from the road, and those brutes won¡¯t find us in the darkness.¡± As they started setting up a makeshift camp, Justin spoke, his voice tinged with guilt. ¡°We should¡¯ve done something.¡± Lila looked up, her eyes softening. ¡°In a perfect world, maybe. But you¡¯ve got to choose your battles. We wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance. I¡¯m only Level 1, for Arion¡¯s sake. And you . . .¡± She paused. ¡°Well, you have no fighting skills at all. You hired me to protect you, and that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m doing.¡± Justin sat down, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. ¡°This world...it¡¯s so real. The violence, the fear, the blood...I wasn¡¯t prepared for this! What happens if you get killed? Do you respawn somewhere, at least?¡± Lila gave a bitter smile. ¡°Resurrection, you mean? That¡¯s a high-level skill. Only high level white wizards and paladins get that one. But to answer, no one knows what happens when we die. Some say we go to the Isle of Souls. Others say it¡¯s simply darkness and nothingness. Either way...I¡¯m not ready to find out.¡± Justin remained quiet, not sure what to say. He could only assume, from the man¡¯s dying screams, that the pain was indeed very real. It could only mean one of two things: the developers, or perhaps gods, were complete monsters. Or this place wasn¡¯t a game at all, but an alternate universe where, like Justin¡¯s own, nature was an impartial observer and imposed System-like rules over all reality. Of course, there was the third option he had already considered. That Justin was in a coma, or in some weird sort of purgatory he might wake up from some day. Lila offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Look, every choice we make, whether to fight or flee, changes our path. The important thing is to learn and adapt. We survived today, and tomorrow we¡¯ll be smarter, stronger, and better prepared. We have our whole lives ahead of us. Let¡¯s not get caught up on something that was impossible to deal with.¡± Justin nodded, but of course, it was hard to be satisfied with that answer, even if he knew she was right. As night drew in around them, they opted not to build a fire, for obvious reasons. They just had to hope no monsters or unwelcome creatures found their way into their camp. Justin¡¯s stomach growled; he hadn¡¯t had a bite since lunch that day. ¡°I¡¯ll take first watch,¡± Justin said. ¡°No way both of us can sleep with those ruffians out there.¡± ¡°No argument from me. I¡¯m beat.¡± As Lila drifted off to sleep, Justin wondered how she could do it so easily. It seemed death in this world was a constant companion, where the very act of reaching the age of twenty was a triumph. The sounds of the Wildwood surrounded them, a symphony of the untamed wilderness. Their journey had only just begun. 7. The Star of Elara By some miracle, Justin stayed awake for the first watch, waiting for four to five hours before waking up Lila. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t complain, and he fell into a fitful sleep. When morning came, he felt as if he had been hit by a truck. They had walked some fifteen miles out of town, and that wasn¡¯t counting the backtracking they had done. Justin just wanted to sleep, but he knew they had a decision to make. ¡°If we keep going,¡± Lila said, ¡°we can¡¯t use the road. It seems those bandits went into the woods to the east. Right now, we¡¯re west of the road. Therefore, if we go south a few miles, we should come back onto the road and avoid any nasty fights.¡± ¡°But how will we not lose our way?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you have your map?¡± ¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯d forgotten.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll use that. Make sure we¡¯re heading due south until we¡¯re well past that canyon. Then we¡¯ll head east until we hit the road. Then we head south again, toward Silverton.¡± ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡± They packed up their camp and began the day¡¯s journey. The walk was grueling, especially given Justin¡¯s exhaustion. The hills were unforgiving, with their slopes and unpredictable terrain, but the two travelers pressed on, determined to avoid another encounter with the highwaymen. To enliven their spirits, Lila began singing, despite the risk of being overheard. Justin had to admit, she had a sweet voice, somewhat thin and trilling, and striking chords in his heart. He couldn¡¯t help but have a little extra pep in his step. He wondered if it was her Bardic Inspiration ability, and if she¡¯d chosen to enhance their endurance attribute. A quick look at his character revealed that yes, indeed, his endurance attribute was now 12. While the rest of the numbers were black, endurance was green, likely to show that it was being modified by Lila¡¯s Bardic Inspiration. But then, after silence, Lila¡¯s voice took on darker tones as it spilled forth into a new song, weaving a tale of ancient love and loss. She sang of Elara, a radiant beauty whose presence enchanted Alden, a brave warrior. Alden promised Elara the Sapphire Star of Eyrth, a celestial gem of unmatched splendor. After a year-long quest, Alden returned triumphant with the Star, but their joy was short-lived. As they journeyed to Alden¡¯s homeland, they were ambushed by ruthless highwaymen. Alden fought valiantly, but in the chaos, Elara unleashed the Star¡¯s magic to save him, only for him to be struck down by a treacherous blow from one on the bandits he believed dead. With his last words, he claimed that though the Star was broken, he would always keep her safe. Elara¡¯s sorrow and determination echoed in Lila¡¯s words as Elara continued on, guided by Alden¡¯s love and the remnants of the Star¡¯s power. She was ambushed by a cave troll in the Seraphim Range, and her prayer to the heavens was answered by a new star flaring to life in the sky above. With renewed strength, she vanquished the troll and found solace under the guiding star, now known as Elara¡¯s Star. This celestial beacon, Alden''s promise of protection, led her to a place of peace, where she lived out her days, forever marked by the love and sacrifice that defined her journey. When Lila¡¯s voice faded, it was nearly half an hour later, and Justin marveled at the picture that had been painted in his mind. It was almost as if he were watching a movie, but the melody of Lila¡¯s voice had made it far more emotive. A tear, unbidden, fell from his eye. ¡°What was that song?¡± ¡°It¡¯s called "The Star of Elara." A very old, very famous story from my homeland, and I took it and set it to a tune. When I first became a Bard, I couldn¡¯t help myself. I just wanted to make everything musical. You can still see Elara''s Star to this day. It''s the brighest one in the night sky, and it points directly north. Useful if you ever lose your way.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got a gift for singing.¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Thank you. Some of it¡¯s the class, but I¡¯ve always been told I¡¯m a good singer.¡± ¡°Well, is the story true? Is there really a Sapphire Star of Eryth somewhere to be found? Sounds like it could be a powerful amulet of protection.¡± ¡°Some go hunting for it,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ve no doubt it exists somewhere. But in these darker days, very few adventure for it in particular. My country, Daeloria, used to host an annual festival where Hunters of the Star would set out every year. Mostly an excuse for adventurers to go off and carouse, but some were truly trying to find it. The story is at least a thousand years old, and probably more. If it''s been found, none has said anything about it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure the Star is worth a fortune!¡± ¡°No doubt. But it¡¯s probably better to set our eyes on more attainable goals. Like finishing this job.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Justin said. It grew quiet after that. Soon after the song ended, Justin felt his limbs grow tired. The going was slow, and it wasn¡¯t until late afternoon before they got back on the Silver Road, weaving its way through the landscape. The pair quickened their pace, eager to reach the safety of the next settlement. ¡°There¡¯s an inn at the top of these hills,¡± Lila said. ¡°In normal circumstances, travelers can reach it from Mistwatch with a single day of hard walking, and then get to Silverton the next day. As it stands, it seems the inn is the only safe place we can stay tonight.¡± ¡°How much will it cost? I only have a few coppers left.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s hard to say. The room and two meals will be at least sixty coppers. Maybe you can try to talk it down a bit with that silver tongue of yours.¡± ¡°Certainly,¡± Justin said, feigning confidence. ¡°Or perhaps you can sing for our supper.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Lila said. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be the first time.¡± Thankfully, they made it to the top of the hills without incident. Once they crested the rise, the misty Wildwood spread before them, and down a few switchbacks stood a cozy-looking inn with yellow-lighted windows and a steeply thatched roof. Smoke curled out of the chimney, promising a warm fire. Such was Justin¡¯s hunger that the savory smell of stew and freshly baked bread was palpable in the evening air. As they approached, Justin noted the wooden placard swinging in the cool breeze. The Silver Vixen, it proclaimed in fanciful letters. Even from outside the door, he could note the mumble of voices beyond. The pair entered. The inn¡¯s atmosphere was a stark contrast to the Drunken Pixie back in Mistwatch. Instead of merriment and music, hushed conversations filled the room. The central topic soon became clear as they made their way to a table close to the bar. ¡°...brutally killed, right on the Silver Road!¡± one man proclaimed. ¡°He was a regular here, was he not?¡± a woman¡¯s voice asked. ¡°A regular? Brennan was my brother!¡± another woman squawked. ¡°...highwaymen getting bolder by the day! By Arion, what¡¯s Aranthia coming to?¡± The innkeeper, a pot-bellied man with mutton chops, approached. ¡°Evening. Were you two traveling on the Silver Road yesterday, from Mistwatch?¡± While his tone was curious, Justin caught the concern on his face. Justin hesitated, deciding honesty was the best policy. ¡°Yes, we were.¡± Whispers filled the room as more patrons turned their attention to the newcomers. A stout woman with graying hair tied in a bun stood up. ¡°Then you must¡¯ve seen something! My brother was murdered. They left his body there on the road, the devils! Tell me you saw those responsible!¡± Justin swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the room¡¯s eyes on him. He would have to play this delicately. ¡°We...we didn¡¯t see the actual event. We heard voices and hid. I¡¯m a courier, you see, new to the area. I was warned the road was dangerous, so I didn¡¯t want to take any chances.¡± The woman looked at him incredulously. ¡°So, you saw nothing? Did nothing?¡± ¡°Well, not nothing,¡± Justin said, realizing he¡¯d had to give her at least something, or it would look suspicious. ¡°We saw them leaving after...after they did what they did. Being just the two of us, we didn¡¯t want to get involved. We feared for our own lives. There were four of them, all well-armed with broadswords and leather armor.¡±This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Another man, with a mop of brown hair and an earnest face, narrowed his eyes. ¡°If you were on that road around that time, you must¡¯ve seen something more than that! Are you sure you didn¡¯t recognize anyone?¡± ¡°They are new to the area,¡± another woman said. ¡°Remember?¡± Lila interjected, her voice firm. ¡°We understand your pain and anger. It seems this man¡ªBrennan¡ªwas well-liked. But we truly didn¡¯t see anything beyond what we¡¯ve just told you. Like any sensible person, we hid immediately. It all happened so fast.¡± A tall figure stood up from the back of the room, dressed in a dark green robe embroidered with intricate patterns of silver vines. Over his shoulder, a quiver of black-feathered arrows was visible, complementing the long sword with an ornate hilt at his belt. ¡°Enough,¡± the stranger said, his voice deep and gravelly, commanding respect. ¡°The blame lies with the highwaymen, not these travelers. Accusations won¡¯t bring the dead back. They did what any of you would have done, and that¡¯s a fact.¡± The room was silent, save for the crackling of the fire. The innkeeper cleared his throat and turned to Justin and Lila. ¡°Apologies for the...interrogation. Emotions are high. Still, if you need a room, we have the space. I¡¯ll give you a special discounted rate. Half off. Just for tonight. That¡¯s thirty-six coppers for the room and two meals. Least I can do for the information, as little as it was.¡± ¡°There¡¯s something more, now that I remember it,¡± Justin said, realizing giving any useful information might get them a free room. ¡°They all slunk off into the woods by that canyon, heading east. We got past them by doubling back and heading west off the road. Lost a whole day¡¯s progress because of it.¡± ¡°That would put them out by Raven¡¯s Rock!¡± one man exclaimed. ¡°I don¡¯t know this area too well,¡± Justin said. ¡°Just thought that info might be useful.¡± ¡°We¡¯re grateful for anything,¡± the innkeeper said. ¡°I¡¯ll be reporting that to the Sheriff,¡± the woman said, the sister of the murdered man. ¡°It¡¯s something!¡± Unfortunately, the innkeeper didn¡¯t seem to have a mind to give them the room for free, but he had already left was already bringing back a couple of pints of lager. ¡°Thanks again. I know it¡¯s not much, but these drinks are on the house. Hopefully, justice will come of this.¡± Gained 6 XP (Current: 30/200) Justin wondered for a moment why he¡¯d gained experience until he realized that he¡¯d navigated quite a prickly conversation. He¡¯d balanced giving just enough information to satisfy them, while not giving too much to make people suspicious of them. And he¡¯d also defended their decision not to get involved, even convincing that Ranger in the corner to side with them. He took a swig of the cool lager, feeling it was well-earned. ¡°Well,¡± Lila said, ¡°If you hand me eighteen coppers, I can go settle up with the innkeeper. I¡¯m heading to bed. It¡¯s been a long couple of days.¡± Lila left to do just that, letting him know before she turned in that they were in room six, handing him a spare key. Justin looked over in the corner, where the green-cloaked man was now smoking a pipe. Justin gave a grateful nod, which the man acknowledged and returned. Justin wasn¡¯t going to stay long, not really relishing the thought of conversation when the stranger sidled over to his table. The man was tall and lean, with weathered skin that spoke of years in the sun and wind. His hazel eyes were sharp, always observing, and his dark hair was streaked with gray. He had a trimmed beard, and scars ran down his left cheek, hinting at past battles. To Justin, he was quite imposing. The stranger took a moment to look Justin over, sizing him up. ¡°You handled yourself well tonight. Few can navigate the emotions of a room with such . . . precision.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Thanks for standing up for us.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Well, we Rangers have a way of seeing the bigger picture. Like you, I¡¯m a stranger to these parts.¡± ¡°I appreciate it,¡± Justin replied. The Ranger leaned in, his voice lowering. ¡°The name¡¯s Eldrin.¡± ¡°Justin.¡± ¡°Pleased to meet you. I¡¯ve been tracking these highwaymen for a while. Hells below, they¡¯ve become bolder with each passing moon.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°From what we experienced, it¡¯s clear they¡¯re not just ordinary bandits.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. They¡¯re organized, have a leader, and worse, they¡¯re growing in number.¡± ¡°Why are they allowed to exist like this? Seems like someone should have taken them out by now.¡± ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. But we live in strange times. The Mayor of Silverton has his hands full preparing for the upcoming Autumn Festival. He has a vested interest in keeping any hint of danger away from the public ear to ensure merchants and visitors still come. As for the Sheriff...let¡¯s just say his loyalties lie with those who line his pockets the most.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°You¡¯re saying the bandits are paying him off?¡± ¡°Gods, no! I¡¯m saying he couldn¡¯t give a flying fig unless someone were to light a fire under his arse. Trust me, that fire is not forthcoming. A lot of money flows out of Silverton. And money has the power to corrupt.¡± ¡°I can see that.¡± ¡°Point being, the roads will remain dangerous as long as those bandits are out there. Now, I¡¯ve been planning to take them out for quite some time, but doing so alone would be risky, even for someone of my experience. You and your friend, with your sharp minds and instincts, could be valuable allies. I perceive that you both have a class.¡± Justin wondered how he knew that, and also wondered why he wouldn¡¯t have a class. Did not everyone have a class, or had he gotten that wrong? Perhaps Rangers had some keen sense of insight not available to others. Justin hesitated, taking a deep breath. ¡°Look, Eldrin. I appreciate the confidence, but I¡¯m a Level 1 Socialite. My skills involve persuasion and navigating social scenarios, not battle. Lila¡¯s just a Level 1 Bard. Are you sure we¡¯re the help you¡¯re looking for?¡± Eldrin regarded him, seeming to size him up. ¡°I get the sense you had a class reset. Where¡¯d you do your time, if I might ask?¡± ¡°Ironhold.¡± Eldrin¡¯s eyebrows arched. ¡°That so? Which block?¡± Justin tried to think of something on the fly. ¡°Block A.¡± ¡°I see.¡± He gave a thoughtful hum, tapping his pipe on the table. Justin was one hundred percent sure the man knew he was lying. From the way Eldrin was acting, it was as if he had done time there. But thankfully, he didn¡¯t make an issue of it ¡°Well, resets happen, even to good folks. And once you¡¯ve had as many years as I under your belt, you learn that level isn¡¯t always a measure of potential. You navigated tonight with aplomb. With the right guidance and strategy, even a Level 1 can make a significant difference. And Lila might be a Bard, but I can tell she has the heart and spirit of a fighter. With my experience and your combined potential, we could bring these highwaymen to justice.¡± Justin looked into Eldrin¡¯s eyes, trying to gauge the depth of his belief. He thought of the parcel he was supposed to deliver. ¡°There will almost certainly be a reward,¡± Eldrin went on. ¡°I¡¯m keeping my eyes on the quest board over yonder. With the information you shared tonight, it¡¯s only a matter of time before something becomes available.¡± He gave a nod toward the wall, a bulletin board filled with quests, bounties, and various odd jobs. Justin was familiar with seeing similar things in games he¡¯d played. A reward would be nice, but then he recalled the fear he had felt hiding from the highwaymen, the weight of the room¡¯s eyes on him, and the hopelessness of the woman who had lost her brother. It was by no means an easy decision. But at last, he decided. The parcel could wait. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t speak for Lila. But if she¡¯s in, I¡¯m in.¡± ¡°Glad to hear it. Let me know in the morning. Sleep on it.¡± Eldrin left the table, heading upstairs to his room. Justin headed that way a few minutes later.
Justin turned the key in the brass handle. As he walked into the room, closed the door, and dropped off his things, to his surprise, Lila was lounging in a large copper tub in the middle of the room, surrounded by a veil of steam. Startled, he spun away, his face flushing a deep shade of red. ¡°Lila! Sorry, I didn¡¯t know¡ª¡± She waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry. It¡¯s just a bath.¡± He looked up, taking her in and finding her watching him with amusement. The tub was right in the middle of the tiny room, a small bed in the corner under a tiny round window. A candle burned low on the nightstand. He really couldn¡¯t see anything, and perhaps that was for the best. ¡°I...guess I¡¯ll just leave you to it, then.¡± He turned to go. ¡°Hold on,¡± Lila said. ¡°You really are embarrassed, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°No, of course not. I¡¯ve seen lots of women naked, and not even on accident.¡± She smiled. ¡°Well, I suppose customs are different here in Aranthia than wherever you came from.¡± She frowned. ¡°Where are you from, anyway?¡± His cheeks still burned. ¡°Far from here.¡± "You can turn back around. I promise not to move." Reluctantly, he did so, doing his best to keep his eyes averted. She chuckled. "Your cheeks are red as beets, courier boy.¡± Justin figured a chance of subject was in order. ¡°I¡ªum¡ªwell, I spoke to that Ranger downstairs. His name¡¯s Eldrin. He has an interesting idea that involves us.¡± Her playful demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. ¡°What idea?¡± Justin quickly recapped Eldrin¡¯s proposition to go after the highwaymen at Raven¡¯s Rock. ¡°Sounds risky. Are you sure that¡¯s smart? We barely escaped them last time, remember? Both of us are just Level 1s. And we don¡¯t even know this Eldrin. How can we trust him?¡± ¡°He reminds me of someone I know.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Aragorn, son of Arathorn.¡± ¡°Ara-corn? What kind of name is that?¡± ¡°Never mind. Lila, how do you expect to level up if you never take risks?¡± Lila¡¯s green eyes narrowed. ¡°Careful with your words.¡± Without warning, she stood and reached for a nearby towel. Justin gawked for a moment in surprise before turning his gaze away. She noticed him observing the bathwater. ¡°Planning on a soak? It would be a shame to waste the water.¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°No thanks. Seems a little too...familiar.¡± ¡°A strange culture you come from,¡± she said. "I won''t even charge you for it." ¡°You seem strangely eager to see a fat man naked. Are you trying to rob me or something?¡± Lila smirked. ¡°No. I just don¡¯t want to smell you while falling asleep tonight.¡± Justin considered it. ¡°Well, if you mean it. Sure. Just no peeking." "On my honor as a Bard," she said. Justin wasn''t sure how much that honor was worth, but she dutifully faced away. Once Justin was sure she would keep her word, he took the fastest bath of his life, trying not to pay attention to the dirtiness of the water. He dressed in a change of clothes he¡¯d picked up from the market the previous day. ¡°All done,¡± he said. ¡°We should catch some rest. We have a long walk ahead of us tomorrow.¡± She blew out the candle and rolled over in bed. As Justin took up his position on the floor, he tried his best to analyze Lila¡¯s flirtation. Was it flirtation? She seemed to be particularly brazen, more so than women where he came from. Was it really a difference of culture, or something else entirely? He refused to believe it was flirting. If his flashbacks to high school were any indication, it was probably just a way to tease him mercilessly for her own amusement. Back in real life, he would have never considered a woman like Lila to be interested in him. And yet, he couldn¡¯t deny feeling certain things looking at her. Certainly, the brief image he''d gotten would be burned into his brain for a long time. He supposed it was best to play it by ear. He cleared his throat. ¡°Think about Eldrin¡¯s offer. We might do some real good and get some experience to boot.¡± It was a moment before she answered. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. But don¡¯t hold out your hope. We have a job to do, remember? One that¡¯s practically guaranteed not to kill us.¡± Justin realized she had a point, but all the same, he hoped she''d agree with him. He didn''t have the chance to think about it much longer, because he fell right asleep. 8. The Rangers Proposition The morning sunlight crept through the dusty windows of the inn¡¯s common room, where Justin and Lila had seated themselves at a secluded table, their breakfast of fried eggs and toast on plates in front of them. Eldrin wasted no time as soon as he came down the stairs, completely outfitted with his pack, bow, and longsword. He sidled up next to Lila on the bench. ¡°Eldrin Thornwood,¡± he said with a winning smile. ¡°I trust you¡¯ve heard about my noble plan?¡± Lila speared her toast with her fork, her eyes thoughtful. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it,¡± she began, glancing at Justin, ¡°but I still have reservations.¡± ¡°Well, I hope to put those to rest. I have much to say about the subject, and by the end, I think we can come to an agreement.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see about that,¡± Lila said doubtfully. Justin took a sip from his mug. ¡°I¡¯m all in. But if Lila wants us to keep moving, well, I won¡¯t lose sleep over it.¡± Eldrin said nothing about this, instead watching Lila for her reaction. Her gaze was still uncertain. ¡°I¡¯m just a Level 1 Bard, Eldrin. I don¡¯t have the skills or the equipment to take on a group of dangerous men. This is too much.¡± Eldrin nodded, taking a moment to consider his words. ¡°It¡¯s not just about the levels or the potential rewards, Lila. These highwaymen are causing chaos and pain to the county. The Mayor¡¯s too caught up with the coming festival, and the Sheriff? Well, I have my doubts about his intentions. We might be the only chance this hamlet has. Not to mention the dozen men and women that have disappeared over the past couple of months.¡± ¡°You¡¯re appealing to the wrong thing,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯m very practical, and other¡¯s troubles don¡¯t trouble me. What¡¯s the reward for risking my neck?¡± Eldrin smiled. ¡°Thought you might ask that. Thanks to Justin¡¯s intel, the good innkeeper had enough information to make an official report to the Silverton Mercenary¡¯s Guild. It is now an official bounty, tacked onto every quest board in the county, and maybe even outside of it. All the families of the victims have come together, and the reward for justice served is generous. And by fate or the gods¡¯ will, we are probably the closest party in a position to seal the deal. Yes, there¡¯s a risk with you both being at such a low level. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Trust me, now that this is out there, these bandits won¡¯t last too much longer.¡± ¡°As if I need further convincing,¡± Justin said. ¡°How much is the bounty?¡± Eldrin smiled. ¡°Eighty silvers.¡± Lila¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Eighty? That¡¯s...¡± ¡°...A lot,¡± Justin finished for her. Eighty marks was nearly sixteen times the amount the courier job was going to pay. True, the reward would be split among the three of them, but even so, it would go a long way to securing Justin''s position in this new world. ¡°Here¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Given my expertise, and the fact I¡¯ll be pulling most of the weight, it¡¯s only fair, upon completion, that I get fifty. Each of you can have fifteen.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not fair at all!¡± Lila said. ¡°We¡¯re risking just as much as you! Maybe more since we¡¯re only Level 1.¡± ¡°Well, it has to be worth my time as well,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Simply, this is a job I could do on my own. It wouldn¡¯t be as easy, but there it is. This job will take a solid two or three days to boot.¡± Each of them looked at Justin, wanting his opinion. He wondered whether he might have benefited from taking the Tantalizing Aroma skill in this situation. It might give him the Charisma boost necessary to get a better deal. The very thought of this made Justin realize that even now, the choices he¡¯d made had consequences. He didn¡¯t regret selecting Poison Barb, but it was something to keep in mind for the future. He had to rely on his own wits. ¡°Whatever¡¯s fair or not, what¡¯s important is that everyone feels valued,¡± Justin said. ¡°I understand your position, Eldrin. As you said, you will do most of the work. I¡¯m a Socialite, so there¡¯s little I can do but lob insults at our enemies. However, it¡¯s premature to say we won¡¯t be doing as much work as you. No one knows how this will turn out, and it¡¯s quite possible it¡¯s far more dangerous than any of us realize. Lila is right. Since we are at lower levels, the risk to us is much greater. By that metric, perhaps we should get more.¡± Eldrin stroked his chin. ¡°Yes, you have something of a point there, Socialite. But the fact remains, I¡¯m the one who came up with the idea, and I will do most of the work. Can either of you bring yourself to kill, even when you¡¯re in the right?¡± Both Justin and Lila were silent at this. Eldrin continued. ¡°Fifty silvers is fair compensation for my role.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°But it¡¯s also important to keep everyone happy,¡± Justin pressed. ¡°And my instinct tells me you need our help, because I doubt you¡¯re purely doing us a favor. Maybe you can take half the bounty, while Lila and I split the rest.¡± Eldrin took a moment to think it over before guffawing. ¡°Well, you have something of a point, too. It¡¯s not something I¡¯d normally do, but as you said, it¡¯s important that everyone be happy with the arrangement. And time is pressing down on us. I¡¯ll concede. I¡¯ll take forty, with the remaining forty being yours and Lila¡¯s to split.¡± From Lilia¡¯s expression, she didn¡¯t seem happy about this, but Justin agreed readily. ¡°Deal.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad that¡¯s worked out. However, I¡¯m concerned about the potential for conflict about the loot if we don¡¯t hash out an agreement ahead of time. Assuming we succeed in our venture, whatever the robbers possess becomes ours. Absent any identifying information or core-bounding, it will be impossible to track down the original owners.¡± Justin assumed ¡°core-bounding¡± meant items that were explicitly attached by the System, or gods, to an original owner, making them unusable for other characters, unless perhaps that owner was deceased. ¡°That¡¯s a fair point,¡± Justin conceded. ¡°Assuming we can¡¯t agree, you¡¯ll get half the value of whatever loot we find, while Lila and I split the remaining half.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a compromise,¡± Lila said. ¡°The fairest option is to split three ways, levels be damned.¡± ¡°And while we argue about it,¡± Eldrin said, ¡°another party will nab the prize.¡± ¡°A fair point,¡± Justin said. Lila seemed to consider for a moment, weighing her options. ¡°If we can come to an agreement,¡± Eldrin said, ¡°Justin will need a proper weapon. Perhaps you don¡¯t gain experience from fights, like Lila and me, but it¡¯s essential you have something to defend yourself with. I still have my old dagger; it¡¯s been with me through many battles. Still in great shape, and a proper weapon for a Socialite, at least until you can get a proper cane. You can have it.¡± Justin was touched. ¡°Thank you, Eldrin.¡± He frowned in thought for a moment. A cane? Was his class supposed to be like a pimp or something, complete with a feather jacket and scarf? He put the thought aside for now. ¡°Now wait a minute,¡± Lila said. ¡°I still haven¡¯t agreed to anything!¡± ¡°An equal distribution of half the bounty,¡± Justin said. ¡°That gives each of us twenty silvers. Just imagine what can be done with that money, Lila.¡± Her green eyes became glazed as she imagined the possibilities, before she seemed to think better of herself. ¡°No use for money if you¡¯re dead.¡± ¡°With Eldrin, we¡¯re in capable hands.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the question of the big reward, or the sure thing,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯m a Bard. I¡¯m supposed to be singing and spinning tales by the fire, not fighting!¡± Justin realized her hesitancy was less about fairness and more about confronting her fears. Eldrin nodded. ¡°That¡¯s quite normal. It¡¯s not fear that counts, but what we do with it.¡± Lila looked from Eldrin and back to Justin. Justin gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile. ¡°We can do this,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I feel out of my depth. But . . . it seems Justin is sure about this, and the money would be nice. It would solve a lot of my problems.¡± Finally, she smiled. ¡°All right, you¡¯ve got me. Eldrin gets half, Justin and I split the rest. When do we start?¡± A blue notification ticked in Justin¡¯s vision. Gained 4 XP (Current: 34/200) Justin blinked at the message. He supposed that was another negotiation handled with care. ¡°We leave now,¡± Eldrin said, answering Lila¡¯s question. ¡°When I join your party, you¡¯ll get the benefit of one of my passive skills, Pathfinder¡¯s Pace. Then we head for Raven¡¯s Rock.¡± ¡°What does Pathfinder¡¯s Pace do?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Rangers have a natural affinity for traveling faster in the wilds, knowing just where to step for maximum speed. I think you¡¯ll find we¡¯ll be going just as fast through the wilds as on the roads, and sometimes even faster. You¡¯ll also be able to walk farther without rest.¡± ¡°That¡¯s amazing,¡± Lila said. ¡°Level 5 skills tend to not only benefit the owner of the skill, but anyone who is in the party. It¡¯s the gods¡¯ way of getting us to work together, I suppose.¡± ¡°Like a Paladin¡¯s Divine Aura,¡± Justin said, proud that he actually knew something for once. ¡°Exactly like that, except Paladin is an advanced class, only available at Level 20 by combining a Warrior Core with a Cleric Core.¡± Justin almost wanted to ask what an advanced class was, but the conversation was already moving on. ¡°All right,¡± Lila said. ¡°Let¡¯s join up. Although Justin is currently the party leader.¡± Justin realized it was on him to invite Eldrin to join, and not only that, but to take over the party. He did so simply with a thought. Eldrin has joined the party and assumed role of Party Leader. Eldrin has shared a Bounty. Bounty received: Highway Justice Objective: Locate and apprehend the bandits terrorizing the county. Restore peace and ensure the safety of the hamlet of Whispering Pines and the Silver Road. Details: Rewards: Party Members: ¡°All right,¡± Eldrin said, with a devious smile. ¡°Let¡¯s go after those bandits.¡± Justin grinned, relieved that Lila was on board. She gave a nervous smile. As they walked out of the inn and into the cool morning air, Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit excited. Yesterday, things had seemed all too real. Even if he knew this world was real now, it felt like a game at this moment. It felt as if that money was as good as his. And not only that, but the experience. Completing the bounty would easily put him at Level 2, while the harder option of apprehending the leader and bringing him to the Mercenary¡¯s Guild would impart 500 XP, which might even be enough to put him at Level 3. They started north up the road, backtracking the way they came. And that was when something shot out of the sky and straight for Justin. 9. Ambush at Ravens Rock That something soon revealed itself to be a bird of midnight black, its dark form cutting through the sunlight before descending quickly, alighting on Eldrin¡¯s shoulder with delicate precision. Its black feathers shimmered with hues of dark blue and purple, giving it a mystic appearance. Both Justin and Lila watched the magnificent animal with awe, which looked at them both curiously. ¡°Shadowflight,¡± Eldrin introduced, stroking the falcon¡¯s head tenderly. The bird nuzzled him. The bond between the two was obvious. ¡°You have a falcon?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Just as he has me,¡± Eldrin said with pride, as they continued their way up the road. ¡°Shadowflight is my Bonded animal. Most Rangers, upon reaching Level 3, get the privilege of choosing to bond a wild creature. That creature becomes an extension of ourselves, sharing in our senses and even our emotions.¡± ¡°I knew that about animal bonds,¡± Lila said, ¡°though I¡¯ve never seen it in action.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of jealousy, looking at the bird, equal parts beauty and deadliness. He doubted he¡¯d ever have a cool ability like that. Curious about the rest of Eldrin¡¯s skills, Justin directed his gaze to inspect his character to get a general sense of things. Name: Eldrin Thornwood Class: Ranger Level: 10 Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 15 Endurance: 12 Intellect: 12 Perception: 10 Charisma: 11 Skills: Ranger¡¯s Intuition (Level 0): Senses imminent danger from subtle cues. Can inspect classes, stats, and skills of characters of equal or lower level, even when they are not in the party. Eagle Eye (Level 1): Boosted accuracy with ranged weapons and heightened observational awareness. Nature¡¯s Cloak (Level 2): Enhanced stealth in natural environments. Animal Bond (Level 3): Connect deeply with a wild creature, traditionally a falcon or similar intelligent bird. Pathfinder¡¯s Pace (Level 5): Navigate through rough terrain with ease, instinctively covering tracks. Alchemist¡¯s Touch (Level 7): Amplified potency of crafted potions, antidotes, and poisons, 5 percentage points per character level. Guerilla Expertise (Level 10): Improved first strikes when ambushing, ensuring high accuracy and damage. Seeing Eldrin¡¯s attributes and skills reaffirmed Justin¡¯s decision to join with him. It reminded him there was still a lot of ground for him to cover. Nature¡¯s Intuition, Eldrin¡¯s starting skill, seemed like something very handy to have. Just yesterday on the road, such a skill might have alerted Justin and Lila to the danger of the highwaymen long before reaching them. Eldrin continued leading the group north as morning passed into early afternoon. Once well past the hills, Eldrin veered eastward, entering the thick of the forest. Now things felt less like a game and more like reality. Justin saw those bandits melt into these woods just yesterday. As they moved, Justin felt a lightness in his step, realizing that despite the thick underbrush and uneven terrain, they were traversing the wilds as easily as they would a well-trodden path. Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace was indeed a boon. Justin was carrying his heavy leather pack as if it were nothing. Lila seemed alert to any danger, always having a hand on the hilt of her throwing knife. Without warning, by a stand of pines, Eldrin stopped in his tracks, raising a hand to halt the others. He bent down, brushing aside some reeds to reveal a large pit, its floor lined with wickedly sharp spikes. ¡°A common bandit trap,¡± he whispered. ¡°A single misstep, and one could find themselves impaled.¡± Justin figured Eldrin¡¯s Eagle Eye must have detected the danger. Justin shivered, thankful for Eldrin¡¯s sharp senses. With a gentle whistle, Shadowflight took to the skies, disappearing from sight. ¡°We¡¯ll let him scout ahead,¡± Eldrin said, watching the horizon. ¡°Now what?¡± Lila asked. Eldrin held up a hand. Lila¡¯s voice had carried farther than she had intended. He nodded toward some underbrush just a few steps away. ¡°Over there.¡± They followed the Ranger, waiting in the gathering darkness without saying a word. Minutes later, Shadowflight returned, landing deftly on Eldrin¡¯s arm without a single sound. Eldrin closed his eyes for a moment, his face a mask of concentration. Justin could tell he was communing with the animal using his Animal Bond. ¡°Four of them,¡± he murmured. ¡°Just as you said, Justin. They¡¯re camped out by Raven¡¯s Rock, cooking their evening meal.¡± Justin and Lila exchanged glances. The sun was descending, casting a golden hue over the landscape. Nightfall wasn¡¯t far off. ¡°They¡¯re half a mile from here. We can speak a bit more freely, though you would be shocked how far sound carries in the Wildwood. It¡¯s a quiet forest, and the outcrops of rock can produce echoes that only amplify sound.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Justin asked quietly. ¡°We¡¯ll use the cover of night to our advantage. Shadowflight can distract them from above while I use my Nature¡¯s Cloak to approach undetected. I then set up a good ambush point, and my Guerilla Expertise will ensure my first hit lands true, likely enough to take care of their leader.¡± He looked at Justin. ¡°That¡¯s part of the reason I wanted you here. I need you to tell me what he looks like.¡± Justin hesitated for a moment, the image of the bandit leader forming clearly in his mind. ¡°He¡¯s tall and broad-shouldered, with a long, unkempt beard that¡¯s streaked with gray. He¡¯s wearing a battered iron helm with a black plume, and a scar runs from his temple to his jaw.¡± Both Eldrin and Lila watched him, impressed. Even Justin was surprised he could recall the face so easily. He¡¯d always struggled with remembering faces, and even names. He wondered if it was a passive gift of his class, something not exactly mentioned by the System to him upon adopting it. ¡°Good recall,¡± the Ranger said. ¡°With my Eagle Eye, he won¡¯t stand a chance.¡± Lila gripped the haft of the throwing knife in her belt. ¡°And if things go south?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you¡¯re there for, Lila,¡± Eldrin stated simply, meeting both their gazes. ¡°You too, Justin. They¡¯ll do one of two things when their leader falls. They¡¯ll split, or they¡¯ll fight. I imagine the former is the most likely. You¡¯re there for backup in case they decide to charge me. You two can hold them off while I take more shots with my bow. With luck, neither of you will have to lift a finger. But battle plans never go off without a hitch; that¡¯s the reason I wanted backup. And of course, the bandit leader could be of a higher level than I¡¯d previously imagined, and things can be worse if he has a class. We must be ready for any surprises.¡± ¡°What surprises?¡± Lila asked nervously. ¡°That, we will have to see. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.¡± They ate a light meal as they waited for the full cover of darkness.
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting eerie silver shadows on the forest floor. They stood at the edge of the tree line, watching the meadow where the four highwaymen lay on their backs, all but one clearly asleep below a high, pointed cliff that could be none other than Raven¡¯s Rock. In the nighttime darkness, its shape was reminiscent of the dark bird, the cliff¡¯s point as sharp as a beak. As planned, Eldrin activated his Nature¡¯s Cloak and melted into the shadowy dark grass like a wraith. He approached the unsuspecting bandits to set up a good ambush point. Justin and Lila remained in the shadows of the trees; there was no chance either of them would be spotted. Up above, Shadowflight circled, waiting for the Ranger¡¯s signal. Justin waited, having long lost sight of Eldrin. His heart pounded in his chest, sweat ran cold down his neck. At any moment, Shadowflight would¡ª The falcon¡¯s high shriek sounded out of place in the night. Immediately, all four bandits roused, including the leader, who stood head and shoulders above the rest. He was perfectly open to Eldrin¡¯s Guerilla Expertise. Eldrin¡¯s bow twanged from somewhere in the distance, and then something quite unexpected happened. As the missile made its approach, it didn¡¯t land true in the bandit¡¯s chest. It only pierced his right arm. ¡°Ambush!¡± the leader roared, clutching at the arrow. The three other bandits drew their swords and charged into the darkness toward Eldrin. ¡°Come on!¡± Justin said, drawing his dagger and heading out of the trees. ¡°We can¡¯t let him fight alone.¡± Justin¡¯s voice was louder than he¡¯d intended. Thinking he was the source of the arrow, the bandits immediately turned and sprinted his way. They would be upon him all too soon. But that was when Shadowflight swooped down, his talons gripping the shoulder of the most laggardly bandit and digging in. The bandit screamed, flailing, but Eldrin took advantage of the distraction, rising from the underbrush and advancing like a shadow, bow drawn. This arrow shot true, directly into the man¡¯s heart. He crumpled, lifeless. That left two more bandits. The first was charging toward Lila. Not knowing what else to do, Justin willed himself to perform his Poison Barb ability, unsure of its efficacy in this situation. He got a lock on the bandit¡¯s face, and at that moment, gained insight into the perfect insult that would emotionally damage his opponent. Justin cleared his throat. ¡°Isn¡¯t it tragic that you¡¯ll never amount to anything more than a failed pawn, forever overshadowed by your more talented and handsome brother?¡± Even Justin was startled by the scornful insult. There was something about his voice that wasn¡¯t exactly his. Without having to be told, he knew he had assumed the mannerisms and inflections of the bandit¡¯s shrewish mother. The bandit froze for a heartbeat, his face blanching as memories of childhood rivalries and endless comparisons surged to the forefront of his mind. It was a wound, deep and painful, and Justin had just poured salt into it. The comment didn¡¯t stun the bandit exactly, but it at least made him falter, giving Lila the second she needed to gather her courage. With a cry, she lunged forward and launched her throwing knife. It twirled through the air and landed true right in his throat. The man¡¯s scream became a bloody gurgle as he went down. Gained 20 XP (Current: 54/200) Eldrin dispatched the last bandit with a clean, lethal shot. All three bandits were good and dead. Eldrin lit a torch just to be sure. Justin watched, wide-eyed, his heart feeling as if it would beat out of his chest. It had all happened in less than thirty seconds. Eldrin nodded toward the leader, still lying injured by the campfire. ¡°Come on,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°This isn¡¯t quite over yet.¡± They approached the bandit leader, whose eyes were closed. At first, Justin thought he was dead, too, but he was shocked to see the man was still breathing. Without a word, Eldrin quickly secured him with some rope, tying his hands behind his back with practiced precision while attaching another rope around his waist, fashioning a makeshift leash. He finished by tearing up some old fabric and placing a blindfold over his eyes. The arrow that had pierced his arm was more like a dart, hardly lethal. ¡°You meant to shoot him in the arm,¡± Lila said, in realization. ¡°You poisoned that dart, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Aye. Duskbell flowers and the venom of the blue-spotted tree frog. He¡¯ll sleep all night, and well into the morning. The poison also has antimicrobial properties, so the wound won¡¯t become infected. Even dragging him along with a leash, we¡¯ll reach the Mercenary¡¯s Guild in a couple of days and get double the experience for our troubles.¡± ¡°Nicely done,¡± Justin said, impressed. ¡°Yes,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Even if they weren¡¯t supposed to come after you both like that, it all worked out in the end.¡± ¡°Thanks for helping,¡± Lila said to Justin. ¡°But no thanks for drawing their attention.¡± Justin shrugged. ¡°Win some, lose some.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see what we¡¯ve got here,¡± Eldrin said, looking around the camp. ¡°Once we¡¯re done having a look around, it might behoove us to head back to the road rather than pass the night here. I don¡¯t think there are any more of them, but one can¡¯t be too careful.¡± ¡°What about him?¡± Lila asked, nodding toward the bandit leader. ¡°It¡¯s but a mile to the road from here. And with my Pathfinder¡¯s Pace, we can bear him with ease.¡± They rummaged through the bandits¡¯ possessions. Most were worthless trinkets, and the weapons Eldrin judged too worn to be worth the weight. But among the valuable loot, they discovered a gold chain, an ornate silver dagger with a ruby-encrusted hilt, and a velvet pouch filled with twenty-four silvers and seventy coppers. ¡°Not bad,¡± Eldrin said, pleased. ¡°But that knife is worth far more than the coins. From the size of that gem, it''ll easily sell for a golden crown or even more to the right buyer. The chain will sell for about five silvers. Whatever the proceeds, I¡¯ll take half and you two can split the rest.¡± Justin and Lila nodded in agreement. After seeing how tonight went down, Eldrin was right to say he required most of the compensation, especially if they got the bandit leader back in one piece. If anything, he was being quite generous in his dispersing of the loot. The trio hoisted their unconscious captive, making their way back to the road. Justin felt a mixture of exhaustion and triumph. The rewards hadn¡¯t been settled yet, but if his calculations were correct, anywhere from forty to fifty silver marks were coming his way: twenty for the completion of the job, and an additional twenty-five or more from the selling of the loot and distribution of the coin. So new to this world, he couldn¡¯t even guess how he¡¯d spend it. The Baron¡¯s parcel seemed so inconsequential in comparison. From Lila¡¯s smile, however, it seemed she knew exactly what to do with her reward. Setting up a makeshift camp just out of sight of the roadside, they prepared to rest. Shadowflight perched on a nearby branch, on the very tree Eldrin was binding their captive. The bird¡¯s sharp eyes watched from above, ensuring he made no moves. Eldrin nodded, satisfied, before starting a fire and settling down to sleep. Justin watched him concernedly. ¡°The falcon will let us know if he wakes up, right?¡± ¡°That bandit isn¡¯t waking up till the sun has gone up a fair way,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But if he wakes before that, you have nothing to fear. Shadowflight will do a far better job than any of us with those eyes of his. As you¡¯ve seen, he¡¯s very capable.¡± Justin nodded, satisfied with that answer. ¡°Good enough for me. Good night, all.¡± He slept with his back to the fire. When morning came, they would finish things up and start their journey to the Mercenary Guild in Silverton. 10. The Road to Silverton Dawn broke, casting the first glimmers of light on the trio and their captive. The smoldering embers of the fire provided scant warmth as the chill of morning settled around them. Suddenly, a grunt broke the silence, followed by rustling noises as the bandit leader regained consciousness. Justin awoke to the commotion to see him struggling against his bindings, thrashing about wildly while uttering a litany of curses. He moaned as his injured arm strained against the ropes. Eldrin calmly approached him, blocking out the morning sun as he cast a shadow over the bandit leader¡¯s helpless form. ¡°Listen closely. Escape is a fantasy you can¡¯t afford. In a few minutes, we¡¯re going to march down that road. You¡¯ll walk or face a fate much graver than Silverton¡¯s courtrooms.¡± He motioned to the sky, where Shadowflight circled ominously. ¡°Try anything, and my falcon up there will make sure you never get far. Plus, these ropes can get a lot tighter.¡± ¡°Piss off, you fuck,¡± the bandit said with a growl. ¡°Delightful,¡± Eldrin said. He forced a canteen to the bandit¡¯s lips. The man hacked and coughed, but eventually had no choice but to drink whatever was offered. ¡°Why waste water on the likes of him?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Not just water,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I mixed in some mendleaf paste. Should make things go easier with him.¡± They cooked a quick breakfast of smoked deer jerky, a handful of berries Lila had foraged, and flatbread heated on the rocks around the fire. Soon, they got on their way. Eldrin roughly undid the rope that held the bandit to the tree, giving him a little push for good measure. He stumbled and tripped in the dirt, and Eldrin roughly pulled on his leash to stand him up. ¡°Can¡¯t you at least take my blindfold off, you spineless lump of rotting toad guts?¡± the bandit retorted. Eldrin smirked. ¡°If you play nice, sure. But you have to earn it.¡± The bandit looked as if he was about to curse again but thought better of it. ¡°You learn quickly.¡± With the warning delivered, their journey south to Silverton resumed. By noon, they passed the top of the Umber Hills to find themselves back in Whispering Pines. Now, in full daylight, Justin could see the hills spreading into the distance, the first trace of red autumn gracing the leaves. On the horizon rose a line of low mountains, between two of which was a smoky spot. No one was about in the small village square; Justin figured they were probably out on their terraces on the sides of the hills, reaping the harvest. ¡°Silverton,¡± the Ranger said, gazing into the distance. ¡°One more night in the wilderness will see us there tomorrow morning.¡± Eldrin removed the bandit¡¯s blindfold, and Justin did his best to avoid the man¡¯s gaze, though he could feel his beady, hateful eyes leering at him. He wondered what class the man had. Or maybe he didn¡¯t have a class at all. The rest of the day passed uneventfully. The bandit sunk into sulky silence, and by evening, they set up camp in a meadow off the road. They met a few travelers on their way, a lot of them with their eyes popping at their prize. None asked questions. Eldrin led them off-road, toward a meadow where they could take shelter. Shadowflight went off to hunt and keep watch over their camp. Eldrin forced the blindfold on again and tied the bandit to a tree; he complied because of a previous dosing of mendleaf water. They were so fatigued that after dinner, they all went immediately to sleep, even the bandit. Morning dawned again, cloudy and colder than the day before. They broke camp quickly. As they approached Silverton, the landscape changed gradually. They saw more people on the roads, first farmers heading to their fields, then traders with their mules and carts. They passed a couple of hamlets, small clusters of houses built from timber, surrounded by fences of stacked stone. The path eventually led them to the city¡¯s imposing stone walls. The gates stood open, guarded by men in uniform, a black tunic over chain mail, with a silver heron clutching a silver crown in its talons¡ªa fitting emblem for the city. Each soldier bore a pike and wore a conical helmet. Justin could see the city was built strategically within the pass, with its stone buildings and towering walls making it a fortress against any threats. As they neared, Eldrin turned to Justin and Lila. ¡°Silverton is key to the Aranthian Plain beyond, and currently, we¡¯re in the Aranthian Hinterlands. It¡¯s a stronghold, a beacon of security for miles.¡± Justin wondered why he was telling him this, but maybe the Ranger was suspecting he wasn¡¯t from around here at all. Not just Aranthia, but this entire world. Eyrth, Alistair had called it. Eventually, he was going to be found out. As they passed through the gates, Justin marveled. The city bustled with activity, with the distinct sound of hammers and anvils resonating amidst the background hum of wagons and chatter. Stone and wooden structures, predominantly two and three stories high, spread out like a sprawling mosaic. Thin streams of smoke arose from the many smithies and workshops, speaking of a city that thrived on industry. Up the mountainside to the west, grand mansions stood overlooking the town, symbols of the elite and their affluence. But what caught Justin¡¯s eye the most were the roofs. The beautiful bluish-purple tiles looked as though they were borrowed from a European town, reflecting the hues of the sky, adding an air of charm to the industrious city. The buildings¡¯ sides were probably once painted white, but years of smoke and soot had stained most gray. Eldrin navigated the streets confidently, leading them to the Mercenary Guild Hall toward the center of town, directly across from the cathedral on the main town square. The Guild Hall was an imposing stone structure with tall, narrow windows and a great oak door that was probably always kept open during business hours, welcoming its members and clients. Above the entrance, a large emblem of a crossed sword and arrow shone in the morning light. It was clearly a larger affair than the one in Mistwatch. As Justin entered behind Eldrin, Lila, and their catch, it was to the sight of a cavernous hall bustling with activity. The clinking of coins, murmurs of negotiations, and the shuffling of armored feet echoed through the chamber. Eldrin led their captive through the throng of mercenaries, bounty hunters, and guild officials. Justin could see the sidelong glances and raised eyebrows at their haul. At the far end of the hall, seated behind a massive oak desk, was the Mercenary Master. He was a human with a stout frame, weathered face, and sharp eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Eldrin approached with a confident stride, producing the bounty bill he had picked up back in Whispering Pines.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Master Branton,¡± Eldrin addressed the stout man with a curt nod, ¡°we¡¯ve brought the bandit leader, as specified in your bill.¡± Master Branton looked the captive over, his keen eyes taking in every detail. ¡°Aye, he matches the description.¡± Without further ado, he motioned for a pair of armored men to take the bandit away. While the man was restrained, Eldrin unbound him, carefully coiling his ropes and placing them in his pack. The material used looked both light and strong. As the guards dragged the bandit off with a yelp, Master Branton reached into a drawer and retrieved a small pouch, which jingled merrily. ¡°Your reward,¡± he said, handing it to Eldrin. ¡°Thank you for your part in securing the Silver Road.¡± As Eldrin counted the coins and doled them out, Justin felt a rush, an almost physical sensation, as a blue notification bar surface in his vision. Bounty ¡°Highway Justice¡± Complete! The party has successfully located the bandit hideout near Raven¡¯s Rock. With keen strategy and valiant effort, the group apprehended the leader and killed the rest of his bandit gang, ensuring the safety of the hamlet of Whispering Pines and the Silver Road. The Gods have determined that all party members pulled their weight according to their abilities, and thus all members shall gain the full benefit of the bounty¡¯s experience. Experience Gained: 250 XP Bonus Experienced Gained: 250 XP Total Experienced Gained: 500 XP Spoils: Money Received: 80 silver marks, to be distributed among party members by Party Leader Eldrin Thornwood. Additional Loot: One ruby-encrusted dagger and one gold chain, to be appraised and sold or kept, as decided by Party Leader Eldrin Thornwood. Of note: twenty-four silvers and seventy coppers have already been justly distributed by Party Leader, Eldrin Thornwood, to the members¡¯ satisfaction. Party Contributions: Eldrin Thornwood (Level 10 Ranger): Demonstrated exemplary leadership, tracking, and combat skills. His falcon, Shadowflight, played a crucial role in surveillance. Justin Talemaker (Level 1 Socialite): Fought bravely alongside his companions, landing a pivotal Poison Barb. Lila Fairwind (Level 1 Bard): Showed great courage and tenacity in combat, felling one foe with her throwing knife, proving to be a formidable force on the battlefield. You have the heartfelt gratitude of the residents of Whispering Pines and the many traders who use the Silver Road. The mayor also thanks you for your deeds. The road to Silverton is safer, and the hamlet of Whispering Pines can once again rest easy, all thanks to the courage and determination of this daring party. Your new XP count: 554/200. Level up available! ¡°Congratulations, all,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Let¡¯s head outside.¡± Emerging from the guild, the trio found themselves back on Silverton¡¯s bustling streets. Curious, Justin took a moment to check his interface, his eyes widening slightly at the XP bar reading 554/200. A check inside his coin pouch also revealed he had just over thirty-one silvers. That number would go even higher once he completed his courier quest and paid Lila her part, and when he got his share of the sold loot from Eldrin. Justin couldn¡¯t suppress a grin. Such was his experience gained that he was almost certain he¡¯d get not one, but two-level ups on his next sleep. ¡°Just one good sleep away from leveling up,¡± he said. ¡°Same here!¡± Lila gushed. ¡°This was so worth it.¡± ¡°Is there a way I can research the skills I¡¯ll unlock?¡± Justin asked. ¡°You could try the local library,¡± Lila answered. ¡°They probably have a skill book for your class. But just be warned, progression isn¡¯t the same for everyone.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eldrin cut in. ¡°Certain skills have a way of showing up for most everyone in a class. But there¡¯s also an element of randomness to it, or even skills that are completely unique to a person. Traditionally, you¡¯ll be presented with two skill choices for every prime number level you attain. A class will always grant new skills at Levels 0 and 1, and as far as anyone can tell, they give the same skills to everyone. You¡¯ll also gain a new skill every five levels.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Justin said. ¡°What influences which skills are presented?¡± Eldrin shrugged. ¡°There is a logic to it. Normally, lower-level skills are presented earlier, but this isn¡¯t always the case. Scholars have developed various formulae to denote how likely or unlikely a skill will be presented, but I wouldn¡¯t trust it as reliable. You can expect to have at least two skills to choose from every time. Some are more common than others. Rarely, you can have more presented, even what''s called "rare skills." Your actions can determine just what skills show up.¡± ¡°That makes it dynamic,¡± Justin said. ¡°Yes,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Take our bandit friend, for example. He had the Thief class; that much I could see. Well, if he made a lot of decisions to rob and murder people, he might have been presented with skills that helped him do that better and been rewarded with experience.¡± ¡°Horrible to think about,¡± Lila said. ¡°However, if he¡¯d just burgled houses, then no doubt he would get skills related to stealth and lockpicking, for example.¡± Justin wondered how that system would work with him. ¡°There¡¯s no point in researching ahead of time, then.¡± ¡°You may, if you wish,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Just don¡¯t expect things to work out as you expect! As often is said in Eyrth, The gods roll the dice, and mortals guess the numbers.¡± He adjusted his pack. ¡°About time I headed to the market to offload our loot. That¡¯ll give you two a chance to drop off that parcel. Why don¡¯t we reconvene at the Moonlit Alehouse later? Cozy place, just around the corner. They also have fine rooms available that won¡¯t break the bank.¡± ¡°Sure, let me just check my map.¡± Justin pulled it out, only to find it was completely blank. ¡°What the hell? I thought this was a world map!¡± Eldrin laughed. ¡°It takes a lot of rare and magical objects, plus a top-level Enchanter, to create a Complete Dynamic World Map like you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯m guessing the one you bought wasn¡¯t too expensive?¡± ¡°It was to me,¡± Justin said. ¡°A couple of silvers, if I remember right.¡± ¡°A Local Map, then. The dynamic range usually doesn¡¯t extend beyond ten miles, but that¡¯s all most folks need. Beyond that ten miles, things get less detailed.¡± Justin was learning more and more. ¡°How much would a Dynamic World Map set me back?¡± Lila whistled. ¡°A lot. Even a blank map with dynamic capabilities is at least a gold crown. If you want one completely filled out, well, that¡¯s almost priceless.¡± ¡°All that for just a blank map?¡± ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t stay blank,¡± Lila said. ¡°You go to a local Map Enchanter, and most can add anything of note in their local area if they¡¯re worth their salt.¡± ¡°Start saving,¡± Eldrin said, ¡°but in the meantime, if you need a map, a good Local Map will only put you back a couple of silvers in most places. In bigger cities it might run you three or four. But it¡¯s not worth it if you¡¯re not staying long.¡± He pointed his feet away. ¡°The tavern is just in the square over there. I¡¯ll head that way once I¡¯ve found the right buyer for these items.¡± Lila eyed him suspiciously. ¡°And what¡¯s stopping you from taking the loot and disappearing?¡± Eldrin merely chuckled and slipped a finely crafted signet ring from his finger. ¡°This should be enough collateral,¡± he said, offering it to Lila. ¡°It¡¯s enchanted, and worth more than our haul.¡± Justin looked at the ring. While it didn¡¯t seem valuable, but it was well-worn, and given its uses, Eldrin would be loath to part with it. ¡°Go ahead, keep it,¡± Lila said. ¡°I trust you.¡± ¡°Lila and I better take care of that delivery before it¡¯s dark,¡± Justin said. ¡°Farewell,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ll celebrate tonight!¡± Eldrin has left the party. You are now the Party Leader. "Shall we?" Justin asked. At Lila''s nod of assent, they moved through the bustling streets. Justin ducked into a tavern to ask about Baron Valdrik of a pretty barmaid. He noticed her brief surprise at the question, and Justin got the sense the Baron was a well-known figure here, and perhaps not in a good way. It made his stomach churn a bit, but five silver marks were five silver marks, and a delivery was a delivery. Once Justin was confident he had the right directions, he and Lila headed onto the slopes of the western mountain bordering Silverton. 11. The Barons Offer The narrow, winding streets of Silverton grew steeper as Justin and Lila made their way uphill. Indigo cobblestones gave way to staircases cut directly into the rock and adorned with vibrant flowers. Buildings became more spaced out, their architecture grander and balconies lined with wrought iron that gleamed in the sunlight. Before long, they left the bustle of the town below and were heading up a secluded pathway that twisted its way around a dense grove of pine trees. The air was fresher here, laden with the scent of mountain flowers and undergrowth. Justin felt his thighs burn a little from the incline but didn¡¯t want to admit it. Perched atop a crest overlooking the city was Baron Valdrik¡¯s mansion, easily the largest they had seen. The impressive residence was crafted from gray mountain stone, but its fa?ade had an elegance to it. Tall spires reached out toward the sky, and large windows, with ornate wooden frames, offered breathtaking views of the pass below. The property was surrounded by manicured gardens, a splash of colors against the gray and green backdrop. As they approached, they were met with an intricately wrought-iron gate depicting a falcon in flight, apparently the symbol of House Valdrik. A pale-faced guard, in a deep maroon uniform adorned with the same falcon emblem, stood watch. He studied their approach with sharp eyes, but then, recognizing the seal on the parcel, pushed the gate open. ¡°This way, please.¡± As they approached, the mansion loomed large, its tall spires and gothic architecture lending it a haunting air. Once inside, they were led through a series of beautifully decorated halls. Gilded portraits of past barons and other family members adorned the walls. Justin could hear the distant sound of harp music, indicating some leisurely activity in a distant room. But despite the displays of wealth, the air was thick, almost tangible, like they had walked into a room full of unseen watchers. Cold drafts seemed to come from nowhere, causing candle flames to flicker while sending chilling tendrils down Justin¡¯s spine. The guard led them to a dim hallway filled with more portraits, whose eyes seemed to follow their every move. The thick velvet drapes were drawn, allowing only minimal light, while much of the ornate furniture was shrouded in white sheets, giving the impression of lurking phantoms. Baron Valdrik awaited them in a cavernous study, its high ceilings disappearing into shadow. He rose from an ornate chair, his tall stature made even more imposing by his finely tailored black velvet coat. A thin beard traced his sharp jawline, and his piercing gray eyes seemed to see right through them. His fingers, adorned with various silver rings, drummed a slow rhythm on the table¡¯s surface. ¡°Finally, the parcel,¡± he drawled, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of menace. He carefully examined the seal, then shot a lingering, probing look at Justin. ¡°Took you long enough. I had expected it days ago.¡± ¡°Sorry for the delay, Baron,¡± Justin replied, swallowing hard, feeling the weight of the Baron¡¯s gaze. ¡°I hope it¡¯s to your satisfaction.¡± The Baron seemed to have already forgotten him when something about Justin seemed to catch his eye. He tilted his head, studying him. ¡°Curious. A Socialite . . . reduced to errands? How . . . peculiar. Tell me, from which esteemed family do you hail?¡± Justin quickly tried to think up something acceptable. He remembered a a town from his map. ¡°The Caroway Family. From the Western Hinterlands.¡± The Baron¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°The Caroways, you say? They must be a minor house, for I¡¯ve never heard of them, although I¡¯ve heard of the town. They raise swine there, do they not?¡± "Yes, sire." The Baron smirked and leaned closer, his probing gaze making Justin feel like an insect under a magnifying glass. ¡°And you''re now delivering parcels for Barons. Why waste your talents on such...mundane tasks?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve both fallen on hard times,¡± Lila said, trying to rescue him. Valdrik¡¯s gaze shifted to her, and then back to Justin. ¡°Unfortunate indeed. Perhaps, Mr. Caroway, I could offer you a position in my household. I pay well. Fifteen silvers a week for one of your class. I could use a Socialite like you; they are quite rare, even in a town of this size. However, should you accept, you¡¯ll be exclusive to me.¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Justin felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The gloomy atmosphere, combined with Valdrik¡¯s intense scrutiny, made him desperate to leave. ¡°I appreciate the offer, Baron. I¡¯ll...think about it.¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes darkened, and there was a moment of tension. ¡°I¡¯m not used to being kept waiting.¡± Lila, sensing the growing threat, said hastily, ¡°We must be going. We have another delivery.¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes flickered to her, then back to Justin, before giving a slow nod. ¡°Think about it. I could make a powerful friend, a gateway to reclaiming your old life. Those of us with Charisma Cores must stick together, no?¡± ¡°You¡¯re a Charisma Core, too?¡± Justin asked, unable to help his curiosity. Valdrik smiled, revealing his sharp canines. ¡°Yes, verily so. I¡¯m more than a mere Charisma Core, though. I¡¯m a Lexicant.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Justin asked, before thinking better of the question. ¡°Well, we are a unique advanced class. Not everyone has heard of us. We combine the Charisma Core of a Socialite with the Intellect Core of a Wizard.¡± ¡°You were a Socialite once?¡± ¡°Aye. I was. So, I am always interested when I meet another one, especially where it¡¯s not expected.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°So, you can combine cores when you reach Level 20, right?¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± the Baron said. ¡°As for Lexicants, our claim to fame is speaking the Foundation Language of Vranthillis. It allows us to manipulate reality in...intriguing ways.¡± ¡°Sounds cool!¡± Justin said. ¡°Anyway..." Lila said, pulling on his shirtsleeve. ¡°I understand you must leave, but before you do, I will have you know that there is much I can teach you. Some even say that Vranthillis can even become the gateway to other realities...¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but widen his eyes at that. Gateway to other realities? Did that include his own? ¡°Terinthial Lantra Vrakor,¡± Valdrik intoned with an otherworldly resonance. A chill passed through the room, the air dense with the weight of those words. ¡°What does that mean?¡± Lila asked, startled. ¡°It means, You will go far, though of course, the translation is not exact. All words in the language have multiple meanings, depending on context. It¡¯s just a taste of Vranthillis for you.¡± From the coldness of his smile, Justin was sure the phrase meant something far more sinister. ¡°We should go,¡± he said. ¡°Of course,¡± Valdrik said easily. ¡°Good day.¡± They quickly left, the heavy mansion doors closing behind them with an ominous thud. As they descended the mountainside, the oppressive aura of the mansion seemed to lighten, but Justin still felt uneasy. Job Updated: The Baron¡¯s Parcel Job Status: ¡°Good riddance,¡± Lila said, glancing back at the looming silhouette of the mansion. ¡°We were lucky to get out of there alive.¡± She glanced over at Justin. ¡°I don¡¯t think you should take up his offer.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Justin agreed. ¡°He was...weird, to say the least.¡± ¡°Best decision you¡¯ll ever make. I don¡¯t care what he pays.¡± They made their way to the post office at the heart of the bustling central square. White-stucco buildings with their customary roofs of indigo framed the area, while a central fountain in the shape of a gargoyle dominated the center of the plaza, water cascading from its outstretched wings. Market stalls were set up, selling goods from exotic fruits to woven fabrics, while the laughter and conversations of townsfolk added to the lively ambiance. The sun had set over the western mountain slopes, casting long shadows over the cobblestones. They entered the post office and approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman with her hair tied in a bun looked up, adjusting her round glasses. ¡°Ah, what brings you?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve completed the delivery to Baron Valdrik,¡± Justin said. ¡°Let me check on that.¡± She consulted a ledger, and to Justin¡¯s surprise, words shifted around, rearranging themselves in response to his presence. ¡°Very good,¡± the clerk said. ¡°The seal is no longer active.¡± Reaching into a drawer, she pulled out a small pouch. ¡°Five silvers for your service.¡± Job Completed: The Baron¡¯s Parcel Rewards Received: The Aranthian Royal Mail thanks you for your service! Your experience stands at 604/200. Level-up available! Justin counted out three silvers and handed them to Lila. ¡°Your share.¡± ¡°Excellent,¡± she said, handing back two twenty-five copper coins. ¡°This has been a productive trip!¡± The clerk cleared her throat. ¡°If you¡¯d like any more work, I¡¯ve a package that needs to be delivered to Belmora. Pays well.¡± ¡°How well is well?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Ten silver marks.¡± ¡°It must be two hundred miles to Belmora,¡± Lila said. The clerk looked from Lila back to Justin. ¡°Well, this one¡¯s been sitting for a while. The office will add an extra two silvers to get it out the door.¡± ¡°With the roads as they are?¡± Justin asked, sensing weakness. ¡°Better to make it five extra!¡± ¡°Six,¡± Lila corrected. She looked at Justin. ¡°This job we¡¯re splitting evenly.¡± The clerk sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll have to talk to my boss about it. But I think we can arrange it. Come back tomorrow. It¡¯s here for you if no one else takes it.¡± ¡°It will be,¡± Lila said. ¡°Let¡¯s move out. Eldrin¡¯s probably waiting for us already.¡± As they walked out the door, Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel light on his feet. They made their way through the crowded streets to the Moonlit Alehouse, the unnerving behavior of the Baron already a distant memory. 12. The Moonlit Alehouse The Moonlit Alehouse was a spectacle of light and sound as evening fell on Silverton. As Justin and Lila approached, the soft glow of hanging lanterns and the faint strumming of a lute hinted at the merriment within. But as Justin pushed the heavy oak doors open with a muted creak, the full scale of the tavern¡¯s cozy grandeur greeted them. Inside was a symphony of golden hues¡ªhoney-colored wooden beams stretching across the ceiling, supporting an array of intricately crafted chandeliers made of wrought iron, each holding glowing orbs that emitted a soft, moonlike luminescence. These orbs bathed the establishment in a gentle light that flickered and danced, imitating the moon¡¯s glow while justifying the tavern¡¯s name. The walls were lined with shelves of ornate bottles filled with liquids of every imaginable hue. Plush burgundy seating lined the perimeter, and in the center, rows of sturdy oak tables were surrounded by patrons engaged in animated conversation, laughter, and song. The majority were human, but mixed in there was the occasional orc. Musicians sat upon a raised platform, drawing lilting melodies from lutes, flutes, and hand drums. ¡°Quite the place,¡± Justin murmured, glancing around. His gaze lingered on a corner where a group played dice, their raucous cheers and jeers creating a lively ambiance. Lila nodded toward the counter. ¡°I want to book a room. Care to join?¡± Justin followed her, not sure if she wanted to share a room again, now that they could each afford their own, or if she merely wanted him to accompany her to the front, where the innkeeper waited behind the oaken counter. Before he could ask her, the innkeeper spoke, taking them both in. ¡°Looking for a room? It¡¯s a silver a night for a single, and two silvers if you want something bigger.¡± ¡°Anything cheaper?¡± Justin asked. ¡°We have the dorm for fifty coppers a night. Sleeps twelve.¡± ¡°No dorm,¡± Lila said. ¡°Do you have anything with double beds?¡± ¡°We have one left. That one¡¯s a silver and forty coppers.¡± Lila looked at him sidelong, smiling slightly. ¡°Do you mind sharing again?¡± Memories of two nights ago came flooding back, and before Justin could stop it, his cheeks were coloring. ¡°Yes. That would be fine.¡± ¡°Well, we have been through a lot together, haven¡¯t we? Might as well be...comfortable.¡± At her suggestive smile, Justin felt his pulse quicken as he swallowed a nervous throat lump. It sounded like Lila wanted to celebrate with more than just drinks. The innkeeper looked between the two of them, giving Justin a sly wink. ¡°Very good. Will you be taking a bath or breaking your fast tomorrow?¡± ¡°Yes to both,¡± Lila said. ¡°And make sure the tub is big.¡± ¡°Why big?¡± Justin asked. Lila just smiled. Even the innkeeper was having a chuckle at that. ¡°Our largest tub is thirty coppers.¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Bring it up just short of midnight.¡± ¡°Yes, madam. It shall be done.¡± They settled up, Justin deciding not to question anything. Sometimes, the best thing to say was nothing at all. That was when they were interrupted by a familiar voice. ¡°Over here!¡± Eldrin, seated in a dim corner, waved them over, his chiseled face illuminated by the glow of a nearby lantern. He was nursing a pint of dark, frothy ale, and by the look in his eyes, it wasn¡¯t his first. ¡°Another round for my friends!¡± Eldrin called out, raising his mug in salute. The serving girl promptly arrived, placing two more mugs filled with the same deep amber liquid. As Justin and Lila sat, the girl placed the mugs before them. ¡°To victory and spoils,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Victory and spoils,¡± Justin and Lila echoed. They clinked their mugs and drank deeply. ¡°Well?¡± Lila asked. Eldrin flashed a smile and opened his coin purse. From it, he counted out thirty silvers for each of them. Justin¡¯s and Lila¡¯s eyes popped. ¡°A good haul,¡± Eldrin said. Lila looked to be near tears. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d have such luck. I needed this.¡± Justin took his share, adding it to his coin purse. Sixty-three and some odd coppers earned over the past few days. A good haul indeed. ¡°It¡¯s yours,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°You¡¯d think I was a Merchant from the way I haggled that man to give me a fair price.¡± The scent of roasting meats wafted in from the kitchen, making Justin¡¯s stomach rumble in anticipation. Lila flagged down their server and placed an order for a sumptuous banquet: roasted fowl with a tangy berry sauce, seared venison steaks, and an array of fresh vegetables and seasoned potatoes, with rhubarb pie and whipped cream for dessert. As they waited for their feast, the atmosphere grew more intimate, setting the stage for an evening of revelations and stories. For two hours they sat, talking, laughing, and eating as the evening deepened. Justin couldn¡¯t remember ever feeling such camaraderie. In his old life, he spent almost all his waking hours downstairs in a basement playing video games. He almost felt like an imposter here. After all, the warmth of this companionship in a single evening was more than he¡¯d gotten in years. The candlelit glow from the walls turned the cozy tavern into a realm of dancing shadows. The music slowed, turning more soulful, and conversations in the tavern seemed to hush a bit. Eldrin, after sharing a tale of an unexpected rainstorm during one of his hunts, turned to Lila. ¡°So, what about you? What¡¯s a lady like you doing adventuring with us misfits?¡± Lila hesitated, her fingers playing with the rim of her mug. ¡°It¡¯s...complicated.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it always?¡± Eldrin said with a chuckle, taking another sip of his ale. Lila exhaled, the weight of her past clear in her eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get into this, but hells below, why not? I¡¯m four drinks in, and both of you seem like the okay sort. And...it would be good to get this off my chest.¡± ¡°You can trust us,¡± Justin assured her.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. She paused for a moment. ¡°I did something very foolish. I...bought a class core on credit. Thought it would be a smart investment for the future.¡± Eldrin raised a brow. ¡°That¡¯s a brave move. They cost a fortune!¡± Justin didn¡¯t know exactly what they meant, but he nodded sympathetically. He wasn¡¯t quite ready to betray his ignorance yet. She nodded. ¡°I intended to buy a Merchant core. I already had a nice business; just general sundries, nothing fancy. I thought it would take me to the next level, you know?¡± Her eyes became misty with remembrance before darkening. ¡°But...¡± She paused, taking a deep breath. ¡°I was swindled by my contact. I got a core all right, but it wasn¡¯t a Merchant core. It was a Bard core. I was so eager I didn¡¯t even bother to read the rune inside. I just assumed it was okay. It was the right color, after all. But I¡¯d signed the contract; as you know, Merchant cores are quite expensive. Well, I paid the Merchant core¡¯s price for the Bard core. By the time I realized the truth, it was too late. I had already absorbed it.¡± Justin leaned forward, his brow furrowed. ¡°And now?¡± Lila bit her lip, looking down. ¡°I owe sixty crowns. Maybe more now, with the interest. A fortune I don¡¯t have. And every day, the interest grows.¡± Eldrin let out a long whistle. ¡°Sixty golds? Who on Eyrth gave you such a hefty line of credit?¡± Lila¡¯s voice was soft. ¡°It wasn¡¯t always like this. Remember that business I talked about? It was my collateral. Such were my interest payments that I could no longer make the business work. They took bloody everything from me, and by the time I barely had a shirt on my back, I still owed. Didn¡¯t take long for them to send their thugs after me for the rest, but there was nothing left to give. So, I did the only thing I could do. I ran.¡± Justin studied Lila for a moment. ¡°But you¡¯re only Level 1. This must¡¯ve been recent?¡± She merely sipped her drink, avoiding his gaze, neither confirming nor denying. ¡°I¡¯ve already said too much. Now the both of you know what a fool I am.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not a fool,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It¡¯s a story I¡¯ve heard before. Everyone wants a class, and there are a lot of bad sorts who¡¯ll take advantage of that desperation.¡± ¡°I should¡¯ve known,¡± Lila said. ¡°With a Merchant core, I could have made it work. But now, I¡¯m a Bard. So what if my core allows me to sing like a nightingale? That won¡¯t pay back my debts. I fear they will never stop hunting me. And if they find me...¡± She trailed off, not wanting to say anything more. ¡°I know this might not be what you want to hear,¡± Eldrin said carefully, ¡°but you could set sail. Plenty of ships going out of Belmora. Passage isn¡¯t cheap, but far cheaper than paying back a debt you can¡¯t owe. I doubt they¡¯ll chase you as far as Calidon, especially if they know you have nothing else to pay.¡± ¡°To live among the orcs?¡± Lila asked, draining her glass. "It sounds like a lonely life." After a somber moment, Eldrin cleared his throat. ¡°Well, my turn, I suppose. I¡¯ve been living in the wilds of Serenthel for the past seven years.¡± Justin remembered seeing the name on his map. It seemed to be the name of the entire continent of which Aranthia was a part. ¡°The thrill of the hunt, the chase of treasures. That¡¯s what I live for. I was running, too, though from something else. We won¡¯t go there. I imagine you¡¯d lose a lot of your goodwill toward me if we did. Anyhow, my proper story begins five years ago, when it started snowing something fierce. That was a terrible storm.¡± ¡°I remember that winter,¡± Lila said. ¡°Coldness to freeze your blood.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°Well, I was out in it in the North Peaks, of all places. Somehow, I made it to a cave for shelter. Went as deep as I could to escape it. That¡¯s when I saw something green glowing in the darkness of the cave. I thought I was hallucinating. I didn¡¯t dare believe it could be what I thought it was...¡± ¡°. . . No,¡± Lila said, in anticipation. ¡°It wasn¡¯t a core?¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°It was. Right there, in front of me. The Priests have always told me my Core Attribute was Coordination. And I knew enough to recognize it was a Ranger Core. Whether I¡¯d sell it, or absorb it, wasn¡¯t even a question.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Justin said. ¡°Can someone explain to me what a class core even is? I feel like I¡¯ve missed a crucial piece of the puzzle here.¡± Lila and Eldrin exchanged glances. Justin didn¡¯t care if what he was asking was common knowledge, or if it made them suspicious of him. He had to know these things if he was going to make it in this world. At least long enough to get back out again. Eldrin began. ¡°All right, lad. I¡¯m not sure how you¡¯ve gotten this far in life without learning about this stuff. But class cores are magical artifacts. They are the only thing that allows you to gain a class. As long as the person is twenty years old, and they have the Core Attribute to match the core, then they can absorb the core and gain the class, assuming they don¡¯t already have a class, of course.¡± ¡°And they¡¯re incredibly rare,¡± Lila added. ¡°Most are bought up by the rich. Commoners like us have to get more creative. Loans. Pledging years of fealty to an institution or lord that will help us out. Even stealing them. They can rarely be found in the wilds, like what Eldrin was describing, or in the Vaults.¡± ¡°Vaults?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Natural formations that arise from Eyrth¡¯s magical essence,¡± Eldrin explained. ¡°Think of them as magical chambers filled with challenges and treasures. These Vaults can be anywhere, deep in forests, under mountains, even within cities or underwater. It varies. One might pop up for a week and disappear, while another can exist for years, decades even, without anyone ever clearing it. And they¡¯re highly dangerous, even the less challenging ones. But you¡¯ll know one when you see one. Better make sure you have powerful friends before you try your luck! It¡¯s by far the easiest way for an adventurer to die.¡± The concept of ¡°Vaults¡± sounded similar to dungeons from the games he¡¯d played. ¡°How much do one of these class cores cost?¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°It depends. Anywhere from thirty to two hundred gold crowns, depending on rarity and demand. Some are even more.¡± Justin sat back, absorbing all the information. The tapestry of Eyrth¡¯s mysteries was slowly unveiling before him. And he realized just how little he truly knew. After a deep sigh, Justin looked into his drink, swirling the amber liquid. ¡°You know...what you mentioned about finding cores in the wild, that sounds awfully familiar. When I was in the Wildwood north of Mistwatch, I stumbled upon...well, something I can¡¯t explain.¡± Eldrin raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. ¡°What was it?¡± ¡°It was an orb, shimmering with every color you could imagine, like a rainbow trapped inside a crystal,¡± Justin said. ¡°I picked it up, and it seemed to flow into me.¡± Lila¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You...you found a class core in the Wildwood? Just like that?¡± Justin nodded, looking sheepish. ¡°You said earlier that a core only contains one class, and it has to match your Core Attribute. Except this core allowed me to choose both my class and my Core Attribute. I thought it was normal, you know, since I¡¯m new to all this, so I never brought it up.¡± Lila and Eldrin exchanged a glance, disbelief evident in their eyes. ¡°That¡¯s...extraordinary,¡± Eldrin murmured. Justin regretted mentioning it, feeling the weight of their disbelief. ¡°I know it sounds strange, but it¡¯s the truth.¡± Lila leaned forward, her skepticism obvious. ¡°See, the thing is, Justin, a common class core only gives one specific class. And it only resonates with those possessing the right Core Attribute. But what you¡¯re describing...¡± Eldrin finished her sentence. ¡°...sounds like a Prismatic Core.¡± Justin¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Prismatic what now?¡± Lila¡¯s gaze was intense. ¡°Prismatic Core. They¡¯re legendary artifacts, more myth than reality. Most people in Eyrth don¡¯t even believe they exist. Such cores don¡¯t just give you any class, they grant you an additional Core Attribute, letting you customize your destiny. Only four show up every year: during both solstices and equinoxes. It''s the only way to get a second Core Attribute outside of reaching level 20 and absorbing a second class core.¡± ¡°When did you find that core, lad?¡± Eldrin asked. Justin counted back the days on his fingers. ¡°Let¡¯s see...it would¡¯ve been...¡± He paused. ¡°Four days ago?¡± ¡°September 21,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The fall equinox.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no way,¡± Lila said. Her eyes were amused, expecting a punchline that never came. Justin thought back to his choice of how he ended up with Charisma as a Core Attribute, and Socialite as a class. That had been a stupid, fat-fingered mistake not once, but twice. If he¡¯d truly found this Prismatic Core that comes only four times a year, then he¡¯d bungled the biggest opportunity of all time. But maybe he¡¯d appeared next to that core for a reason. Somehow, he¡¯d come into this world. And it seemed no one here even existed without a Core Attribute that went with a corresponding class. Maybe this was the ¡°System¡¯s¡± way of giving him a Core Attribute, so that his existence here wouldn¡¯t break things. He kept this speculation to himself, not wanting to deepen their disbelief. ¡°You know, thinking about it, maybe I just found a Socialite core in the woods. I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m new to all this and hit my head pretty hard.¡± Eldrin and Lila exchanged glances again. Skepticism lingered, but they chose not to pry further. Instead, Eldrin asked another question. ¡°So, tell us about Ironhold. Why were you there?¡± Justin hesitated, realizing he was on the cusp of a decision. Should he trust these newfound friends with his incredible story, which, to their eyes, would be even more unbelievable, or continue weaving tales? He looked into their expectant eyes and knew he couldn¡¯t lie any longer. So what if this came back to bite him? It wasn¡¯t as if he was fighting for anything except the infinitesimal chance he¡¯d get to leave this place someday. ¡°All right,¡± he began, taking a swig of his ale. ¡°You want to know the truth? This is how I really came to be here...¡± 13. Moonlit Confessions As Justin began his tale, the firelight cast a golden hue over their faces in their corner of the Moonlit Alehouse. The laughter and chatter around them seemed distant, drowned by the weight of the revelations and confessions he knew would soon pass his lips. He began hesitantly. ¡°I¡¯m not...from here, I guess you could say.¡± ¡°Not from Aranthia, you mean?¡± Lila said. ¡°Yeah, we figured. So what? I¡¯m from Daeloria myself, all the way past the Seraphim Range.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t understand. I¡¯m from another world entirely. Not from Eyrth.¡± Both of them frowned at him, confused. Eldrin broke the silence. ¡°What do you mean, lad? There are the planets, of course: Valdoria, Solanis, Thandara, Zephyron. Some say they host life, some don¡¯t. But I don¡¯t think that¡¯s what you mean.¡± ¡°I¡¯m from an alternate universe, I guess you could say. A world without magic, classes, and levels. A world that¡¯s completely mundane.¡± He saw he was just confusing them more. As he suspected, this was all they knew. They didn¡¯t know they were in a game, or that this was most likely an entirely alternate universe where magic and levels were baked into the quantum fabric of reality. Justin didn¡¯t know how else to explain it to them. ¡°What¡¯s your world called?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Earth.¡± ¡°That sounds quite similar to this world,¡± Eldrin observed. ¡°A coincidence?¡± ¡°I think this world is a part of mine,¡± Justin said. ¡°A smaller part. Except from this world, there is no escape.¡± ¡°No escape?¡± Eldrin said, laughing nervously. ¡°You make this world seem like a prison!¡± Justin realized that was the truth of things, at least from his reckoning, but didn¡¯t say as much. ¡°All I know is, I was in my mom¡¯s basement, playing video games, and then a tornado came out of nowhere and swept me up. It threw me somewhere over the metaphorical rainbow, and somehow, I found myself here, right in front of that Prismatic Core.¡± Several heads at a nearby table turned at that. Eldrin looked in their direction, giving a winning smile. ¡°He¡¯s drunk.¡± Justin realized he had been far too loud. ¡°Sorry. Sometimes, I forget where I am.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all right, lad. Listen. Clearly, that tornado knocked your head up a bit. Sometimes we see them in the Aranthian Hinterlands. Warm air from the Gulf and the icy breath of the mountains. It¡¯s the perfect concoction. Obviously, you bumped your head and forgot where you came from, and you dreamed up this whole other world. Nothing else makes sense.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not right,¡± Justin said. ¡°The things I know about my world are so detailed that I couldn¡¯t make them up.¡± ¡°Things like what?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Everything! Over four billion years of history on our planet alone, of which humans have only been around for a small part. Countless empires have risen and fallen. Triumphs and tragedies. Mozart, Beethoven. Hell, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and Bieber! Not to mention all the rest!¡± He looked at them helplessly. ¡°Radiohead?¡± ¡°Who is this...Bieber?¡± Lila asked. ¡°He seems a mighty lord of great renown.¡± ¡°Oh, you wouldn¡¯t believe it! He¡¯s a proper bard, all right. Though this world is different, everything is recognizable as something that can be found in my world. It¡¯s like...someone from my world designed this place. I just don¡¯t know how I got swept up in it. I¡¯m thinking that maybe I died and got sent here, or maybe all tornadoes have portals. Who can say? Maybe L. Frank Baum was on to something.¡± ¡°Or maybe on something,¡± Eldrin said with a smirk. ¡°Whoever he is.¡± Both of them were looking at him as if he were crazy. Justin knew this had been a mistake. ¡°Just forget it.¡± ¡°What was your class in your world?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°There are no classes,¡± Justin said again. It seemed hard for them to accept that fact. ¡°I guess you could say I was a NEET.¡± ¡°A NEET?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°Strange name for a class.¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°Never mind that. Back in my old world, I didn¡¯t exactly have an...admirable life.¡± He glanced up, assessing their expressions before he continued. ¡°A NEET is someone who has just...given up. They do nothing and add nothing of value to society. That¡¯s what I did. I just sat in the basement of my mother¡¯s house. Sometimes, I wouldn¡¯t go outside for weeks, or even talk to people.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°What did you do, then?¡± Lila asked, alarmed. ¡°Surely, you must have gone mad!¡± ¡°Well, to say I did nothing was a lie. I spent most of my time playing video games.¡± ¡°What are these video games you speak of?¡± Eldrin asked, somewhat stumbling over the unfamiliar term. ¡°Like dice or cards? How can you play a game alone in a basement?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how to describe it. It¡¯s like a virtual world, I suppose. I spent all my time there, because the real one seemed to have nothing for me.¡± Lila¡¯s eyes softened, a sympathetic smile gracing her face. ¡°Justin, everyone has a past. It doesn¡¯t dictate who you are now.¡± He shrugged. ¡°But it feels like it does sometimes. I was...a loser, Lila. I had no friends. I was always made fun of, to where if someone actually was nice to me, I thought it was a trick. I have some stories there, but it would just depress me to tell them.¡± Eldrin leaned forward. ¡°And these...video games, as you call them...became something of a refuge for you, given the misery of your life?¡± That was a rather blunt way to put it. ¡°Yes, exactly. I could be someone there, someone important, someone who mattered...but when the screen turned off...there was nothing. Just my pudgy, pale face, staring back at me from the black screen. And a silence so deep that it echoed inside my soul.¡± Lila reached across the table, her hand finding Justin¡¯s. ¡°That sounds lonely, Justin. A kind of loneliness that shouldn¡¯t exist.¡± Justin¡¯s face twisted momentarily, the raw honesty of Lila¡¯s words striking deep. ¡°It was.¡± The realization seemed to lift a weight from him. To his surprise, a tear escaped and trailed down his cheek. Eldrin¡¯s voice took on a nurturing tone, one that seemed to bring warmth and light to the cold corners of Justin¡¯s memories. ¡°You said you lived with your mother. Did she not notice? Help you find another path?¡± A bitter laugh escaped Justin. ¡°I think she gave up on me. I could never meet her expectations. Not like Connor.¡± ¡°Who was that?¡± Lila asked. ¡°My...older brother. He was everything she wanted. Perfect. As long as she had him, she could stand me. And for my part...I loved him, too. He was the only one who seemed to see the real me.¡± Justin lowered his face. ¡°But...he died in a car accident when I was eighteen.¡± ¡°A car accident?¡± ¡°A vehicle that moves fast in my world,¡± Justin explained. ¡°After that...my failures just reminded her of what she lost. Many times, I¡¯ve had the sense that she wished it had been me.¡± There was a long, dark silence. Justin couldn¡¯t believe he had said so much. And he couldn¡¯t believe that they had the patience to listen to him. ¡°It¡¯s not right for me to say all this,¡± Justin said. ¡°You¡¯re one of us, Justin,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Though we¡¯ve only known each other a few days, we have the bond of adventurers, no matter where our travels take us. When one member of the pack falls behind, it¡¯s for the others to make sure he can keep up.¡± ¡°That¡¯s...not something I¡¯ve ever experienced. I guess...I guess I never really had the chance to be anything else. Long story short, I¡¯ve always been different, and maybe my parents didn¡¯t know what to do with that. They didn¡¯t guide me, didn¡¯t show me how to live in the real world. My dad passed away when I was ten. My mom...well, let¡¯s just say the light went out of her life not once, but twice. I don¡¯t blame her for what she was like.¡± ¡°Well, no one knows everything,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Every one of us is figuring this life thing out. Hells below, you think I have it figured out? I¡¯ve got my own demons. Like Lila, I¡¯m running, too.¡± ¡°From what?¡± Justin asked, curious. Eldrin shook his head. ¡°It matters not.¡± Though he said that, Justin got the sense that it did matter, but he didn¡¯t press the point. ¡°You¡¯re not alone, Justin,¡± Lila said. ¡°You have friends here, who see your worth and stand by your side. At least, I see you as my friend, even if it''s just been a few days.¡± Justin nodded, somewhat shakily. "Thanks. It means a lot." The conversation continued on into the night; the moon ascending as confessions were laid bare. Even though the specifics of his past life were alien to them, the universal thread of isolation and loss echoed clearly. Eventually, the weight of the night settled upon them, a gentle reminder that the world still spun, and time had not stopped to mourn the lost years. Eldrin stood up, stretching his muscles, a silent agreement that it was time to retire. ¡°Let¡¯s break our fast tomorrow,¡± he said. ¡°With the sun, our spirits will enliven. There is always another day, no?¡± They parted ways, and Justin and Lila headed to their room. As they walked, Justin could feel nothing but a distinct lack of belief that this was real, that when he went to bed, he would wake up back to his old life. It hadn¡¯t happened yet, but perhaps someday, it would. It had to, right? Inside the room, the subdued light from a single lantern flickered, painting a canvas of hope and new beginnings, of friendships forged in even the strangest of circumstances. That lantern illumined the bath Lila had ordered, a detail that Justin had completely forgotten. It was still warm, its curling stream inviting. Given the somber end to the evening, Justin was sure that the mood between them had long been killed. In fact, his pathetic display was almost certain to neuter whatever small amount of attraction Lila had for him. But she surprised him by touching his arm. ¡°You okay?¡± He met her green eyes. He hadn¡¯t so much as had his hand held, and now, to feel the warmth of her touch on his forearm was almost too much to bear. A wave of bitterness wanted to spill forth. This is what it felt like to be touched? A part of Justin wanted to take all the pain he¡¯d faced in the past, all the rejections, and project it onto her. He hated this ugly impulse, and it took everything inside of him to stop it. Her gaze didn¡¯t waver, and those eyes softened him. He realized he had to let himself want her. He felt a lump in his throat, and for a moment, he was paralyzed. But before anything more could be said, there was a bump at the window. The special moment was quelled as surely as if ice water had been thrown over them. Justin was wondering if he¡¯d imagined the disturbance when another bump, louder, hit the windowpane again. ¡°What is that?¡± he asked, trying to mask his irritation. Lila went over, peering down. ¡°Someone¡¯s down there.¡± Justin joined her, peering into the darkness, cursing his bad luck. With a start, he realized he recognized the person down there. And from the shocked look on his face, something was terribly wrong. 14. Unseen Shadows Justin slid the window open. ¡°Alistair? What are you doing here?¡± There was a moment¡¯s pause as Alistair stared up at him in shock and disbelief. His white robes over his armor made him stick out like a sore thumb. ¡°Justin? That you, lad?¡± ¡°Yes. Are you following me?¡± Lila joined him at the window, and Alistair looked at each of them. "I take it you know him?" Lila asked. Before Justin could answer, Alistair cut him off. ¡°Listen. Something¡¯s amiss. Can we meet in the tavern below?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t this wait until tomorrow?¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. Your life is in question, boy. I won¡¯t say anything more. Hurry!¡± Alistair headed out of the alley and toward the entrance of the alehouse. ¡°Your life?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Sounds serious.¡± ¡°He must be confused,¡± Justin said. ¡°I need to go down there.¡± ¡°I¡¯m coming with you,¡± Lila said. ¡°Sure. What about Eldrin?¡± ¡°Ah, just let him sleep. From tonight, it seems like he¡¯s ready to go his own way.¡± The duo left the room and headed down to the tavern. There, it was mostly empty, with Alistair sitting alone in a corner. Justin and Lila joined him. ¡°So,¡± Justin said, ¡°what¡¯s this about me dying?¡± ¡°Careful what you say,¡± Alistair said, his eyes scanning their surroundings with trained vigilance. ¡°You never know who might be listening.¡± ¡°Okay then,¡± Justin said, quieter. ¡°Why are you following me? It¡¯s been a long day, and I would like to rest.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be speaking to you if it weren¡¯t important, so I¡¯ll cut to the chase. I¡¯m on a quest, bestowed by the Templars of Arion themselves.¡± ¡°The Templars,¡± Lila said. ¡°Sounds serious." ¡°Aye, very much so. A necromancer is wreaking havoc in the County of Silverton. And I have tracked down an agent of the necromancer to this very inn.¡± As his piercing blue eyes settled on Justin, a palpable accusation hung in the still air. But before fear could fully grip him, Lila¡¯s voice rang out, assertive and piercing through the growing tension. ¡°What, are you accusing Justin? Justin, the Level 1 Socialite?¡± ¡°Indeed, my Paladin¡¯s Sense detects an agent of darkness sitting at this very table. The Dark Aura is emanating from you, Justin." ¡°You must be mistaken,¡± Justin said. ¡°And you are leveling a very heavy accusation. Besides, if you can detect this Dark Aura, then why didn¡¯t you notice it before, when you helped me at Mistwatch?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to figure out.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this. I really need to get to sleep. I have a level-up to process.¡± Justin rose, but Alistair¡¯s arm shot out, keeping him seated with iron strength. He wasn¡¯t going anywhere tonight until he¡¯d answered some questions. ¡°You must tell me everything that¡¯s happened since we last parted, Justin,¡± Alistair said. ¡°You must do so if you wish to prove your innocence.¡± ¡°Where I come from, you have to prove that I¡¯m guilty.¡± Alistair gave an amused smile. ¡°That is not how things are done by the Templars of Arion.¡± ¡°Is that a threat?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Nay,¡± Alistair said. ¡°But my sense has never failed me, and it''s led me right to your window. There is more to you than meets the eye, Justin Talemaker.¡± Justin locked eyes with him and sighed. ¡°You want to know what¡¯s happened with me? Well, I¡¯ll tell you, and you¡¯ll see I¡¯ve done nothing wrong.¡± Justin caught him up on everything. It took half an hour or so, but soon, Alistair was up to date with everything. But Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice that the Paladin¡¯s disposition had darkened when they¡¯d gotten to their interaction with Baron Valdrik. Once done, Alistair seemed to think deeply, taking a deep draught from his mug.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°The puzzle is coming together.¡± ¡°What puzzle?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It must be the Baron of Silverton,¡± Alistair said. ¡°He is among my top suspects. You mentioned him uttering words in the Foundation Language of Vranthillis. What were those words, again?¡± ¡°I have no idea.¡± ¡°What does Vranthillis have to do with anything?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Could be nothing. Could be everything. The language is mysterious, and there are very few Lexicants. But what few Lexicants do exist are somewhat known for dabbling in the darker arts, and some have even been known to take on the Aspect of Necromancy. It¡¯s a path open to Lexicants, given the right conditions.¡± ¡°Okay, but what does this have to do with me?¡± Justin asked. ¡°You mentioned that the Baron spoke in Vranthillis. My suspicion is he placed a death mark upon you. A mark that would make you his to command upon your death.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Upon my death? Is he trying to murder me?¡± ¡°Well, there would be little other reason to place the death mark. It takes time to mature. Three risings of the moon, to be precise. If he did this today, then this would be your first night.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to die in three days?¡± Justin asked, feeling as if he was going to pass out. ¡°Not from the mark itself,¡± Alistair clarified. ¡°It merely means that once you do die, the mark will make you controllable by the Baron. Bound to him in undead thralldom.¡± Lila looked at Justin nervously. ¡°He did mention wanting you to work for him...¡± ¡°That¡¯s worse than dying!¡± Justin said. ¡°There must be some way to stop it!¡± ¡°There is,¡± Alistair said, ¡°but it requires you to pay very close attention to me. Now, I came here to root out the evil in this town that¡¯s been festering. On the surface, it might seem a busy and prosperous place. But there has been a string of murders stretching back years, and the local government doesn¡¯t seem to want to investigate them adequately. The Sheriff, unfortunately, has been bribed to look the other way.¡± ¡°So we¡¯ve heard,¡± Lila said. ¡°That¡¯s where I come in,¡± Alistair said. ¡°The Church of Light sent me here to figure out just what¡¯s going on. And now, I¡¯ve discovered that things are a bit too much for a single Paladin to handle.¡± ¡°Well, what can I do?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Now, this death mark can be cured,¡± Alistair said. ¡°But the paths to doing so are far from easy.¡± Justin was filled with many conflicting emotions. Fear. Confusion. Skepticism. He wanted to trust Alistair, and yet he didn¡¯t feel any different. The only thing that had felt strange was that sense of coldness when Baron Valdrik had spoken those words. If what Alistair was saying was true, then it meant the Baron was keeping tabs on him right now and was determined to finish what he had started. He suddenly felt exposed and unsafe, despite the comfortable aura of the inn. ¡°We need to wake up Eldrin,¡± Justin decided. ¡°If I¡¯m really in danger, then he is, too.¡± ¡°Eldrin?¡± Alistair asked. ¡°A Ranger we met in Whispering Pines,¡± Justin said. ¡°We sort of fell in together.¡± ¡°I can go get him,¡± Lila said. She went off, leaving Justin alone with the Paladin. Alistair leaned forward. ¡°If those two aren¡¯t to be trusted, simply say the word and we¡¯ll be off.¡± ¡°I trust them.¡± The Paladin eyed him closely, then nodded. Justin¡¯s words would have to be good enough. Eldrin joined them at the table, surprisingly alert for the late hour. ¡°What¡¯s this about Justin being in danger?¡± ¡°I have a death mark on me, apparently. Courtesy of Baron Valdrik.¡± Eldrin¡¯s eyes widened at that. He looked at Alistair. ¡°You can confirm this, Master Paladin?¡± ¡°Aye. I cannot determine the nature of the mark but given the certainty of there being a necromancer in this town, it can be nothing else.¡± ¡°And what is your suggestion? I suppose I must be in danger, too?¡± ¡°All of us are,¡± Alistair said. ¡°There are only two ways for Justin to rid himself of this mark. The first is a near-impossibility, taking down the Baron himself, who uttered the incantation. But if the disappearances of the past few years are any indication, it¡¯s not only the Baron we¡¯d have to contend with, but those working for him.¡± ¡°You think he has a small undead army within his halls?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°I¡¯m certain of it,¡± Alistair said. ¡°And in fact, I suspect that army might not be small. Worse, Valdrik''s level far exceeds anyone sitting at this table. There is no record, but he had to be at least level twenty to have access to the Lexicant class, and it¡¯s likely, given the bloody work in this town and its environs, he must be much higher than that. More than a match for even me.¡± ¡°Then why did you come here thinking you could take him down?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t. I came to learn more.¡± ¡°But how do I get rid of the mark?¡± Justin pressed. ¡°You said there is a way.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Alistair said. ¡°You must come with me to the Templar Chapter House at Mont Elea. There, the High Priest of Arion can remove the mark. He''s the only one I know who for sure out-levels the Baron and has access to the right kind of magic. It¡¯s a couple days¡¯ journey north of Belmora.¡± ¡°That far?¡± Lila asked. ¡°We can''t cover such a distance in three days!¡± ¡°It is possible,¡± Alistair said. ¡°But not easy. I will be with you every step of the way, protecting you from any and all pursuit. Remember, the mark becomes active in three days, and it won''t kill Justin outright. But it will allow the Baron to know exactly where Justin is. We need to be well ahead of them when that time comes. What¡¯s more, once the Baron realizes I¡¯m here, he will act immediately.¡± ¡°Then we must leave now,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Although, if all this is true, then surely the gates will mark our passing.¡± ¡°There is a hidden way,¡± Alistair said. ¡°The way by which I entered the city. It''s a mountain path located on the eastern side of town, by the silver mines. That way will be little watched, and if you¡¯re coming with us, all the better. Your Pathfinder¡¯s Pace will be vital to our escape.¡± ¡°Wait a second,¡± Lila said. ¡°What do you think was in the parcel? Does it have anything to do with this?¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Or maybe it was just a coincidence that Justin was the one who happened to make the delivery.¡± ¡°Maybe the Baron uses these parcels to lure new victims into his manor,¡± Eldrin suggested. ¡°That is also possible. But the point is, Eldrin is right. We must leave immediately. For whatever reason, he wants to enthrall Justin.¡± The only question Justin was left with was "why?" However, he doubted that question could be answered by anyone at this table. ¡°I just need to gather my things,¡± Justin said. ¡°Let¡¯s reconvene in five minutes,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Try to hurry.¡± Justin and Lila rushed to their room. The darkness of the hallway seemed altogether threatening as he fumbled for the room key and unlocked the door. But everything inside was undisturbed, awaiting their arrival. It only took a minute for Justin to pack, along with Lila. They both shared a look, slightly unbelieving the situation, before they rejoined Alistair and Eldrin in the alehouse below. But as soon as Justin came forward, he reached for the dagger on his belt. Alistair and Eldrin were no longer alone. 15. Flight from Silverton Standing with them was a group of heavily armed men, wearing the black falcon emblem of Baron Valdrik on their crimson chest plates. The room felt much colder, and the men bore expressions that were devoid of humanity, their eyes carrying a dull, almost lifeless glint. Justin could feel the unnerving sensation of an unseen malevolent force emanating from them. ¡°Looks like the Baron didn¡¯t waste any time,¡± Alistair commented dryly, his hand resting on the haft of his silver hammer. His posture was rigid, ready for a fight. Justin could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Beside him, Lila held one of her daggers on her belt, her stance defensive yet ready to strike. Eldrin seemed ready to draw his longsword at a moment¡¯s notice. The leader of the group, a man with a cruel smile and cold, calculating eyes, stepped forward. ¡°Well, well, Alistair the Paladin,¡± he sneered, his voice echoing strangely in the silent room. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve been sticking your nose where it doesn¡¯t belong again.¡± Alistair didn¡¯t respond, his face a stoic mask, but the tension in the room increased tenfold. Lila glanced at Justin, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. They both knew they couldn¡¯t back down now. Their lives, and possibly the lives of many others, depended on what happened next. ¡°Justin, listen to me,¡± Alistair said, his voice low and urgent, just soft enough to where it couldn¡¯t be overheard. ¡°I want you to take Lila and run. Fancy words won''t do any good here. I¡¯ll hold them off." ¡°Not alone you won¡¯t,¡± Eldrin said, his sharp Ranger¡¯s senses picking up his words. His eyes flickered toward Justin. ¡°I¡¯ll catch up to you later.¡± ¡°No, we can¡¯t just leave you here!¡± Lila protested, but Alistair¡¯s stern gaze silenced her. ¡°This is not a request, Lila. It¡¯s an order. Now, promise me. You know where to go.¡± The moment hung in the air, and Justin could sense her uncertainty, and then reluctant acceptance. Finally, with a heavy heart and tears welling in her eyes, Lila nodded. ¡°I promise.¡± The cruel smile of the leader widened, watching all this play out in silence. His eyes found Justin, looking at him with obvious disdain. ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve gotten yourself into quite a mess, boy. But not to worry. The Baron is quite merciful. I think you¡¯ll find that death is quite...peaceful.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not dying,¡± Justin replied, his voice steady and unyielding. ¡°And neither are my friends.¡± With those words, the tension snapped. Alistair and Eldrin moved with a synchronicity born of years of training. Alistair¡¯s hammer swept in a wide arc, felling the rightmost undead lackey, while the Ranger shot forward with adroit ease, engaging another of the undead minions in a series of swift and deadly strikes. ¡°Come on!¡± Lila said. They sprinted toward the back exit. They burst into the night, the chaos of the battle echoing behind them. There was only a sliver of waning moon, offering them the cover of darkness as they raced through the empty streets toward the eastern edge of the town. Justin had to trust Lila knew the way, being more familiar with this world. They ran as fast as their legs could carry them, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. The cold night air stung their lungs, but they couldn¡¯t afford to slow down, even when the sounds of fighting had long ebbed. At this hour, the streets were mostly empty, and in the smaller alleys and byways Lila selected, no guards challenged their passing. It wasn¡¯t long before they were weaving up steps into the eastern mountain flanking Silverton, on the opposite side of the valley where Baron Valdrik had his mansion. Over here, it was mostly industry; mines, smelters, and forges that would be heavy with activity during the day. The cold night air whipped around them as they paused for a moment, breathless from their sprint. ¡°Where¡¯s that damn path?¡± Lila asked. ¡°As if we¡¯re supposed to know where we¡¯re going!¡± Justin didn¡¯t answer. It was much too dark to see. He wished he¡¯d nabbed one of the lanterns hanging in the inn, but it was too late for that. They had barely taken a few uncertain steps into the darkness when a chilling moan pierced the silence. From the shadows behind them, an armored figure with a pike emerged, its movements jerky and unnatural. It was surely one of the Baron¡¯s minions, and it had managed to track them here, ignoring the fight back at the inn. Justin¡¯s mind raced. His Poison Barb ability had always been his go-to in confrontations, but this...this was something else. There was nothing else but to try. With a surge of adrenaline, he unleashed the most cutting insult he could muster at that moment, aiming it directly at the undead creature. ¡°Is this the best you can do? You move slower than a snail with a limp!¡± The undead¡¯s only response was a continued, relentless advance, unaffected by the verbal jab. Clearly, this creature lacked the sentience of the undead speaker down in the inn. More than that, Justin¡¯s ability hadn¡¯t even been activated. The creature before them was completely immune to it.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. But at least the barb caused Lila to wake up. She drew her throwing knives, the blades whistling with deadly intent as she lobbed them. Despite the darkness, all three struck true, the last one in the neck But horrifyingly, the creature barely reacted, its hollow gaze fixed on them as it extended its pike. Justin felt panic set in. Their usual attacks were futile against this relentless foe. They were being cornered, their backs pressing against the cold stone of a forge. ¡°The head!¡± Justin said. ¡°Go for the head!¡± Justin extended his hands as the pike closed in. He was far too tired to run, but even so, he made a feeble bid to escape, pulling Lila along with him. He knew they couldn¡¯t keep it up for much longer, but they had to try. They had only made it a few steps, the undead soldier groaning behind them. But that was when something most unexpected happened: something black shot down from the sky with a chilling screech, talons extended. ¡°Shadowflight!¡± Justin said. There was a brief moment of fighting between the brave bird and the zombie soldier, and it wasn¡¯t long before the falcon disengaged, buying them another moment. But another moment was all they needed. An arrow whistled through the air, piercing the undead soldier squarely through the head. The zombie stumbled, stunned by the impact. At the top of the steps Justin and Lila had just ascended stood their rescuer, his robes dark in the night and Shadowflight now fluttering on his shoulder. ¡°Eldrin!¡± Justin exclaimed. Eldrin approached, offering a grim smile. ¡°Night¡¯s not over yet, it seems.¡± A moment later, Alistair burst onto the scene, his silver hammer gleaming under the moonlight, his expression grim. With a mighty roar and a fatal swing, he delivered the final blow, crushing the undead soldier¡¯s head into oblivion with an overhead strike. Alistair, breathing heavily from the exertion, turned to Justin and Lila, his expression all business. ¡°We need to move. The Baron¡¯s forces won¡¯t stop coming after us.¡± ¡°Why does he even care about me?¡± Justin asked. ¡°You¡¯re a loose end. This could crumble all his ambitions.¡± Justin nodded, the reality of their situation sinking in. They were in the heart of a battle they had barely begun to understand, against forces darker and more powerful than he could have imagined. But with Eldrin and Alistair by their side, he and Lila at least stood a fighting chance. ¡°What have I gotten myself into?¡± Lila asked, working fast to retrieve and clean her knives. Alistair has joined the party. You are refreshed by his Divine Aura, boosting your Power by 5%. No one answered Lila as Alistair led them into the darkness. Justin could hardly see anything, but the Paladin seemed to know the way. Before long, Justin realized they were in a narrow cleft, with a rough trail beneath their feet and nothing but the sliver of dark sky above filled with stars to light their way. They kept climbing, Alistair setting a brutal pace despite his heavy armor and swirling white cloak. Eldrin brought up the rear, periodically turning to watch the trail behind. Shadowflight circled above, seemingly in communion with the Ranger. Justin sucked in breath after breath, it never seeming to be enough. Even when they rose above the cleft, the narrow trail before them was engulfed in darkness. Silverton spread below them, hundreds of two and three-story buildings looking deceptively peaceful and cozy below, more windows dark than yellow. The mountain slope soon became forested, and the dense foliage seemed to swallow them whole. ¡°Should¡¯ve picked up that parcel while we had the chance,¡± Lila grumbled. Justin was far too winded to respond. But all it took was one thought of those undead minions, who likely didn¡¯t get tired, for him to keep moving. In his mind, he couldn¡¯t help but see Baron Valdrik¡¯s cruel visage leering at him. Three nights. He had three nights. His only hope was to reach this Mont Elea and hope whoever was there could really help him. He wanted to ask if there would be any bad side effects of the mark, but he simply didn¡¯t have the breath to ask, and no one else was talking. They ran in bursts, walking only when Justin and Lila could not keep pace. At this point, Alistair cast some sort of light spell that illumined the immediate space around them, which made the going much easier. Justin supposed he judged the cover of the forest would block the light from spreading too much. ¡°What¡¯s that magic?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Some sort of spell, Creator¡¯s Light, I think it¡¯s called,¡± Lila said. ¡°Paladins get some basic healing and support magic.¡± Over the next hours, they wrapped around the mountain and Silverton was left behind. Before them spread a forested valley filled with many hills. ¡°The trail ends here,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Eldrin, would you take over and lead with your Pathfinder¡¯s Pace?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Eldrin said. Eldrin, leading the way, seemed to navigate the terrain with an uncanny precision that only a Ranger of his caliber could possess. ¡°Keep close,¡± Eldrin instructed, his voice low. ¡°The night is full of more than just shadows.¡± Lila, despite her fatigue, managed to smile at Justin. ¡°He always talks like he¡¯s quoting from an ancient tome, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Justin remained quiet at the joke, finding he was simply too tired to respond. Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace was remarkable. Just as when they went to Raven¡¯s Rock, it allowed them to traverse the rough, uneven ground at a pace Justin wouldn¡¯t have thought possible. The natural obstacles that should have slowed their progress seemed almost to melt away before Eldrin¡¯s expertise. However, as the hours wore on, even Eldrin¡¯s skillful guidance couldn¡¯t ward off the exhaustion that clung to Justin like a second skin. His legs felt like lead, every step an effort of will. The adrenaline that had fueled him thus far was waning, and the emotional weight of his revelations at the alehouse, combined with the physical toll of their escape, was catching up. Finally, noticing Justin¡¯s staggering steps, Eldrin called a halt. ¡°We¡¯ll rest here.¡± He gestured to a shallow cleft in the hillside that would offer some protection from the elements and concealment from any who might be pursuing them. ¡°We¡¯ll have to trust our enemies can¡¯t pick up the trail, and for Shadowflight to keep watch. It¡¯s only the latter of which I¡¯m certain.¡± ¡°Do you believe your Pathfinder¡¯s Pace has not adequately covered our tracks?¡± Alistair asked. ¡°I¡¯m certain it has,¡± Eldrin replied. ¡°However, against the power of a high level Lexicant, it can be difficult to predict the future.¡± On that ominous note, they settled into the cleft, the ground hard and unwelcoming beneath them, but Justin was too tired to care. Lila and Eldrin busied themselves with setting up a minimal camp, while Alistair stood watch, his gaze scanning the darkness. He allowed his Creator¡¯s Light to dissipate. As Justin lay down, the ground beneath him seemed to spin. He closed his eyes, and within moments, the exhaustion overtook him, pulling him into a deep, dreamless sleep. His last conscious thought was a mix of gratitude for the safety of the moment and a lingering worry about what the dawn would bring. 16. Welcome to Level Two As soon as Justin felt the first bit of consciousness, words entered his mind. You have reached Level Two. A new day has dawned, and despite the challenges you have thus far faced, you feel hopeful for the new day ahead. Much to Justin¡¯s surprise, he actually did feel hopeful, though he had no real reason to, given the circumstances. As when he reached Level 1, the feeling seemed to enter from outside himself. As a Level Two Socialite, you have unlocked your third class skill and you have one attribute point to distribute. Justin summoned his character sheet: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite (Level 2) Experience to Level 3: 404/250(Level-up available!) Attributes Power: 10 Coordination: 10 Endurance: 10 Intellect: 10 Perception: 10 Charisma: 11 First, he had to decide what to do with his attribute point. Justin considered whether it might be beneficial to put it in Endurance, to increase his survivability and perhaps even help with the long marches ahead. In the end, he heaved a sigh and locked his point into Charisma. Might as well go all in, right? Your Charisma is now: 12. Almost instantly, he felt a lightening in his spirit that was hard to quantify. In a burst of clarity, he reflected on past social interactions and understood them with a new perspective. Missed opportunities. Misread facial expressions. Obvious social blunders that could have been averted. It was almost enough to make him puke. Please select your Level 2 class skill. Choose wisely! Justin looked through both of the skills presented to him. Dazzling Display: Once a day, strike a pose or make a gesture that immediately captures the attention of those nearby, momentarily distracting or captivating them. The strength of this skill scales with your Charisma Level. Justin thought it over. Dazzling Display could be useful if he needed others in his party to sneak past a group of guards or something, or quickly gain a crowd¡¯s attention. The fact that it could only be used once a day told Justin the System¡ªor gods¡ªdidn¡¯t want it to be abused too often. So, it was probably powerful. As exhausted as he was, it was difficult to imagine the implications, but in the right circumstances, it could be good. And it would also get more powerful the higher his level. He examined his other option: Engaging Banter: When you engage in a conversation with another character outside your party, there is a percentage chance, based on your Charisma stat, that you proc Engaging Banter, with a maximum chance of 25%. You¡¯ll be ¡°on,¡± knowing just the right things to say, increasing your Charisma stat between 5 and 10 points for the duration of the conversation, unless resisted by their Charisma Level. Engaging Banter may only be attempted on one character per day. Again, like last time, one skill was active, the other more passive. As the morning light filtered through the dense canopy, Justin mulled over each skill with a quiet intensity. The air was crisp, a gentle reminder of the night¡¯s harrowing escape and the new day¡¯s promise of challenges yet to be faced. Dazzling Display and Engaging Banter¡ªeach skill whispered potential, each a tool that could shape his path in this world. Dazzling Display seemed like a beacon in the chaos, a flare shot into the sky to momentarily steer attention away from the shadows. Its once-a-day limit underscored its potency. In a world where swords and spells decided fates, could a mere gesture sway the balance? Distraction could mean the difference between safety and peril. A sudden, captivating gesture could provide the critical seconds needed for escape or to turn the tide of a negotiation. Then, there was Engaging Banter. The skill¡¯s subtlety appealed to Justin¡¯s newfound appreciation for the nuances of interaction. It promised a chance to shine in conversation, to be the person who always knew what to say. True, the percentage chance of it proccing was quite low at his level. With twelve points in his charisma stat, it had a 12% chance of triggering per character, as long as it wasn''t resisted. And it could only proc once per character per day, preventing abuse by simply starting the conversation over and over until it triggered. Plus, when procced, the effects were somewhat random: a respectable 5 points, all the way up to a very nice 10 point bonus. The sheer randomness of it was almost enough to deter him completely. And yet when he thought about the sheer number of conversations he had every day with different people, he was nearly guaranteed to proc Engaging Banter at least once a day, even at his low level. A 12% chance per character and interaction was actually not bad, and in theory, it could happen multiple times a day. But there was a fly in the proverbial ointment, and the fly was big and nasty. Inevitably, he couldn''t count on Engaging Banter to proc when he needed it most, and it was likely to proc for a random conversation that might not matter in the grand scheme of things. If there was a certain person he had to sway, he was just going to end up disappointed if it didn''t proc properly. On the other hand, Dazzling Display might get the job done effectively. Engaging Banter also wouldn¡¯t apply to anyone in his party, but that was of little concern to Justin. Like Dazzling Display, the skill became more useful as he leveled up, becoming likely to trigger. In a land governed by alliances and enmities, words could be as sharp as any blade. The Engaging Banter skill offered not just influence but the opportunity to forge connections, to unravel intentions, and perhaps even to unveil secrets hidden behind layers of diplomacy or deceit. He could imagine himself in a social situation with a lot of people, like a party, where this skill would be incredibly useful. Justin pondered his past, his life on Earth, filled with missed cues and misunderstood intentions. He thought about the loneliness that had gnawed at him, the isolation of not quite fitting in. Here, in Eyrth, was a chance to rewrite that narrative. To be someone who not only belonged but thrived. He considered the future, too. Encounters with bandits, negotiations with potential allies, and perhaps even audiences with royalty lay ahead. The path of a Socialite was not to overpower but to weave through society''s fabric, influencing threads one conversation at a time. Words could topple kingdoms, or build them, more surely than a single sword. Engaging Banter felt like the right choice. However, Dazzling Display felt like the more interesting choice, and also more of a sure thing. Finally, he grinned as his choice crystallized. With a decisive mental click, Justin selected Dazzling Display. At first, he didn''t think he was going to choose it, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. In addition to Poison Barb, he now had two active skills in his arsenal. The System acknowledged his choice, and a warmth spread through him, a subtle shift that felt like the final piece of a puzzle sliding into place. Dazzling Display selected. Remember: The Path of the Socialite unfolds with every word spoken... As he stood, stretching muscles sore from the night¡¯s exertions, Justin felt a newfound confidence. He was still a Socialite, yes, but increasingly he was becoming one well-equipped to navigate the complex tapestry of Eyrthian society. Or was it Earythi society? Assuming he ever made it back to society. With a nod to himself, he turned to face the day, ready to engage with the world in ways he never could before. ¡°You too, huh?¡± Lila asked with a smile. Justin turned, surprised to see that not only Lila was awake, but that Eldrin and Alistair were breaking camp. ¡°Yeah!" Justin said. "I¡¯m Level 2 now!¡± ¡°Score!¡± Lila said, beaming. ¡°Me, too!¡± ¡°I have enough XP to be Level 3, so why am I not?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll have to sleep again, and it needs to be real sleep, not just a nap. You can''t do two level ups in one night.¡± ¡°What defines real sleep?¡± ¡°The gods, of course! Now, what skill did you get?¡± Justin told her his decision, and she watched in amazement. ¡°Dazzling Display! That sounds pretty useful.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your skill?¡± ¡°Rhythmic Attack: Unleash a flurry of knife throws in a precise rhythmic sequence, with each successive hit increasing damage based on a percentage of your Coordination stat, up to six hits.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°That sounds like could be powerful!¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I picked it! Could¡¯ve come in handy last night. Now I''ve just got to get me some more knives to throw...¡± By now, Eldrin and Alistair were putting out the night¡¯s fire. With practiced efficiency, the entire camp was picked up. Shadowflight was nowhere to be seen, and was likely scouting behind them for signs of pursuit. ¡°What about breakfast?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Leveling makes me hungry.¡± ¡°Enjoy those early levels,¡± Eldrin said, with a wink. ¡°Progression takes longer the higher you go.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Levels start off unlocking quite quickly,¡± Alistair explained. ¡°For example, it takes but one point to go from 0 to 1, and only 200 points to go from 1 to 2. After that, the experience requirement for each level increases roughly by a factor of 1.3. So, in practice, it¡¯s quite easy to reach Level 10, but beyond that it gets progressively tougher. Which is why you won¡¯t find very many people who are Level 20 and beyond.¡± ¡°How many levels are there?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Most say 40 is the limit, but if there are any of those, there aren¡¯t many.¡± ¡°We should get moving,¡± Eldrin said, passing around some sandwiches. ¡°We eat on the trail.¡± Not a few seconds later, he was blazing a rapid trail through the bush. The morning sun cast long shadows through the trees as Eldrin led them deeper into the wilderness. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and damp earth. Birds chirped their morning songs, providing a soundtrack to their journey. It seemed they were well into the mountains now, though Justin supposed they might fairly be called tall hills. So far, there was no sign of the Baron and his minions. Justin hoped it stayed that way. Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace was nothing short of miraculous. Despite the uneven terrain and dense underbrush, they moved quickly and efficiently. Justin marveled at how effortlessly Eldrin navigated the forest, avoiding obstacles and finding the best paths with ease. Every so often, Eldrin would stop, raising a hand to signal them to listen or observe a particular detail¡ªa broken branch, a footprint, or the distant call of an animal. Justin and Lila kept close behind, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. Justin wasn¡¯t sure how much good he was doing, but he figured it was better to look busy. As they walked, he couldn¡¯t get rid of the sinking feeling in his stomach. Just the idea that the Baron had marked him for death made him feel a sense of dread, even if nothing was different physically. Alistair brought up the rear, his presence a reassuring anchor amidst the uncertainty of the wild. From time to time, he¡¯d call out the general direction for Eldrin to go, and the Ranger would dutifully find the most efficient path there. As the hours passed, they encountered various wildlife¡ªdeer grazing in a clearing, a family of rabbits darting into their burrows, and even a majestic stag that watched them curiously from a distance. Justin felt a sense of wonder at the natural beauty around him, a stark contrast to the dangers and uncertainties they faced. This reality was just as real as his own, almost to the point where he was wondering if his world was the dream. Thoughts of his old life still came to the fore, but as the days passed, as this world took hold, it was starting to feel more distant. Occasionally, they would come across strange runes etched into the bark of trees or carved into broken masonry along their path. Clearly, this area had once hosted buildings, or even entire cities, now reclaimed by nature. Eldrin would pause to examine these markings, his brow furrowed in concentration. ¡°What are those?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Old magic,¡± Eldrin replied. ¡°Markers left by ancient travelers. They often denote areas of significance or hidden dangers.¡± ¡°Hidden dangers?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°That remains to be seen.¡± ¡°I think we must have taken a wrong turn,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I¡¯ve traveled these lands before, and have never run across these markings.¡± ¡°The Umber Range has many hidden pockets and secrets,¡± Eldrin said, somewhat mysteriously. ¡°One could spend years here and not uncover a quarter of it.¡± "You''ve led us astray, Ranger?" "Nay. This is a faster way to the Guardian Pass. Much safer." Alistair gave a grunt. "I hope so. Lead on." As they continued, the forest began to change subtly. The trees grew taller and denser, their branches forming a thick canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled patches on the forest floor. The air grew cooler, and a strange tension seemed to permeate their surroundings. Justin almost wanted to describe it as like electricity, but it wasn¡¯t that. It was some form of energy. Magic, maybe. All he knew was, he didn¡¯t really like it. It felt like someone, or something, was watching him. By late afternoon, they reached a small stream, its clear water bubbling over smooth stones. They paused to refill their canteens and rest for a moment. ¡°Are you sure we¡¯re going the right way?¡± Alistair asked, his voice pressing. ¡°Yes,¡± Eldrin confirmed. ¡°I¡¯ve been in this forest before. It''s called the Ethereal Wood, and its magic will make anything undead think twice before crossing through it.¡± ¡°It feels...weird,¡± Justin said. ¡°I hope we pass it soon.¡± ¡°It shouldn''t be long,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯re making good time.¡± He glanced up at the sky. ¡°If we keep this pace, we should reach the outskirts of the valley by nightfall.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Alistair said, his eyes scanning the horizon. ¡°The further we get from Silverton, the better.¡± They moved on, the land sloping upward slightly. No one spoke, and an hour later, the silence was broken. ¡°The pass to the Aranthian Plain beyond should be coming up shortly,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We can make camp on the other side.¡± But as they made a final bend around a cliff, Justin didn¡¯t see a pass at all. A narrow canyon greeted them, at the end of which stood the entrance to a cave. A barrier of light covered the cave¡¯s entrance, affixed with runes that glowed faintly, their light pulsating with a gentle, rhythmic glow. Justin and Lila gasped at the sight, while Eldrin and Alistair only looked grim. ¡°Is this some trick, Ranger?¡± Alistair said. ¡°You had better take care in how you answer!¡± ¡°This is no trick,¡± Eldrin answered. ¡°This is the pass. I know these lands like the back of my hand. This is surely no cave.¡± "What are you talking about?" Justin asked nervously. Alistair heaved a sigh. ¡°Alas. It would seem, for better or worse, that we have stumbled upon a Vault.¡± The party stood for a moment, considering. When Alistair had talked about Vaults, this wasn''t what Justin had in mind. He''d imagined decrepit castles, ancient ruins, temples inside a volcano. Standard RPG fare. This cave¡ªor Vault¡ªlooked perfectly ordinary, aside from the barrier of light covering it. Justin cleared his throat. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Vaults were highly dangerous, Eldrin?¡± "Very much so." ¡°We should turn back,¡± Lila said, her face pale. ¡°This is far too dangerous for people like me and Justin.¡± ¡°I concur,¡± Alistair said. ¡°What¡¯s the fastest path around?¡± ¡°We¡¯d have to do a fair bit of backtracking, since we¡¯ve already come so far up the slope,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But to go back would also be risky.¡± ¡°Risky, how?¡± Justin said. ¡°More risky than this Vault? That''s hard to believe.¡± At this moment, there was a dark flutter of movement that fell from the sky as Shadowflight perched on Eldrin¡¯s shoulder. The Ranger communed with the bird for a moment, his expression grave. "They''re getting closer," the Ranger said ominously. ¡°Fifteen undead men, a mix of necro-soldiers and necro-mages." "Arion above," Alistair said. "It''s worse than I thought." "We have to remember that every step backwards is a step closer to them. Despite the failing light, we were quite exposed going up the mountain here. If any member of their group has a class that grants enhanced sight, they might have been able to see us up here, though I¡¯ve done my utmost to cover our tracks. So, the question becomes, is there time to choose another way?¡± ¡°Is there another way?¡± Alistair asked. ¡°If this Vault has sprung up on the pass, then the pass is closed to us, anyway. We have no choice but to turn back, no?¡± ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Hypothetically speaking, if we were to clear this Vault, it would disappear, allowing us to continue on our journey through the pass.¡± ¡°I know how Vaults work,¡± Alistair said, almost grumbling. ¡°However, clearing the Vault would take time. Assuming we were successful, the Baron¡¯s minions might be awaiting our exit.¡± ¡°The pass itself is quite long,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°About three miles. Worse case, assuming the Vault takes up most of the space on the path, we would have a three-mile head start on our pursuers, assuming we can come out the other side. My guess is, given the Vault''s location, that option will be open to us. And once we enter the Vault, its magic will prevent anyone else from following after us. That should give us enough time to make it to Highcliff. From there, we can push on, picking up the Queensroad to the Gulfway, and then north to Mont Elon.¡± ¡°I say it¡¯s too much of a risk,¡± Alistair said. ¡°And yet, going back could be even worse if your falcon has the right of it. The soldiers I can handle, but even a mage or two could tip the scales.¡± ¡°The longer we talk here, the more we''re trapped.¡± Lila said. She glanced at Justin. ¡°What do you think? Should we give it a go?¡± Justin hesitated, weighing their options. The Vault could be a faster route, but it was also filled with unknown dangers. Plus, at least in the games he was used to, dungeons were cleared by damage-dealing characters, tanks, and healers, and most assuredly not Socialites. What good would he be? Alistair and Eldrin would be carrying them all, most likely. Even Lila had the benefit of her knife-throwing skills. What was he supposed to do, dazzle his enemies with small talk and charm them into submission? He glanced at Alistair and Lila, seeing the concern etched on their faces. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Justin admitted. ¡°It¡¯s risky. What if we run into something I can¡¯t handle?¡± Alistair nodded in agreement. ¡°It¡¯s true. Vaults are unpredictable. We could find ourselves in more trouble than we bargained for. And once we enter, there are two ways out. Clearing it, or dying.¡± Putting it in such a way made Justin feel a cold dread. ¡°There are different types of Vaults,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Some are static. The dangers and challenges within are the same, no matter the composition of the party. Some, however, are dynamic. That means they are calibrated for the levels and classes of the people who enter. They will be a challenge, but are set up to be achievable.¡± ¡°The trick is, how can we tell which one is which?" Lila asked. "That''s the thing," Alistair said. "We can''t really. If we were to go closer, we''d get a sense of what to expect inside from the Vault Description, but that''s hardly a guarantee." ¡°I imagine there would be treasure,¡± Justin said. "Right?" ¡°Assuredly,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Given the danger pursuing us, I say we press on. It''s the most direct route, and something tells me that this Vault may have formed for a reason. It''s entirely too coincidental.¡± ¡°That''s speculation!¡± Lila said. ¡°If there''s another option, what is it? Justin and I especially are incredibly vulnerable. To go in would be irresponsible!" The Ranger shrugged. ¡°We would need to backtrack about an hour and then head north. In another week, there will be another pass, harder to cross. We will be greatly slowed since our supplies won¡¯t stretch so far. While we need to stop and eat, the undead have less need for sustenance. Their progress will be slowed in the daytime, true, but at night, they can travel faster than even us. Seven days would be enough, perhaps, for them to catch up entirely.¡± Eldrin paused for a moment, seeming to sense something the others could not. Lila opened her mouth, but Eldrin held up a hand, pointing his ear down the mountainside. ¡°They¡¯re close, now,¡± he whispered after a moment. ¡°Maybe a mile behind us. It seems the decision has been made for us.¡± Justin swallowed and felt his heart miss a beat. He reached for Eldrin¡¯s dagger at his belt, though he supposed the dagger was his now. Alistair¡¯s face was grim. ¡°Well, I am a Level 25 Paladin, and one would think that counts for something. Eldrin, though you are Level 10, you fight well beyond your abilities. Between the two of us, we should have no trouble clearing this Vault¡¯s trials. Indeed, as you said, we have little choice.¡± He turned to face Lila and Justin. ¡°Stay close, and no harm will befall you.¡± Justin and Lila both nodded shakily. Reluctantly, the party moved toward the cave entrance. The ancient runes flared to life as they approached, casting an eerie glow on everyone¡¯s faces. Vault Discovered: The Guardian''s Pass'' Recommended Party Level: 12 Average Party Level: 9.75 Risk Level: Highly Dangerous! Your party is beneath the recommended level. Disaster, dismemberment, or death is likely. Proceed with utmost care! Description: The Guardians¡¯ Pass is a mysterious Vault shaped by the ancient magic of the Ethereal Wood. This pass once bore witness to a great battle, between the Guardian Force of the Ancient Kingdom of Valoria and the Shadow Empire. This Vault presents challenges both physical and mental, demanding a keen mind and a strong spirit. Within its depths, your party will face trials designed to test your resolve, unity, and courage. Rewards Upon Completion: Do you accept the Vault¡¯s challenge? Despite the danger of the situation, Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel anything but a strange thrill. It almost felt like he was playing a game in his mom¡¯s basement again. Almost. "We¡¯ll let Alistair lead," Eldrin said. ¡°Stay close to me,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I should vastly out-level everything here, so as long as you are near, we¡¯ll make it out in one piece.¡± Justin surely hoped so. ¡°Lead the way.¡± Alistair gave a firm nod. Justin felt a mental push to accept the Vault''s challenge. He knew everyone else was receiving the same prod, and the challenge would only begin once everything had confirmed their willingness to undergo it. Lila sighed. "Well, here goes nothing." Your Party has accepted the Challenge of The Guardians¡¯ Pass. May your courage be your guide and resolve your shield, and remember, don¡¯t discount the power of a single whisper. Good luck, brave adventurers. Justin felt something like a mental click in his head. In tandem, the four party members passed the threshold of light and into the Vault. 17. Voices in the Dark To Justin¡¯s amazement, as they passed through, the cave was completely replaced by what he assumed to be the pass, just shy of full darkness. Two mountain peaks rose on either side, cloaked in shadow, while the weather had become colder. The sky above was completely clear and full of stars, where before, it had been quite cloudy. Justin wasn¡¯t sure what was going on, but it probably had something to do with the magic of the Vault. In the distance, Justin spied what looked like the light of many campfires, along with pavilions and tents, and shadowed figures moving about. Eldrin sent Shadowflight off to explore, and the dark bird was almost instantly lost to the sky above. But Justin didn¡¯t need the creature¡¯s intel to know what he was looking at. Even at a distance, it looked like something off the set of one of his favorite TV shows, A Throne of Games. ¡°An encampment,¡± Alistair said. ¡°This must be the Valorian Guardian Force.¡± ¡°What do we do?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Is the battle about to start?¡± ¡°Only one way to find out,¡± the Paladin responded. ¡°I imagine we are expected to offer our services to them, to turn the tide in an otherwise hopeless battle against the Shadow Empire.¡± ¡°Valoria lost this battle,¡± Eldrin said grimly. ¡°Once, their cities completely filled the valleys of the Umber Range.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what those ruins were, then,¡± Justin said. ¡°How did they lose the battle? That information might come in handy if we are to reverse history.¡± ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯ve heard the tale before, but the details of exactly how they lost elude me. All I can say is Valoria was a small kingdom, hardly able to withstand the might of the Shadow Empire. The Empire went on to rule the entirety of Serenthel for the next four centuries.¡± ¡°And we¡¯re expected to stop that somehow?¡± Lila asked in disbelief. Justin could see just how pale her face was under the moonlight. ¡°I would assume so,¡± Alistair said. ¡°But remember: this is not an actual recreation of history. This Vault is Level 12 and as such, it should be perfectly possible to clear for our party. The only thing we can do is find out more.¡± They stepped into the light of the camp and were greeted with a somber scene. Soldiers dressed in heavy bronze armor sat around fires, spears and shields never far away. The martial technology seemed akin to Ancient Greece; steel armor, such as the kind Alistair wore, likely hadn¡¯t been discovered yet, or at least wasn¡¯t widespread. The soldiers were sharing quiet conversations in a strange tongue that Justin couldn¡¯t at first understand, but after a moment, in a strange burst of knowledge likely supplied by the Vault itself, he understood as well as his own native English. They were over a thousand years in the past, so it made sense that the language was different, especially if this Vault was doing its best to correspond to a real historical event. The soldiers were casting glances at the darkening sky. ¡°Aye, they¡¯ll attack tonight,¡± Justin overheard one of them say. ¡°Mark my words.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll wait until morning,¡± another disagreed. ¡°They don¡¯t know the pass like we do and stand to lose too many men.¡± ¡°They say they have fifty thousand. Fifty thousand, against our one thousand. I don¡¯t think the Empire cares about the loss of life; they¡¯ll want to end this as soon as they can, especially with our reinforcements a day away. You watch.¡± ¡°A bright ray of sunshine, aren¡¯t you, Darian?¡± Darian flashed a dark smile, and Justin didn¡¯t much like the look of him, though he couldn¡¯t have explained why. ¡°Is there any point in saying otherwise? I welcome death and will fight to the last drop of my blood, just like any other Guardian. But we¡¯d be fools to deny the truth. Soon, the Shadow will cover all of Serenthel. Mayhaps death would be a mercy compared to what our wives and children will have to endure in the coming weeks.¡± ¡°I¡¯m done with you,¡± the other soldier said in disgust. ¡°If I truly have but a few hours left, I don¡¯t want to spend them with you.¡± ¡°It matters not,¡± Darian said with a dark chuckle. ¡°I need to take a piss, anyway. Mayhaps the last one of my life.¡± Darian stood and left while the other nameless soldier simply sat, thinking dark thoughts. Just hearing their conversation made Justin feel a sense of impending doom. Clearly, morale was incredibly low, and it wouldn¡¯t take much for the men to break. They clearly had their work cut out for them. They stayed out of the light of the fires, Alistair picking a path to avoid the soldiers who were still eating dinner. In this way, they made their way to the center of the camp, where what appeared to be the command tent stood. Two guards in full bronze armor, spears, and shields stood outside, crossing their weapons at their approach. ¡°Who goes there?¡± the taller of the two said. ¡°State your business or be gone!¡± ¡°Spies,¡± the other guard said. ¡°We are no spies,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We¡¯ve come to offer our aid in these dark times.¡± Only now did the soldiers seem to register his garb, their stance relaxing a bit. Their eyes seemed to go wide at his steel armor. Justin assumed the material to be a rarity in these times. ¡°Sir Paladin. Forgive me. I didn¡¯t notice your robes at first. Has the Church of Light at last responded to our call for aid?¡± ¡°It has,¡± Alistair confirmed. ¡°I must speak with your commander at once.¡± ¡°Where are the rest?¡± the other soldier said. ¡°It¡¯s not just you, is it?¡± ¡°Alas, this was all they could spare,¡± Alistair said. ¡°But I assure you, I am here to fight, and if necessary, die for your cause.¡± ¡°Bold words, Paladin. Better one Paladin than none, I say. They say the Shadow Empire is bringing the undead to this battle, so your aid will be much needed. When the Elementalists run out of fire spells, we have naught left to turn back the tide.¡± The second soldier took in the rest of them. ¡°And who are your companions? A Ranger, I see, and that is well enough.¡± He said nothing more as his eyes ran over Justin and Lila doubtfully. ¡°Friends and allies. Stronger than they appear, I assure you.¡± ¡°For Valoria¡¯s sake, I would hope so. Wait here.¡± The soldier ducked into the tent, and not a moment later, reemerged. ¡°You may go in. Commander Thalon is expecting you.¡± ¡°I thank you,¡± Alistair said. He nodded to the rest, and they ducked inside. The commander¡¯s tent was spacious and well-organized. A large wooden table dominated the center, covered in maps and battle plans. The walls were adorned with black weapons and armor, trophies from past battles, many filled with wicked points. Justin could only assume the armor had once belonged to the enemy. Dim lanterns hung from the tent poles, casting a warm, flickering light that contrasted with the cold tension in the air. Commander Thalon had the appearance of a grizzled veteran, with several scars marring his face. He was dressed in intricately carved bronze armor which suggested the shape of a stag. A few of his officers stood silently by, also in bronze, with stags carved into their breastplates. Justin could only assume the animal was the emblem of Valoria, and indeed, he remembered seeing it in the valley below. From the empty goblets and plates with bones and trace scraps, Justin got the sense that they had been in here a while. Thalon watched the maps, deep in thought, seeming to search for a solution that wasn¡¯t there. His sharp blue eyes lifted as they entered, immediately taking in Alistair¡¯s presence with recognition and respect. He didn¡¯t seem to see anyone else. ¡°Sir Paladin,¡± Thalon said. His voice was weary but commanding. ¡°I had expected at least nine more of your brethren to heed our call to arms. At least, I got news this morning that the Chapter House of Ulua was withdrawing from the Seraphim Range and seemingly abandoning Valoria to its fate. Do you come bearing more ill tidings, or that hammer of yours?¡± Alistair stepped forward. ¡°My hammer, my lord. Though we are few in number, I would like you to take heart. We are here to offer our assistance in your battle against the Shadow Empire.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Thalon gave a dry chuckle. ¡°Take heart? I know not if you mock us, but all of us here know the truth. This is to be our last stand against the Shadow. I have fought against them very nearly since my first memory. The mountains have ever been Valoria¡¯s shield, even as other kingdoms have fallen around us. But it would be easier to stop a glacier with the palm of one¡¯s hand than the inevitability approaching us now.¡± ¡°Maybe so,¡± Alistair said. ¡°But if we can win this battle, your country might have at least a few more years of freedom, and perhaps be able to secure favorable terms of peace. It is our intention to fight by your side, whatever the case. This battle can still be won, and I must ask you to have faith in Arion¡¯s plans.¡± ¡°Arion. Yes. Some of the men are saying Arion is weak, blasphemy or no. When the Shadow is so strong, along with their demon gods, how can a man of faith not question? All of Calidon they hold, and it would seem Serenthel is next.¡± ¡°Save these unwholesome thoughts for another time, my lord,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We are here to discuss strategy. My skills and abilities can stand up to the Shadow Empire¡¯s minions, and Eldrin the Ranger, who stands next to me, is not to be discounted.¡± ¡°And these two?¡± Thalon asked, eyeing Lila and Justin. ¡°They seem rather ill-suited to battle.¡± His eyes seemed to dismiss Justin entirely. ¡°There is yet time to flee for the Seraphim Range if you are fleet of foot.¡± ¡°We are here to fight, too,¡± Lila said. ¡°Such as we can.¡± Justin nodded grimly, though he felt his stomach sink a bit at the thought. ¡°The men¡¯s morale seems quite low. Perhaps I can give a speech or two. Try and encourage them.¡± ¡°A Charisma class?¡± Thalon said. ¡°Are you a Bard, or perhaps a diplomat?¡± ¡°A Socialite.¡± ¡°Hah!¡± Thalon barked a laugh that seemed genuine. ¡°The men will have a laugh at that! We need a good joke before we march to our doom.¡± Justin¡¯s cheeks colored, but he said nothing. ¡°Time is limited,¡± Alistair pressed. ¡°I am here to lend my knowledge of military strategy. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes is all it takes to find a solution.¡± ¡°Perhaps. But if you can scrounge a solution from this muddled mess, many-a-song and story will be dedicated to your name!¡± ¡°It is not my glory I¡¯m worried about, but that of Arion¡¯s. He has not abandoned you, Commander. Have faith, and we will come out the other side.¡± ¡°Maybe so, Sir Paladin. Might I ask your name?¡± ¡°Alistair of Drakendale.¡± ¡°A strange land, that! I¡¯ve never heard of it, but I pray that it is far indeed from the threat of the Shadow Empire.¡± Justin was beginning to feel worse than useless. ¡°Perhaps Lila and I can explore the camp a bit. Maybe we can find something out.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Don¡¯t stray too far. Return at once if you ever come under threat.¡± Lila watched Justin curiously, but in the end, followed him out. Once out into the cold night, she rubbed her hands together. ¡°I did not dress appropriately for this Vault!¡± But Justin was already watching the campfire where they had passed the two soldiers and their grim conversation. Darian was still gone, while the other he¡¯d been speaking to sat alone, staring into the flames. ¡°Don¡¯t discount the power of a single whisper,¡± Justin mused. ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said. ¡°That¡¯s what the Vault Description said, right?¡± ¡°It has to mean something. Come on.¡± He headed for the soldier, taking up a seat on a nearby stump without waiting for an invitation. He was a wiry man with a thick mustache, along with sharp features and short, cropped hair. His bronze armor, though scuffed and worn, was meticulously maintained, hinting at a disciplined and meticulous nature. He had an honest face, such as Justin could figure it. ¡°Good evening,¡± Justin began. ¡°Dark times for Valoria, eh?¡± The man looked back into the fire, letting out a sharp breath, electing not to respond. It probably hadn¡¯t been the best thing to lead with. ¡°Who was that guy you were talking to back there?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Darian, was it?¡± This at least provoked an answer. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s his name. Shifty fellow. Never much liked him. He¡¯s gone now, and that¡¯s good enough for me.¡± ¡°I¡¯d hoped to speak with him,¡± Justin went on. ¡°Has he come back to camp yet?¡± ¡°Hells if I know,¡± the man said. Finally, he looked up, seeming to take them both in. ¡°What are you both doing out here? Squires to the Sir in the tent?¡± ¡°Something like that,¡± Justin said. ¡°However, with the way things are looking, it would seem we¡¯re going to die like the rest of you.¡± The man gave a dark chuckle at that. ¡°Well, if you were to head back west, I¡¯d keep my lips sealed.¡± He eyed their weapons. ¡°There¡¯s not much those knives can do against the Shadow Empire¡¯s armies.¡± ¡°Well, we¡¯re here to stay, for better or worse. Would you happen to know where Darian is bunking?¡± ¡°Why? What¡¯s it to you?¡± Justin shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Nothing. We¡¯re just going around to talk to the men, see if we can boost spirits. He seems to be especially dispirited.¡± ¡°Good luck in that,¡± the man said. He looked at Lila. ¡°And what¡¯s your contribution?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a Bard,¡± Lila said simply. ¡°Have you heard the tale of the Star of Elara?¡± The man¡¯s face softened into a smile. ¡°Aye, who hasn¡¯t? What I wouldn¡¯t give to find that amulet! We could use a bit of protection right now.¡± He paused for a moment. ¡°My name¡¯s Georgius, by the way.¡± ¡°Georgius,¡± Lila said. ¡°Well, Georgius, tell my friend here where Darian went off to, and I wouldn¡¯t mind entertaining you with a song or three. And maybe even one you haven¡¯t even heard of.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± Georgius said, considering. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t guess why you¡¯d want to talk to that odd fellow, but I can¡¯t turn down a song from a pretty lass like you. Skip the Star of Elara, though. Why don¡¯t you pick something a bit happier?¡± ¡°I¡¯d be glad to,¡± she said. ¡°This one¡¯s a song from my childhood. Of happier times when there was no Shadow Empire to worry about.¡± ¡°What¡¯s it called?¡± ¡°Echoes of the Sunlit Glen,¡± she said. Lila cleared her throat and started singing, and her voice was so sweet that despite its softness, it carried throughout the pass. In no time at all, grizzled men started gathering to watch. First there were just a few, and then there were dozens. Their eyes were hungry for any sort of hope, any reason to fight. Justin could hardly describe it, but there was definitely some sort of bardic magic in the air. The ballad was one of peace and prosperity, conjuring in Justin¡¯s mind memories of simpler times. Images of green fields and clear blue skies entered his mind unbidden as Lila¡¯s voice wove a tapestry of vivid imagery. Clearly, Justin wasn¡¯t alone, from the way all the men hung on her every word. No doubt, this was an effect of her Bardic Inspiration ability, but either due to her innate talent or the situation at hand, the song¡¯s power seemed to reach even beyond the limits of her skill. The melody was both haunting and uplifting, a bittersweet reminder of what these men were fighting to protect. As the final notes faded into the night, the soldiers remained silent for a moment, lost in the reverie Lila had conjured, some even with tears in their eyes. Then, one by one, they began to clap, a slow, appreciative sound that grew into heartfelt applause. For a brief moment, the fear and despair that had hung over the camp like a shroud were lifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, Justin searched among the men for Darian, but he was absent. One of the soldiers called out. ¡°Do you know Valor of the Fallen?¡± Lila frowned in confusion. ¡°No. I don¡¯t. It might go by a different name in my land.¡± The man quickly hummed the tune in a deep bass, and Lila nodded in recognition. ¡°Ah. That one¡¯s called The Heroes¡¯ Last Stand where I¡¯m from. I do know it. And I¡¯ll be happy to sing it, if anyone can tell me where Darian went off to.¡± ¡°Darian?¡± said a thickset man with a square face, close to the fire. ¡°Saw him walking toward the northern slopes, where we have the latrine. About fifteen minutes past.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said. As she started the new song, Justin headed north. And he knew it was north because of what Lila had told him about the Star of Elara. It was blue and bright in the north sky before him. As Lila¡¯s voice faded with distance, Justin exited the perimeter of the camp, smelling the latrine long before he found it. On the way, he grabbed a torch to light his path. He wondered when the Shadow Empire forces were supposed to attack, and it made him nervous to go off on his own. He remembered Alistair¡¯s warning to stay close and fully realized what he was doing was stupid. And yet the hunch was too strong to ignore. Lila knew where he was going and would catch up later. When he reached the latrine, he found that it was completely empty. If Darian had already come back to camp, they must have missed each other in the darkness, sometime before Justin grabbed the torch. But for some reason, he didn¡¯t think that was why. Possessed by he knew not what, he trekked beyond the latrine, toward a small stream that ran at the base of the north side of the pass. He forded the water at the easiest point he could find in the darkness. The water was horribly cold, but he moved, hoping it wouldn¡¯t get too deep. Thankfully, he pulled himself from the other side, having only gotten wet to his hips. As he lit the way, he noticed a trail of water leading up the slope. Someone had been up here, and quite recently. It had to have been Darian. Justin considered his next move, only to hear splashing in the stream behind him. He felt a thrill of fear, but it was far too late to put out his torch. Whoever was down there had already seen him. He reached for his dagger. ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Lila said. ¡°What on Eyrth are you doing up here?¡± He waited for her to catch up before responding. ¡°I think Darian came this way. There¡¯s no reason for him to be up here unless he¡¯s up to no good.¡± Lila noted the trail. ¡°Well, he¡¯d have about fifteen minutes on us, assuming he¡¯s not out there watching from the darkness right now. Where do you think he¡¯s headed? Sounds like he was ready to split.¡± Justin already had something of an idea. History had been one of the few subjects he¡¯d enjoyed in school, and he sometimes even listened to history-related podcasts while he gamed. And this situation was definitely tickling that part of his brain. ¡°Let¡¯s follow his trail. There¡¯s something to this.¡± ¡°We can always turn back if it¡¯s nothing, right?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Besides, you need me to watch your back.¡± ¡°Appreciate it.¡± The duo set off into the darkness. It didn¡¯t take long for the water trail to disappear, but there were still boot prints from time to time. Justin was no tracker, but it was impossible to miss the impressions. Darian could have easily stepped on the many rocks to more easily cover his tracks, but the man was in a hurry. The question was: why? After five minutes, it became clear they didn¡¯t need to follow the tracks anymore because they were on some sort of trail. ¡°Interesting,¡± Lila said. ¡°Just as I thought,¡± Justin said. ¡°I knew something was off about him.¡± ¡°What about him was off? He¡¯s a deserter, clearly. Someone who knows the land. It hardly changes the equation, right?¡± ¡°I would say the same thing,¡± Justin said. ¡°Except we are in a Vault. He has nowhere to desert to.¡± ¡°True,¡± Lila said. ¡°So, where is he going?¡± ¡°The Shadow Empire¡¯s camp,¡± Justin said. ¡°Where else? And if the Shadow Empire doesn''t know about this trail, that could be the thing that tips this battle.¡± Lila''s face paled as she considered the implications. "Yes, I can see that. We need to hunt him down before he reaches that camp!" "Let''s move," Justin said. With that, they followed the trail as fast their feet could carry them in the darkness. 18. A Dance With Death Justin wanted to leave the torch behind. It seemed too risky to be seen. However, there was no way they¡¯d go fast enough to catch up with Darian without it, especially considering the unfamiliar path. On the other hand, Justin worried that Darian might see them pursuing and either pick up his pace or, worse, get off the trail and ambush them. Eventually, they ditched the torch. It took a few minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness, but the risk of being seen was just too great. Besides, the moon and stars were bright enough to lend some light, though Justin tripped more than a few times. As the trail continued, it seemed Justin¡¯s original hunch was right¡ªit led to the enemy army¡¯s camp. They were traveling due west, and at many points, they came right up to the cliff that overlooked the pass. The going was rough, and it was clear this trail was mostly used by animals, perhaps mountain goats. Despite that, there was more than enough room for two men to march abreast. Assuming the Shadow Empire used it tonight, the Valorians would have an ugly surprise for them in a few hours. ¡°How did you figure all this out?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Seems like a lucky guess.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure I really figured it out, per se,¡± Justin said. ¡°I just felt like something was off about Darian. When he left the fire and said, It matters not, I thought that was a weird thing to say for someone about to face his death. Second, Georgius had a low opinion of him, calling him shifty and strange, which matched my assessment. And finally, this is where my knowledge of history came in handy.¡± ¡°What knowledge?¡± ¡°Well, in my world, there was a battle similar to this one, called the Battle of Thermopylae. I won¡¯t bore you with too many details, but a group of elite fighters, called the Spartans, defended a crucial pass against the much larger Persian Empire. They were doomed to die, but their end was hastened when a goatherd showed the Persians a hidden path, allowing them to surround the Spartans. Instead of using the pass as a chokepoint, they were forced to defend multiple angles.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Lila said. ¡°So, Darian is our goatherd.¡± ¡°I believe so. This trail can lead nowhere but the enemy camp. In exchange for selling out the Valorians, he wants to save his own skin and maybe turn a profit.¡± ¡°Makes sense. But should we really be doing this part alone? We¡¯re getting too far from camp. We¡¯ve probably walked a mile with no sign of him. What if we are too late and we run into the Shadow Empire?¡± ¡°There¡¯s still time to catch him, maybe,¡± Justin said. ¡°And if we¡¯re too late, we¡¯ve probably already failed the Vault, anyway.¡± ¡°We¡¯d better run,¡± Lila said. ¡°Our eyes should be fully adjusted.¡± As they picked up the pace, there was still no sign of Darian, and within half an hour, they¡¯d hit a turn that took them around the mountain, only to reveal a vast camp before them, many times larger than that of the Valorians, lit with hundreds of fires and tents. Perhaps even thousands of fires, considering the camp followers. The camp sprawled out like a small city, with rows of tents in neat formations and sentries patrolling the perimeter. Shadows flickered across the canvas of the tents as soldiers moved about, their armor dark in the night. The low murmur of voices and the occasional clink of metal filled the air, creating an ominous and foreboding atmosphere. Beyond the camp, the land sloped downward, revealing a rolling plain interspersed with low hills. ¡°That¡¯s an army if I ever saw one,¡± Lila said. ¡°Seems Darian is already inside. It would be too risky to keep going. No way we can catch him and escape with our lives.¡± Justin was considering this when a shadow fell from above. He nearly screamed, but it was only Shadowflight, perching on a nearby branch and regarding them curiously. Fear instantly changed into happiness; the bird certainly had a knack for showing up at just the right times, probably a product of the animal¡¯s keen sense of sight. Justin addressed the noble creature. ¡°Tell Eldrin to head north of the latrines. There¡¯s a hidden path here that the Shadow Empire is going to use to attack the Valorians.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t sure if the bird understood, but before he could even ask, Shadowflight flew off without so much as a screech. Within minutes, he would perch on the Ranger¡¯s shoulder, relating the message. Or at least, Justin hoped so. ¡°It¡¯s the best we can do,¡± Lila said. Justin and Lila were about to do just that when a sudden bright light shone, temporarily blinding them, accompanied by a shout. ¡°Halt! In the name of the Shadow Emperor!¡± The language used differed from Valorian, harsher and more guttural. As Justin¡¯s eyes adjusted, he noticed several guards approaching, until within seconds, eight soldiers had them surrounded. Likely, this was an advance party sent to check out the pass for themselves. Justin realized, with a sinking heart, that the Vault had meant them to pursue Darian from the get-go. He wanted to kick himself for not acting on his hunch immediately. The soldiers loomed, decked out in heavy black armor with spikes on the shoulders. Each soldier bore a pike, except one, who was dressed in black robes, a sort of light spell hovering above his head. That was a magic-user, if Justin had ever seen one. Justin did his best to plaster on an amiable smile. He was a Socialite, so it was time to socialize. ¡°Oh, am I glad to see you guys! We have urgent information about the Valorian forces that could change things entirely. We work with Darian.¡± The two soldiers in front of Justin, the mage and a soldier whose armor was more ornate than the others, exchanged skeptical glances. It was the latter who spoke. ¡°And who are you supposed to be?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Justin,¡± Justin said. ¡°Justin Talemaker, Socialite Extraordinaire. And this is my partner, Lila the Bard. I¡¯ve been undercover with the Valorians and have gathered key intelligence on their defenses. Intelligence that may save thousands of Shadowian lives tomorrow.¡± Justin internally winced at his use of the word ¡°Shadowian,¡± but thankfully, the soldiers didn¡¯t seem to think anything of it. ¡°A Socialite and a Bard,¡± the mage drawled, his voice cold and his thin lips curled downward in distaste. ¡°Well, if there¡¯s one thing your kind is good for, it¡¯s spinning tales.¡± Lila seemed to be frightened out of her wits, so Justin knew it was on him to respond. He was strangely calm, and he hoped none of these soldiers had invested much in their Charisma stats. He just had to keep talking. ¡°We¡¯ve been gathering information in the guise of entertainers. It¡¯s the perfect cover. No one suspects a Bard and a Socialite, trying to earn their keep from those doomed to die, anyway.¡± He gave a slimy smile. ¡°And if we thieve a silver here and there, well, who¡¯s there to cry boo?¡± ¡°Just get on with it, Socialite,¡± the mage said. ¡°My patience wears thin. What is this key intelligence?¡± ¡°I will speak to no one but the commander of this army,¡± Justin said. ¡°Whoever he may be.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°There¡¯s no time for that!¡± the mage said. ¡°I¡¯m Zaramund Dar¡¯Karesh, Arch-Mage of the Nihilan Order. I need to make sure this is worth the General''s time. Give us something so that we know you¡¯re not playing us false. How far away are the Valorian reinforcements? What are their exact numbers? Telling us this would prove your loyalty to the Empire. And who knows? Mayhap a few silvers might find their way into your pockets.¡± ¡°About three days away,¡± Justin lied. Maybe if they bought it, they¡¯d be less inclined to attack early, though it wasn¡¯t likely. ¡°I can¡¯t say how many, but enough to bog things down for the Shadow side, for sure.¡± ¡°What about their magical forces? Are they deployed near the front or are they keeping them in reserve?¡± ¡°That, I can¡¯t say. Commander Thalon has been shifting them around of late.¡± ¡°What do you think, Captain Varus?¡± the mage asked the senior officer. ¡°Something¡¯s not adding up, that¡¯s for sure. Why didn¡¯t Darian say anything about you?¡± ¡°That¡¯s easy,¡± Lila said, coming to her wits. Her voice was filled with indignation. ¡°He hoped to take the entire reward for himself, but this was always our teamwork that pulled this off. He left us without a word.¡± ¡°I see,¡± the Captain said. ¡°Well, perhaps it¡¯s time you headed back to camp. The attack will begin soon.¡± He turned to a soldier next to him. ¡°Take them to the supply tent and see that they get paid¡­appropriately.¡± ¡°Of course, Lord Captain,¡± the man said, with a sinister smile Justin didn¡¯t much like. ¡°Follow me.¡± ¡°The Empire thanks you for your service,¡± the Arch-Mage said, with a thin, cold smile. ¡°Now off with you before we change our minds.¡± Justin tried to repress the lump that was forming in his throat. Instead, he returned his own smile and gave a half bow. ¡°It was our pleasure, m¡¯lords.¡± With Shadowflight likely relating the news to Eldrin even now, there was only one thing he and Lila had to concern themselves with: escaping with their necks intact. They walked a couple of minutes into the darkness in silence, and it didn¡¯t take long for Justin to realize they were not going toward the Shadow Empire camp. There was only one reason for that. They were being marched off to be killed, somewhere out of sight and out of mind. He could only wonder why they hadn¡¯t killed them on the spot. Perhaps the captain wanted to avoid alarming the troops with the presence of spies or dissenters, or maybe they intended to interrogate them further before disposing of them. As Justin was racking his brain for a way out, the soldiers came to a sudden stop. As they turned, brandishing their pikes, he knew they only had seconds left. He exchanged a quick glance with Lila. Her aim had to be true. But Justin could at least give her a better shot. Immediately, Justin directed his Poison Barb ability at the leader, analyzing his face and discovering the perfect emotional wound to exploit. This had to stun him, or they were both dead. Justin felt his body fill with an anger and viciousness he had never known. It was as if he were channeling the spirit of someone who had once been unbelievably cruel to the leader. The words flew out of his lips furiously. ¡°You know why your captain keeps you in the shadows? Because even he knows your mother sold you for less than a pig¡¯s trough and that you¡¯re nothing but a bastard dog licking at the Empire¡¯s boots for scraps!¡± The man stopped short, completely stunned. Before the other men could react to the insult, Lila¡¯s hands were flashing. One knife flew, then another, whistling through the air and burying themselves in the soldier next to the stunned leader. Poison Barb refreshed. The other men, finally waking up to the threat, thrust their pikes forward. Justin and Lila danced out of the way, heading toward the gap created by the leader. Justin hurled another insult, locking onto the Shadow soldier closest to them. ¡°You couldn¡¯t fight your way out of a brothel, and even a whore wouldn¡¯t waste their time on that nub of yours!¡± The man stopped short, even throwing a hand over his heart, as if he were truly in pain. The leader, surprisingly, was still stunned, and even shaking a bit. From the jerking of his leg, it seemed he was trying to move but failing. Lila threw the rest of her knives, all but three clinking off their armor. The final one buried itself in the most laggardly soldier¡¯s neck. Two down, two to go. Poison Barb refreshed. By now, the leader was coming to his senses, along with the other soldier whose manhood Justin had insulted. His Poison Barb had gone off cooldown, but with both soldiers advancing, there was no time to lob another insult. ¡°Attack, attack!¡± the leader screamed. ¡°Kill them!¡±
They had one chance left. Justin wasn¡¯t sure how Dazzling Display would get them out of this, but he had no choice but to try. He activated the skill. As with the Poison Barb, it felt like his entire body was taken over. For some inexplicable reason, an over-the-top vision of Michael Jackson, complete with an exaggerated white glove and sparkling socks, entered his mind. Like a puppet on strings, he had no control over what happened next. He started moonwalking in an extravagant, almost comical fashion as a spotlight from seemingly nowhere shone down on him. At that moment, he was one of the most flamboyant performers of all time from his own world. ¡°Shamone! Hee-hee!¡± he cried, his voice booming ridiculously loud, as if amplified by a stadium¡¯s worth of speakers. The two soldiers gawked at Justin, their jaws dropping. Their weapons sagged, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief as they were captivated by the absurd performance. They were definitely dazzled, especially as streamers of light and oversized confetti shot from Justin¡¯s person in a ludicrously flashy display. From the corner of his vision, Justin saw Lila rushing to grab her discarded knives. Despite the danger of the situation, it seemed she was trying hard not to laugh at the spectacle. Justin kept moving, now doing an embellished Thriller dance, complete with overly dramatic zombie movements, when suddenly, the spotlight went out. Justin let out a labored breath. ¡°Hee-hee?¡± The two men, waking from their trance, charged with a defiant roar, pikes extended. But Lila hurled her knives, felling them both with expert throws. It was long past time to run. ¡°Shamone!¡± Justin shouted. ¡°I mean, come on!¡± After Lila had quickly retrieved her weapons, they stumbled into the darkness toward the pass. ¡°Hells below, that dancing was something else!¡± Lila said. ¡°Dazzling Display! Somehow, I was channeling MJ!¡± ¡°MJ?¡± ¡°A very famous king from my world.¡± As they ran, he could only wonder just why it happened. It was beyond random. But as he thought about it, maybe it wasn¡¯t so random at all. Perhaps the Dazzling Display skill had scrounged Justin¡¯s brain for all his knowledge of entertainers, orators, or otherwise charismatic individuals, allowing him to channel what he had seen, with a hefty dose of lampooning Socialite Magic. Maybe it was less about who he was channeling, and more about what sort of caricature might get him out of a situation. Maybe, upon using this skill in the future, he would channel other exaggerated entertainers or famous figures. Whatever the case, it had done the trick because now, they were running full speed back to the hidden path. It occurred to Justin that was where the Shadow captain and mage had gone. They would inevitably run into them, along with the remaining two soldiers. But as far as he could see it, there was no other way for them to make it back to the Valorian side. The actual pass itself would be thick with Shadow forces, and even if they slipped past those forces, they¡¯d come to the Valorian side and be mistaken for the enemy. He supposed they could both run and hide until the battle blew over, but they were likely to be found by a Shadow Empire patrol. The now ¡°not-so-hidden¡± path was the only option. ¡°We need to be careful,¡± Justin warned. ¡°I don¡¯t know who else saw the Dazzling Display.¡± ¡°We might have the entire Shadow Empire army tracking us down,¡± Lila said. ¡°You did right in choosing that ability, I''m not sure how else we could have escaped.¡± Justin suppressed a shudder. If he¡¯d chosen Engaging Banter, as he¡¯d been inclined to at first, both of them might be dead right now. At last, they had made it back to the trail, taking the switchbacks up quickly. In the distance, there was no sign of the Arch-Mage¡¯s light. Surely, he was on the trail somewhere. Or, if they were lucky, they had merely come onto the trail to confirm its existence before reporting back to their commander. If it was the latter, they had a shot of getting back to the Valorians. As they ran up the trail, Justin could spy torchlight in the general area where their skirmish had taken place in the pass below. Clearly, they were being hunted, but they had enough of a lead to make it back. There was no way to hide the location of the hidden path, but assuming Shadowflight warned Eldrin in time, the Valorians could at least be apprised of the danger. As these thoughts raced through Justin¡¯s head, a sudden bright light shone on the trail ahead, like a miniature sun. And that sun was approaching them, fast. Justin felt the fireball¡¯s heat warming the air, and there was nothing he could do but grab Lila and jump for the safety of a nearby boulder. Just in time, they reached shelter before it could incinerate them. The fireball exploded on the trail about twenty feet behind them, its heat licking their backs. ¡°Shit,¡± he said. Now, they were trapped, with the Shadow Empire¡¯s Arch-Mage on one side, who certainly out-leveled them mightily, and the entire Shadow Empire army behind. And worse, Justin had none of his abilities left to use, aside from a single Poison Barb. ¡°You¡¯re going to have to make those knives count,¡± he whispered. ¡°I can use Poison Barb, but for it to work, I have to get a lock on that mage¡¯s ugly face.¡± Lila whispered back. ¡°Justin, how can we possibly stand against him? Even if Charisma isn¡¯t his main stat, he might have a few points in it. Perhaps enough to resist the insult.¡± ¡°He can¡¯t be much beyond Level 12,¡± Justin said. ¡°Besides, we have to try something. Here¡¯s the plan. I¡¯ll duck out and try to get a read on his face and use Poison Barb. You wait till I¡¯m done before coming out with those knives. Assuming I can stun him, you can take him down easily enough.¡± She looked unsure, but they were all out of options. ¡°All right,¡± she whispered. ¡°It¡¯s a shame I used my Bardic Inspiration on those Valorian soldiers. That might have been all the Charisma boost you needed. Arion protect you, Justin.¡± It was too late to worry about that now. Justin released a breath, trying to focus. Then, with a single nod at Lila, he stepped onto the path and ran forward, likely to his death. 19. A Brief Lesson in Magery Justin charged down the trail, his heart pounding in his chest. The uneven ground caused him to trip over his feet, but he caught himself. He tried to focus on a face in the darkness, but there was nothing. Why wasn¡¯t another fireball heading his way? That was when a familiar voice called out. ¡°Hold your fire! It¡¯s Justin.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened in relief. It was Eldrin. As he came closer, the Ranger materialized from the darkness, along with a group of three mages, all wearing the violet robes of the Valorian army. Justin turned his head. ¡°Lila! You can come out. It¡¯s Eldrin.¡± Lila appeared from behind the boulder, marching up the trail to join them. Eldrin watched them both with a quizzical expression. ¡°What in Arion¡¯s name are you doing up here? Alistair and I have been looking all over for you!¡± ¡°Shadowflight didn¡¯t tell you?¡± ¡°He only told me about the path. We came up here to block it.¡± Justin frowned, wondering why the falcon hadn¡¯t relayed that crucial bit of info. Maybe it was because Justin hadn¡¯t directly told him to do so. ¡°We followed Darian all the way to the Empire¡¯s camp," Justin said. "He was that soldier from earlier who was a real Debbie Downer.¡± Eldrin frowned at the colloquialism but seemed to understand what Justin meant. ¡°And?¡± ¡°We couldn¡¯t stop him in time. We also ran into the Shadow Army''s Arch-Mage, though. Some dude named Zarathustra or something.¡± ¡°Zaramund,¡± Lila corrected. Eldrin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°The Arch-Mage? And you lived to tell the tale?¡± ¡°Yes. Thanks to Lila¡¯s knives and my sharp wit.¡± ¡°And Justin¡¯s dance moves,¡± Lila put in. ¡°I feel there is a story for the ages there, but we really must be moving. Alistair is preparing the army while I¡¯ve taken all the mages with access to Earth Magic to bury the pass here. It¡¯s all but certain the Shadowists will attack tonight.¡± Shadowists. So that¡¯s what Shadow Empire folks were called. Maybe Justin calling them ¡°Shadowian¡± had been the slip that had given them away. Eldrin turned to one mage, who looked sheepish. ¡°And you,¡± he said sternly, ¡°almost killed our allies with that fireball. Be more cautious next time.¡± The mage, a tall male with a bald head, bowed in apology. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir Eldrin. I thought they were the enemy.¡± Eldrin sighed, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s understandable, but just be careful. We must save our fire spells for the undead, which are sure to be coming.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened. None of the Shadow Empire soldiers they ran into had looked pale, like the Baron¡¯s minions, but if the Shadowists truly had undead soldiers, they were likely separated from their human cohorts. Eldrin continued. ¡°Right, let¡¯s continue our work.¡± He directed his attention to the mages. ¡°We need to collapse this path. Shadowflight has already scouted the key points, and this is the first. Collapse all these key points, and that should slow them down long enough for reinforcements to arrive this evening. Now, how many Earthquake spells between the three of you?¡± ¡°Five,¡± said a tall woman with close-cropped hair and green eyes. ¡°Four,¡± the other two, both males, said in tandem. ¡°Thirteen spells total,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°More than enough to collapse the twelve points Shadowflight identified.¡± ¡°Earthquake spells,¡± Justin said. ¡°Sounds strong!¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°Right, then. Let¡¯s get started. Stand back!¡± The first mage, the woman, began her work. Her hands became wrapped in an aura of green light, which she directed at the slope above the path. The ground trembled as the spell took effect, rocks and earth shifting and burying the path before them. Justin did his best to keep standing as the ground shifted beneath his feet. Within seconds, the trail ahead was rendered unusable. ¡°Let¡¯s keep it moving,¡± Eldrin said. They retreated a quarter of a mile before Eldrin directed the same female mage to bury another part of the pass. The work went far more quickly than Justin had believed. As they walked to the next point of interest, Justin turned to Lila. ¡°So, what is an Elementalist? A class?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a mage class. Elementalists have a Perception Core and access to the Physical Elemental School of Magic: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°That¡¯s original.¡± ¡°How do you mean?¡± ¡°Oh, nothing. Are there other kinds of mages and magics?¡± ¡°Of course. Mage is the catchall term for any class that uses magic as its primary base of skills. You see, some classes¡ªlike Paladins¡ªare mainly physical, but also have access to Lesser Life and Harmony spells, and as such, are not considered mages. There are many types of mages, each commanding a different School. Most mages have either a Perception or Intellect Core.¡± ¡°Can you break down the main types for me?¡± ¡°Of course. There are Elementalists, as we¡¯ve already said. Then there are Wizards, who have an Intellect Core. Their School of Magic is the Incantation School. Knowledge gained from books and dusty tomes. Most have to go to school to learn their spells, which are based upon the Foundation Language of Arcanis.¡± ¡°What about Vranthillis?¡± Justin asked. ¡°That¡¯s the Foundation Language Valdrik was talking about.¡± ¡°Vranthillis seems to be unique to the Lexicant class, because I¡¯d never heard of it. Arcanis is what most Wizards use, and it can only be understood by them. That¡¯s advanced stuff, though.¡± ¡°Elementalists, Wizards¡­anything else?¡± ¡°Quite a few. Spiritualists, Summoners, Illusionists, Enchanters, Druids¡­I¡¯m probably forgetting a few.¡± At the list of decidedly cool classes, Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of loss. He tried not to imagine how things might have gone had he not fat-fingered his class selection. He probably wouldn¡¯t have been a mage, given the choice, but just the idea he could have chosen anything¡ªanything at all¡ªmade him feel like he¡¯d missed out. ¡°What about White Wizards? You mentioned them once. Are they different from regular Wizards?¡± ¡°They¡¯re an advanced class. I think it combines a Wizard Core with a Spiritualist Core. They get access to the Legendary healing spells and support spells, basically.¡± ¡°Interesting. So, a mage is just a general term for a magic-user?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. When you say White Wizard or Fire Elementalist, you¡¯re being more specific. But both are mages.¡± ¡°Fire Elementalist? Is that a unique class?¡± ¡°Technically, no. It¡¯s a Focus chosen by an Elementalist if they choose to develop their Fire Magic at the expense of others.¡± ¡°A Focus?¡± ¡°Something you choose at Level 10 that influences how your class develops. It''s sort of like a passive skill, but unlike a skill, it shapes the skills you are presented from then on. Think of it like a class specialization. Not sure what that would be for you as a Socialite, but at least for a Bard like me, the main Focuses include Singing, Instruments, Acrobatics, Dancing, Storytelling, or something similar. However, you don''t get to choose just any Focus. The choice you are presented with is largely determined by the actions you have taken ever since you first absorbed your class core.¡± ¡°Neat! Why wasn''t that something I could see on Eldrin''s character sheet? He''s Level 10.¡± "I think it''s because you need to unlock a Focus yourself before you get the ability to see others. And again, you can only see it, along with a person''s skills, if the person allows you to." "Wait," Justin said. "I thought you could always see someone''s skills as long as you were in the same Party." "By default, yes. But you can change it with just a thought. If you do change it, you will receive a message asking if it''s okay for someone to inspect your character more fully." "Seriously?" Lila smiled at him strangely. "Wow, you really aren''t from Eyrth, are you? Of course, some characters have a skill that allows them to inspect other characters, even when not in the Party." "Like Eldrin and his Ranger''s Intuition." "Exactly like that. Very useful for scoping out threats. However, you will always be able to see a Character''s level, class, and stats if they''re in your Party at a minimum." "I see. So, back to Focuses..." "Right. So basically, Fire Magic is a Focus some Elementalists select. Some Elementalists are generalists; they¡¯ll learn from all four Elements, but as such, can''t have access to higher tiers of spells. Those are called Red Mages, and they¡¯re basically spellswords who wield rapiers.¡± ¡°Very cool!¡± There was so much to learn, but already, they had arrived at the next location. Justin and Lila hung back while the pass was buried, and they moved onto the next one. By the time the female mage had exhausted all her Earthquake spells, the short and stout one had taken over. For the first time, Justin noticed he was wielding a thin, curved sword. He must have been a Red Mage. Shadowflight came from nowhere, landing adroitly on Eldrin¡¯s shoulder. The Ranger inclined his head toward the falcon, nodding. ¡°They¡¯re on the move,¡± he said, his face grim. ¡°Both through this path and the main pass. We need to hurry.¡± Justin felt a surge of determination. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± They worked quickly to bury the rest of the pass. When the tall bald mage had buried the last bit of trail, Justin felt assured that they had done all they could. The group made their way back to the Valorian camp, walking with urgency. Eldrin led the way, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for danger. The mages followed, their faces set in concentration as they prepared themselves for the upcoming battle. Back at the camp, the atmosphere was tense. Soldiers were preparing for the impending battle, their faces a mixture of fear and resolve. The mages left to join their division while Eldrin led Justin and Lila to Commander Thalon¡¯s tent. As soon as they entered, they found Thalon, his senior officers, and Alistair. ¡°There you are!¡± Alistair said. ¡°We¡¯d feared the worst.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll take more than the Shadow Empire to stop us,¡± Justin said. ¡°You can tell us about it later,¡± the Paladin said. ¡°What of the path?¡± ¡°Buried, as best as we can do,¡± Eldrin informed him. ¡°These two were the ones who got the message to Shadowflight just in time.¡± ¡°You have Valoria¡¯s gratitude,¡± Commander Thalon said. ¡°But I will save my thanks for when we stop the Shadowists dead in their tracks.¡± He turned to his officers. ¡°There¡¯s nothing left to discuss. Prepare the troops for battle.¡± Eldrin turned to Justin and Lila. ¡°You two need to stay out of the way. Neither of you is equipped for frontline combat.¡± Justin nodded, though a part of him wanted to argue. ¡°We understand. We¡¯ll stay back and do what we can to support.¡± ¡°We can run messages if needed,¡± Lila said. Eldrin nodded his thanks. ¡°You¡¯ve already done much. It would be a shame to throw it all away.¡± ¡°Good luck, Eldrin,¡± Justin said. With that, Eldrin left with Alistair, Thalon, and the rest of the officers, leaving Justin and Lila alone in the tent. ¡°So, I guess we just twiddle our thumbs now?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Maybe we can find a good vantage point,¡± Lila said. ¡°I noticed a wooden watchtower of sorts out there. It might be a good place to see what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°Sounds like it would make us an excellent target for the enemy¡¯s mages!¡± ¡°The mages will be focused on the front lines, not us,¡± Lila said. ¡°At least, I would hope so. Either way, I want to know what¡¯s going on. If things get dicey, we can always get off.¡± Justin almost wanted to tell her it would be much safer to stay right here but thought better of it. He was curious to see what a battle from above looked like, complete with mages, fire spells, and the undead. He¡¯d get to see something no human from his world ever would. ¡°All right, Lila, you¡¯ve sold me. Lead the way.¡± 20. The Paladins Stand Justin and Lila found the platform easily enough, climbing to the top. There, they had a commanding view of the pass before them, along with the regiments of Valorian soldiers arrayed in a line. From the torchlight, it was easy to see that they completely covered the pass wall to wall. Purple standards with a silver stag interspersed the organized regiments, their bronze armor dull in the predawn light. Along the ledges on both sides of the pass, contingents of archers, crossbowmen, and ballistae were stationed, and somewhere in there, mages were mixed in. Justin knew if the Valorians were wise, they¡¯d keep them hidden so that they wouldn¡¯t become targets. They waited there in the frosty early morning for a very long time, even as the sun rose. Justin wondered why the Shadow Empire wasn¡¯t attacking yet, when their undead would be less affected by the sunlight, but maybe they were counting on the shade of the mountains covering the ground of the pass, at least through the morning. Justin was wondering if the battle would ever start when there was a rumbling in the ground. From around the bend in the pass, they came. Thousands upon thousands of black-armored foot soldiers, their collective dull roar filling the pass. The Valorian forces held their ground, at the top of a slight incline at the narrowest part of the pass. Soon, the Shadowist forces came to a stop, just outside the range of the Valorian mages and artillery. The dawn made details more discernible. Hundreds of black flags with a crimson serpent coiled around a golden sword waved in the cold mountain breeze, while on the Valorian side, purple flags with the silver stag stood ready to defend. Alistair was easy to pick out among the Valorian troops, standing in shining armor, his white cloak swept by the breeze, his war hammer seeming to glow, despite the lack of sunlight in the pass. Justin realized, for the first time, that he¡¯d never actually inspected Alistair¡¯s character. He did so, having nothing better to do. There was a moment''s pause, as if Alistair were considering allowing Justin to see his character. But, after a moment, Alistair must have agreed, because the Paladin¡¯s character sheet appeared before him. Alistair of Drakendale Paladin (Level 25) Proficiencies: War Hammers, Heavy Armor, Holy Relics Attributes: Power: 18 (+1) Coordination: 12 (+1) Endurance: 22 (+1) Intellect: 14 Perception: 14 (+1) Charisma: 15 (+1) Skills: (Level 0) Divine Strike: Basic strike that deals physical damage. On undead enemies, inflicts a Life Magic burn that damages target over time. (Level 1) Paladin¡¯s Resolve: Receive 10% less damage from physical and magical attacks and reduces the duration of all debuffs by 30%. (Passive) (Level 2) Consecration: Increases Power, Endurance, and Charisma Attributes by 5%. (Passive) (Level 3) Leap of Faith: This powerful melee attack deals double physical damage, allowing its user to leap up to thirty feet toward a target. High chance to enrage surrounding enemies. (Cooldown: 30 seconds) (Level 5) Divine Aura: Boosts the Party¡¯s Power Attribute by 5%. (Passive) (Level 7) Heavenly War Cry: An encouraging shout that increases the Power and Endurance of nearby allies by 50% for 10 seconds. Cooldown: three minutes. (Level 10) Holy Training: Gain one point in Endurance for every five levels (including one point for Level 5). (Passive) (Level 11) Bulwark of Faith: Increases armor by 20% when wearing all heavy armor. 20% resistance to Death Magic. (Passive) (Level 13) Sacred Tactics: Increases Coordination and Perception by 10%. (Passive) (Level 15) Arion¡¯s Hammer: Deals triple damage with a high chance of staggering an enemy. If this attack one-shot kills, it instantly refreshes. Cooldown: one-minute. (Level 17) Paladin¡¯s Grace: Increases the speed of all attacks by 15%. (Passive) (Level 19) The Blessing of Arion: Heal minor wounds slowly over time. Detect Death Magic in characters of equal or lower level. (Passive) (Level 20) Righteous Whirlwind: Spinning attack that hits all nearby enemies for significant physical damage. Percentage chance for blinding enemies temporarily. Cooldown: one minute. (Level 21) Paladin Magery: Can now cast Lesser Life and Harmony Magic. Gain one Spell Charge per level. (Level 23) Arion¡¯s Shield: Reduce incoming damage by 50% for 10 seconds. Cooldown: one minute. (Level 25) Lay on Hands: Completely restore the health of an ally and remove all status effects (only if you out-level the enemy that inflicted the status effect). May only be used once per day. Equipment: Weapon: Hammer of the Divine Tempus: Reduces all cooldowns by 20% and increases attack speed by 5%. Armor: Mont Elea Chapter House Armor: Full set bonus reduces physical damage by 10%. Footwear: Mont Elea Chapter House Boots: Full set bonus reduces physical damage by 10%. Helm: Mont Elea Chapter House Helmet: Full set bonus reduces physical damage by 10%. Gauntlets: Mont Elea Chapter House Gauntlets: Full set bonus reduces physical damage by 10%. Accessory 1: Ring of Minor Healing: Cast Bind Wounds thrice per day. Accessory 2: Ring of Holy Immolation: When striking an undead five levels or lower, send out a circle of Flames of Life ten feet from the point of strike.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Holy cannoli,¡± Justin said. ¡°Did you ever look at Alistair¡¯s character sheet?¡± Lila laughed. ¡°You¡¯re just now looking at that? I looked as soon as we left Silverton!¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°How is it even possible to level up that high? It would take tens of thousands of experience points. Maybe even hundreds of thousands! And here I am, excited to get 500 in one go!¡± ¡°It¡¯s hundreds of thousands of experience,¡± Lila said. ¡°Men like Alistair are a rare breed. We might have actually been okay not chasing Darian, all things considered. That¡¯s how strong he is.¡± ¡°Damn,¡± Justin said. Lila smiled. ¡°You¡¯re in for a treat. Just sit back and watch the show.¡± Justin could only hope it was that simple. Thinking back, it was no wonder the goblins hadn¡¯t wanted to mess with Alistair that day on the road. Justin watched the Paladin, who now had an aura of divine light surrounding him. The other men around him were laughing and joking, taking heart from his mere presence. And then, with no warning at all, low horns blew, and the Shadow Empire¡¯s armies charged en masse, with no regard for life. Well, at least from what Justin could see, they had no regard for unlife. The stilted shambling of the first wave was unmistakable from the multitudes of zombie films he¡¯d seen. Only these zombies were wielding weapons and wearing black spiked armor. There were even skeletons mixed in, glowing with a shadowy aura. Death Magic, Justin could only assume, which Alistair resisted. The hordes of undead ran past woodpiles the Valorians had prepared in advance. The Elementalists began their attacks at once, shooting fireballs at the woodpiles, instantly lighting them up and creating a wall of fire, cutting off the attackers from further support. Many of the undead were instantly lit with flames. Alistair was a beacon of divine power amidst the chaos. His war hammer gleamed as the undead attackers crashed into the Valorian shield wall. Alistair swung his hammer, Life Magic imbued in each attack from his Ring of Holy Immolation, reducing the zombies to ash. The undead around Alistair recoiled, their instinctive fear of Life Magic overriding their mindless aggression. Alistair pressed forward, his hammer a blur of righteous fury. Each strike was accompanied by a flash of light, the impact sending shockwaves of the Flames of Life through the shattered ranks of the low-level undead, many of them even being set ablaze. The Paladin invoked Divine Strike after Divine Strike, and the hammer glowed even brighter, every hit setting the zombies aflame with golden light. Those not set aflame were instantly reduced to ash. The undead shrieked and writhed as the sacred flames consumed them, their decaying forms crumbling to dust even as they spread the holy fire through their ranks far beyond Alistair¡¯s position. A group of skeletal warriors advanced toward him, their bony fingers clutching rusted weapons. Alistair met them head-on, activating Righteous Whirlwind. He spun in a tight circle, his war hammer sweeping out in a deadly arc. The skeletal warriors shattered under the force of his attack, their bones disintegrating into a fine powder. A giant zombie, twice as tall as Alistair, lumbered toward the Paladin, its massive frame covered in tattered remnants of black armor. Alistair was not intimidated, wailing on it with several Divine Strikes, driving it back, before invoking Arion¡¯s Hammer. He swung his weapon with all his might, the head of the hammer glowing intensely. The impact was cataclysmic, the zombie¡¯s chest caving in with a sickening crunch before the divine energy erupted from within, obliterating it entirely. The undead forces continued to pour in, attempting to overwhelm Alistair, but the Paladin was relentless. Even as the Elementalists continued to rain fireballs from above, Alistair activated Heavenly War Cry. Despite the distance, his primal shout easily carried in the pass. ¡°Arion¡¯s Light, guide my hands!¡± The shout and its echoes reverberated within Justin¡¯s very bones. If he were on the other side of that, he would have pissed himself. A golden wave of invigorating energy spread out from Alistair, boosting the Power and Endurance of nearby Valorian soldiers. Emboldened by the Paladin¡¯s presence and the sudden surge of strength, they fought with renewed vigor, surrounded by a golden aura, cutting down the undead with ease. Alistair¡¯s armor deflected blows from the few undead that struck him. The mages'' fires had somewhat died down by now, allowing more Shadow Empire forces to pour through, human regiments now mixed in among the undead. Alistair summoned a shimmering golden barrier, his Arion¡¯s Shield ability, which Justin remembered reduced incoming damage by half for a crucial ten seconds. During this time, in between knocking back higher-level undead that attacked with feral tenacity, he focused on healing his comrades, even using Lay on Hands to restore the health of a grievously injured soldier, the man¡¯s wounds knitting together under Alistair¡¯s glowing palms. The Elementalists¡¯ fire spells were slowing; from what Justin understood so far, it seemed their magic worked not with the ¡°mana system¡± he was more familiar with, but a system of charges. As soon as they were out of ¡°charges¡± on a particular spell, or perhaps a particular level of spell, they had to wait for them to refresh. The archers on the slopes of the pass, along with the ballistae, rained death on the enemy. Some missiles even seemed to be enchanted with fire magic, exploding on impact. Justin watched as one burst among a cluster of zombies, scattering their remains. The mages continued their assault, switching instead to other elemental spells, including ice spears, forks of lightning, and hurling heavy boulders. Justin assumed they¡¯d started with fire, since it was most effective against the undead, and now they were using charges for other spells they had in reserve. Justin could hardly believe his eyes as Alistair went right back into it, rallying the beleaguered Valorian troops. He was a one-man army, his every move a testament to his skill and power. The undead that dared to come near him were swiftly dispatched, their ranks thinning under his relentless onslaught. The Shadowist humans seemed to be more cautious, and when they did attack, they threw a volley of javelins first before charging ten men at a time, pikes extended. Alistair still held his own against them, usually supported by some Valorian soldiers or missile fire from above. And so it was that the battle ebbed and flowed, stretching into the late morning. The initial momentum of the Shadowist forces faltered. The Valorians didn¡¯t gain ground, merely defending their position against the vastly superior foe. And despite the thousands of dead Shadowists, more kept coming down the pass, their numbers never seeming to end. Most of the undead, it seemed, had been dispatched, and Justin recognized them for what they were: cannon fodder. Very few of the Valorians had fallen in the initial wave. Indeed, there were so many fallen Shadowists, human and undead, that it formed a wall of corpses. New attackers had great difficulty in even mounting an assault on the Valorian front lines because of it. As morning passed into afternoon, Justin felt a wave of exhaustion. He had been up all night and all morning, and he wondered idly what Baron Valdrik¡¯s soldiers were doing, what seemed another world away. Were they just waiting outside the Vault? It seemed so distant when the situation at hand seemed so real. Justin had become fully invested in this battle, even if he knew it was a scenario set up by the Vault. Of course, it was easy to be fully invested when one¡¯s life was on the line. Justin glanced toward the hidden path, sighting a line of black-armored soldiers on the northern slopes. It seemed they were stuck about halfway; they were still clearing the obstacles the mages had set up, but too slowly. Justin knew the Shadowists must have diverted a lot of their mage resources to clear the path, because so few mages had challenged the Valorians directly on the field of battle. Without that, this battle might have turned out differently. It seemed the Shadowists were still hoping to set up a flank before the Valorian reinforcements arrived. Battle rejoined in earnest in the middle of the afternoon. The battle line was getting tired, and the Valorians had few fresh troops to switch in. Around late afternoon, a sudden volley of fireballs was shot by the Valorian mages, a pivotal resource that must have been kept in reserve for a surprise attack. It annihilated an enormous chunk of the Shadowist army. But that chunk was almost instantly filled in with fresh troops, of which there seemed to be no end. ¡°Come on,¡± Lila breathed. ¡°Survive. Just a couple of hours longer.¡± To Justin¡¯s dismay, the Shadowists were making quick progress on the secret path, while the front lines were being pushed back in the main pass, slowly but surely. If the mages at the pass joined with the rest of the Shadow Empire forces, it could spell disaster for the Valorians. ¡°Where are those damn reinforcements?¡± Justin asked. ¡°We might have to fight ourselves,¡± Lila said. That was when Justin noticed a large boulder being hurled from the direction of the hidden path, sailing through the air, seemingly in slow motion. Right for their watchtower. ¡°Run!¡± he shouted. Seeing the danger, Lila reacted instantly, going for the ladder, with Justin close behind. One after the other, they slid down the rungs, never minding the splinters and pain. Justin brought up the rear, just reaching the bottom when the boulder made impact. The tower immediately started crumbling as he ran as fast as his feet could carry him. He just barely escaped being caught in the wreckage of the heavy timbers. They didn¡¯t stop running until they had reached the command tent, which had been set up as a makeshift hospital. Mages with healing magic were doing their best to triage the wounded. There was more blood than Justin had ever seen in his life, men wailing in pain, crying for their mothers. It was a far cry from the neutered wars he had been experienced in his video games and favorite movies. If this world had a designer, then he had to have been a cruel monster to allow this. Justin looked at his palms, scraped and somewhat bloody, the pain very real. But considering the situation, it could have been much worse. ¡°We stayed up there way too long,¡± Lila said. Justin was about to respond when he heard cries of alarm coming from the western portion of the camp. A massive fireball shot into the air, almost like a miniature mushroom cloud. The Shadow Empire forces had gotten through the hidden path, or perhaps, the mages had gone on ahead, seeing that time was limited. Justin was about to run when, between the alley of two tents, stood the last person he wanted to see. It was the Arch-Mage Zaramund, his pale face bloodied and his eyes bloodshot, his black robes tattered. Seeing Justin, he gave a sinister smile that made Justin¡¯s skin run cold. If this world had boss room music, Justin realized it probably would have started playing right now. ¡°The shadows may falter, but the darkness within us never dies,¡± Zaramund said, his voice echoing with malevolent intent. ¡°Today, Valoria falls.¡± 21. Valor of the Fallen Justin tried to think of an insult for his Poison Barb ability, but the words caught his throat. He felt an overwhelming dread as he faced down Zaramund, a terror that went beyond the Necromancer¡¯s imposing presence. In his mind, he knew he was casting some sort of spell on him, but it didn¡¯t seem to make a difference. Justin stood completely frozen. Lila, thankfully, didn¡¯t hesitate. She started lobbing her knives at the Arch-Mage, each successive knife shining brighter, an effect of her Rhythmic Attack ability. The first two blades buried themselves in his chest, hardly slowing him down, while the last four also scored hits, each one knocking him back further. The final knife landed in his abdomen, and the Arch-Mage actually grunted. But despite this, he still stood, his face hardly registering pain. Weren''t mages supposed to be squishy? In Zaramund''s case, apparently not. The knives fell from him as sinews of dark magic knitted his wounds, repairing them almost instantly. Justin was still frozen as Zaramund raised his arms, becoming surrounded by a dark aura of shadowy magic. That was when groans emanated from behind. At last, the effects of Zaramund''s spell disappeared. Justin spun around to see dead Valorian soldiers rising from their cots near the command tent. The Healers screamed and fled, none apparently having offensive magic to counter them. The reanimated bodies jerked and twisted, effusing dark magic, their eyes glazed over with death. They hobbled toward Justin and Lila, about a dozen in all. Justin charged for Zaramund, dagger out, but Zaramund raised his hand, completely stunning him with terror once again. Fucking A. The Arch-Mage obviously vastly out-leveled him in some sort of stat, likely Intellect or Perception, which was causing this situation. Justin could think of nothing but the undead soldiers creeping closer with each passing second, and yet, he was unable to do anything to counter the spell. Lila could do nothing, either, having run out of knives to throw. After five seconds, Justin broke from the stun. It was far past time to run, but escape was impossible. The undead were closing in, forming a wall that was impossible to break. The zombies stumbled to a stop, likely at Zaramund¡¯s command, a noose ready to tighten. Zaramund¡¯s hands then glowed darkly with a new spell. ¡°And now, Socialite, you will become mine. In body. In spirit. In death. Behold the power of Death Magic!¡± The air around Justin grew cold, similar to the chill he had felt at Baron Valdrik¡¯s mansion, only this coldness was deeper, seeping into his bones. Until that coldness was rebuffed, mightily. Zaramund¡¯s face twisted in rage. ¡°Who¡­who has marked you for death already?¡± Activating his Poison Barb ability, the perfect insult that came to Justin. ¡°Someone far more powerful than you ever will be, witless worm! You thought taking the Aspect of Necromancy would make you strong. But no. You are still as weak as that helpless, scared child abandoned on the streets of Karadesh, mewing for the mother who told him she''d be back. She''s never coming back, Zaramund. Never.¡± Zaramund¡¯s eyes widened, and he stood completely stunned. In his gray eyes, it was as if he''d gone back in time, reliving the terror of his childhood. The undead stood still, receiving no further orders from their master. ¡°Come on!¡± Justin said. The duo sprinted between two of the undead soldiers that made no move to attack. Poison Barb refreshed. Zaramund recovered from Justin''s stun, howling in rage. As one, the undead stumbled after them, even as Zaramund began casting a new spell, one Justin was sure would pull no punches and end them for good. But that was when Eldrin swept in, appearing from around a tent with sword drawn. He blazed by, and Justin and Lila turned to see the Ranger cutting through the ranks of undead with several deft and deadly strikes of his longsword. Faster than Justin would have believed, Eldrin felled three of them in quick succession, slicing their necks clean through. Zaramund¡¯s spell was interrupted when Lila threw a knife, not one of her own, but one retrieved from nearby. It took Justin a moment to realize it was his own dagger, the one gifted to him by Eldrin. Despite not being balanced for throwing, it struck true, landing right in the Necromancer¡¯s shoulder. He grunted, but this time, there was no dark magic to mend his wounds. Perhaps that had been a once-a-day skill or spell. Meanwhile, Eldrin continued fighting the undead while Zaramund started a new spell, raising more zombies from fallen corpses. Justin focused on the Necromancer¡¯s face, lobbing another hasty insult, one so pathetic it did absolutely nothing. ¡°Hey Necromancer, your magic sucks!¡± The insult failed to even get his attention. Justin madly searched for some sort of weapon to help Eldrin, who was quickly becoming overwhelmed, when out of nowhere, Alistair the Paladin leaped into the fray, his war hammer glowing with divine fury. Zaramund had time enough to widen his eyes and raise a thin, cadaverous hand, just as Alistair bellowed his Heavenly War Cry while unleashing the power of his Arion¡¯s Hammer skill. As the hammer came down, it instantly smote Zaramund into a mixture of pulp and ash. In this case, the Necromancer was indeed quite squishy, much to Justin''s satisfaction. With Zaramund¡¯s death, the reanimated dead collapsed to the ground. The scene of the battle fell silent, save for the labored breaths of the exhausted fighters. Alistair turned to Justin and Lila. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Eldrin groaned, clutching his side. Alistair came over, throwing out a hand and casting Bind Wounds, the same spell he had used on Justin back on the road, when he''d first come to Eyrth. When the golden magic faded, Eldrin looked up and nodded his thanks. As the dust settled, a palpable sense of relief washed over Justin. Alistair''s clothes and armor were both dirtied and bloodied as he regarded the Party. ¡°The Shadowist mages have broken into the camp. As long as we stick together, there¡¯s still a chance we can¡ª¡± The blaring of a horn echoed throughout the pass. This was not the low horn of the Shadow Empire forces. It was high, trilling, and triumphant. Lila jumped for joy. ¡°The reinforcements. They¡¯re here!¡± Justin felt his spirits lift. ¡°Hells to the yeah!¡± They ran toward the sound of the horns, only to see the first lines of fresh Valorian troops with purple banners marching toward the camp. Within minutes, soldiers in gleaming bronze armor were pouring in, along with mages who started cleaning up the leftover Shadowist magic-users. And among them were not only mages, but several Paladins in steel armor and white cloaks, not to mention several other classes Justin couldn¡¯t name. Alistair, instead of joining the battle once again, allowed a smile. ¡°We¡¯ve made it. Can¡¯t you feel it?¡± They headed back for the front lines, where Justin watched in amazement as the Valorians, spirits lifted, began pushing back immediately. Within minutes, the Shadowist lines were breaking, especially under the assault of multiple Paladins and Elementalists with fresh fire spells. As for the hidden path, more reinforcing Valorian mages rained death against it, using a combination of throwing boulders and fireballs. Even at a distance, Justin could see the Shadowist soldiers trying to flee, but such was the treachery of the trail that many fell to their deaths. It was all over in a matter of minutes.
Half an hour later, Justin, Lila, Eldrin, and Alistair stood before Commander Thalon within the throng of celebrating soldiers. Thalon¡¯s smile was so wide Justin thought it seemed liable to split his face. ¡°Gods be praised!¡± he said. ¡°Arion has not abandoned us to the Shadow!¡± ¡°Not on this day, nor any day, my lord,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We must always trust in his plans.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t believe you at first, but now I know you were right, Sir Paladin. Because of you and your companions, Valoria will live to fight another day. Thank you. Thank you, from the bottom of all our hearts.¡± Suddenly, the scene paused, the image of smiling soldiers freezing in time. Slowly, the surrounding setting faded, replaced with the mountain pass of modern day under starlight. There was nothing but dirt, trees, and a thin path snaking its way around the bend in the distance, the same bend which, hours ago, had swarmed with Shadowist soldiers. ¡°You have passed the Trial of the Vault of the Guardians¡¯ Pass,¡± Thalon intoned solemnly. ¡°Alas, would that your Brave Party was here one millennium ago in our hour of greatest need! But now, the spirits of the Guardian Force can rest easy, knowing how things might have been.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Justin listened solemnly, taken in by the moment. From the somber expressions of the others, it seemed they were of a similar mind. Even Shadowflight, perched on Eldrin¡¯s shoulder, was silent, not even ruffling his feathers. ¡°Your Party has fought bravely, and each of you is owed one Bronze-Level Item, while one of you will be rewarded with one Silver-Level Weapon." First, Thalon turned to Alistair. "To Alistair the Paladin, I gift the Ring of Valor, which will boost your Power and Endurance by 10% when targeted by three or more foes.¡± Alistair nodded graciously, accepting the proffered purple ring, which seemed to be crafted of pure amethyst. ¡°I thank you, Commander Thalon.¡± Thalon turned to Eldrin, and in his hands appeared an unassuming pair of leather boots, supple and well-made. ¡°To Eldrin the Ranger, I gift the Boots of Silent Steps. They are enchanted to make nary a sound, no matter how hard they press down, or what they find underfoot.¡± ¡°A wonderful prize,¡± Eldrin said, taking the boots. ¡°My thanks.¡± Thalon then turned to Lila, producing a gold-chained amulet with an amethyst gem crafted in the likeness of a knife. ¡°And for Lila the Bard, who fights with knives, I gift the Amulet of Everblade. When you throw a knife, hold out your hand, and after fifteen seconds, it will return directly to you, provided it is within a hundred feet. This amulet''s enchantment can retrieve a knife six times per day.¡± Lila¡¯s eyes widened as she took the amulet. ¡°That¡¯s pretty damn handy. Thank you!¡± Next, Thalon turned to Justin, and he felt the weight of the Commander¡¯s blue-eyed gaze. He produced an unassuming silver ring. ¡°And for Justin the Socialite, I gift the Ring of Hygiene. Once a day, become perfectly clean in body and apparel, and get your hair cut and groomed to your exact specifications.¡± Justin accepted the ring with shock, almost dismay. He put on a smile, but it was hard not to be disappointed. The others got cool weapons and gear, and he just got free haircuts and showers for life? It was only made worse because Lila looked like she was stifling laughter. ¡°Thanks,¡± Justin said, hardly able to keep the glumness from his voice. All the same, he slipped on the ring. Do you wish to bind the Ring of Hygiene to your Core? Justin did so with a mental click. He felt its potential, but for now, he decided not to use it, even if he was filthy. Thalon stood back, surveying the Party. ¡°And now, the ultimate prize. A Silver-Level Weapon for the one the Vault has determined to be the most valuable character¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªIf it¡¯s me,¡± Alistair said, interrupting, ¡°I withdraw myself from consideration.¡± Thalon regarded him coolly. ¡°It was not you, Sir Paladin.¡± Alistair¡¯s eyes widened at that, but he said nothing. Again, Thalon¡¯s eyes went to Justin, and he felt a thrill enter him. ¡°Justin Talemaker,¡± he said. ¡°It is by your brave deeds, insight, and decisiveness that the battle was won at all. Trusting your keen Socialite¡¯s instinct, you read the malcontent soldier Darian like a book, following him to the Shadow Empire camp, a detail missed by all other Party Members. Though you couldn¡¯t prevent him from delivering the fateful message, you at least told Shadowflight, who relayed it to Eldrin, who was able to block the hidden path in time. You also deftly handled the Arch-Mage Zaramund with skill far beyond your abilities as a Level 2 Socialite, aided, of course, by Lila the Bard. Alas, Darian the Treacherous, in real life, betrayed the Kingdom of Valoria to the Shadow Empire, revealing the path he himself walked as a youth as the son of a goatherd. He betrayed his country, and as his reward, he enjoyed a rich life thereafter. At least, until four years later, he hanged himself from the rafters of his Belmoran Manse.¡± Justin felt a chill at those words, swallowing a nervous throat lump. ¡°Justin Talemaker,¡± Thalon began again. ¡°The Vault has determined that your contributions have made you the worthiest of the Silver-Level Weapon.¡± Thalon held out his hand, and within it materialized, seemingly from the ether, a beautiful cane of pure ebony, about four feet long, with an amethyst as large as a fist on top, carved in the likeness of a stag¡¯s head. Justin¡¯s breath caught, and even the others¡¯ eyes went wide. ¡°The Cane of the Guardian,¡± Thalon said solemnly. ¡°As soon as you wield this cane, you will be granted a permanent increase of 1 to any stat of your choosing. Besides this permanent stat increase, you will gain an additional +1 boost to Charisma and Perception when wielding this cane, for both the Charisma you exhibited during this Trial, and the Perception you used to find the solution. Unlike many weapons, the Socialite¡¯s cane can be used both as a bludgeon and a spear, for it has a retractable top that, with a swift press of a button, reveals a sharp knife, about six inches, with a blade enchanted to never go dull. Also, when wielding the Cane of the Guardian, you gain access to Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff, a unique Socialite Skill that cannot be found elsewhere. This skill remains hidden, undetectable by anyone, even characters with skills designed to scope other characters¡¯ skills. With Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff, you will instinctually block the first hostile attack directed at your person, physical or magical, once per day, by any character or creature up to Level 12. This reflects the brave defense the Valorian soldiers made, both in this Vault Trial and in real life.¡± ¡°Whoa,¡± Justin said. ¡°A Silver-Level weapon with the properties of a Gold,¡± Alistair mused. ¡°My congratulations, lad.¡± Eldrin nodded appreciatively, while Lila looked amazed. ¡°The Cane of the Guardian is yours, Socialite," Thalon intoned. "Wield it with poise and aplomb.¡± Justin accepted the cane, eyes wide. It was lighter than it first appeared. Do you wish to bind the Cane of the Guardian to your Core? Justin mentally agreed, and he felt the Cane become one with him. As a Socialite, you gain a bonus when wielding canes. You have unlocked Basic Cane Proficiency. When fighting with canes, your physical damage increases by 2.5%. Reach Level 5 to unlock Improved Cane Proficiency! The Cane of the Guardian''s magic has granted you a onetime boost to any Attribute Point of your choosing. You now have one Attribute Point to distribute. For Justin, it wasn¡¯t even a question. With a mental click, he locked it into Charisma. Your Charisma Attribute is now: 13. As with the other times Justin had boosted his Charisma stat, his thoughts became clearer, and he became more attuned to the stances, faces, and body language of his companions around him. They were truly happy for his acquisition, with no trace of jealousy. But it went even beyond that, because the Cane itself was boosting his stat to 14, and his Perception by + 1. He felt socially aware and emotionally intelligent on a level he had never experienced in his entire life. It was like having the confidence of being drunk, without actually being drunk. It was difficult to quantify, but all Justin knew was that he liked the feeling. As for the Perception boost, it wasn''t as easy to pin down, but he did feel a slight sense of quiet reflection. Unbidden, he gave the beautiful, but deadly, cane a twirl and a quick button tap, exposing the deadly knife at its tip from the mouth of the stag. His eyes widened. He pressed the button again, retracting it. It seemed Basic Cane Competency had given him some nice moves. This would indeed come in handy. ¡°It feels right in my hand,¡± Justin said. Thalon stood back, taking in the entire party. ¡°Well done, Brave Adventurers. The Trial of this Vault is over. The Vault has also sensed the danger to your Party from those who await your exit. However, you may continue enjoying the Vault''s safety as you continue out the other side of the pass. But this boon will not last forever. Once again, the Kingdom of Valoria thanks you¡ªnot for saving it, for it can no longer be saved. It thanks you for giving it a cherished memory, so that its inhabitants can rest easy knowing that faith in Arion isn¡¯t misplaced. Fare thee well, Adventurers.¡± And with that, Thalon faded into the ether. The Vault honors your triumph. Now go forth, with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds. The Trial of the Vault is complete! Experience Gained: 1,000 Your experience stands at 1404/250. Level-up available! The air was now warmer than before, telling Justin they were back in the modern day. A thin veil of green magic covered the pass overhead, through which the stars could be seen. ¡°That was something,¡± Justin said, examining his new weapon. ¡°What a productive Vault!¡± ¡°It turned out well,¡± Alistair said. "Congratulations, all." Alistair pocketed his ring. Apparently, he wasn¡¯t ready to equip it, or perhaps, like many games, only two rings could be wielded despite both human hands having ten digits. Eldrin had already changed into his boots, giving them a few testing steps. Indeed, not a sound was made. He nodded in satisfaction. Lila put on her amulet. She threw one of her knives, embedding it in the bark of a nearby pine, then held out her hand. They waited for fifteen seconds, and sure enough, the knife spun backward, its hilt landing in Lila''s outstretched palm. "Nice," Justin said. ¡°That Vault was much closer than it seemed,¡± Eldrin said, ¡°but we survived.¡± ¡°Maybe we can pass the night in here, since its magic will keep us safe,¡± Lila suggested. It was at this point that a message interrupted their vision. Warning: The Protective Magic of the Vault will dissipate in: one hour. ¡°Well, there goes that idea,¡± Lila said. ¡°We¡¯d better get moving,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I know it¡¯s been a while since our last rest, but there can be no rest until Highcliff. And if we push ourselves, we can make it by morning, especially with Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace. The daylight will slow down our undead friends, giving us a chance to rest.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be safe there?¡± Justin asked. ¡°The Aranthian Plain beyond is less forested,¡± Eldrin explained. ¡°There aren¡¯t many places for the undead to avoid the sun. They¡¯ll be reduced to hiding during daylight hours and making up time at night.¡± ¡°We go,¡± Alistair said. ¡°If we don¡¯t hurry, this was all for nothing.¡± Dutifully, they followed the Paladin. After seeing the way he was fighting, Justin had to wonder if he might have been capable of taking on all the Baron¡¯s men on his own. Perhaps that in itself was too risky; Alistair¡¯s strength during the battle might have been deceptive, since he was mowing down mobs of low-level undead, against which he had strong bonuses, anyway. It was also likely that Baron Valdrik would have sent minions which, working together, could feasibly bring down a party like theirs. With that unwholesome thought, they headed due east, toward the eastern exit of the Guardians¡¯ Pass. Justin used his cane as a walking staff, and as such, found the going much easier. Indeed, these days there was less weight to carry around. He''d dropped at least ten pounds since entering Eyrth. As they walked, Justin summoned his character sheet: Justin Talemaker Socialite (Level 2) Experience to Level 3: 1404/250. Level-up available! Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 10 Endurance: 10 Intellect: 10 Perception: 10 + (1) Charisma: 13 + (1) Skills: (Level 0) Epic Barb: Obsolete. (Level 1) Poison Barb: You know precisely what to say to cause emotional damage to someone, stunning them temporarily. If your barb renders them speechless for at least three seconds, the cooldown immediately refreshes. (Level 2) Dazzling Display: Once a day, strike a pose or make a gesture that immediately captures the attention of those nearby, momentarily distracting or captivating them. The strength of this skill scales with your Charisma Level. (Hidden) Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff: Instinctually block the first hostile attack directed at you, once per day, by any character or creature up to Level 12. Equipment: Weapon: Cane of the Guardian: + 1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill ¡°Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff.¡± Apparel: Common Clothing. Footwear: Common Boots. Accessory: The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications. Justin closed his sheet, pondering his new items and abilities. It was a lot to take in, and he could only hope he survived long enough to explore their capabilities. 22. Journey to Highcliff Justin and the rest of the party reached the eastern edge of the Vault. They passed through the green shimmering veil of magic, officially exiting and stepping into the eastern edge of the pass. He was struck by how silent it was, how empty, with no sign of the battle from a thousand years ago. The tranquility was eerie, a stark contrast to the chaos they had just endured. The land was dark, but the skies had cleared, leaving enough moon and starlight to see the Aranthian Plain spreading below them. It was mostly empty, aside from a few small hamlets, but in the far distance, Justin spied what appeared to be a medium-sized town built on a plateau of sorts, quite high off the plain, the tallest building being, unsurprisingly, a gothic cathedral that no doubt belonged to the Church of Light. A thin river, dark in the night, ran down from the mountains and past the plateau. By morning, if all went well, they¡¯d be safe within its walls. Alistair pointed it out. ¡°That¡¯s Highcliff. Our next stop.¡± ¡°We¡¯re getting close, then?¡± Lila asked. Alistair chuckled. ¡°Oh, no. We''re just getting started.¡± Justin was absolutely exhausted. They''d been up for about two full days. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get some sleep.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be waiting a while longer,¡± Eldrin said grimly. ¡°It will take the greater part of the night to get down the pass, and we must keep walking all morning. By then, we will have made it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so tired I¡¯m liable to fall,¡± Lila said, looking down the thin, steep trail doubtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve got just the antidote for that,¡± Eldrin said. He reached into his pack, taking out a vial of a mysterious dark liquid. ¡°Grimroot Extract. Made from the Grimroot plant and a few other secret ingredients. It¡¯ll keep you wide awake. For a time, at least.¡± ¡°That concoction is unlawful in Aranthian territory,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I will not partake, but I will not stop you from doing so, if you deem it best.¡± Justin almost refused, but in the end, decided he probably needed it. If this would get him safely down the trail, he would quaff it gladly. Eldrin took a shot of it first, and he handed it to Justin. ¡°Half a mouthful. No more or less.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Bottom¡¯s up.¡± The thick liquid tasted bitter and earthy, but it wasn¡¯t too disagreeable. As Lila took her own drink, the effect on Justin was almost immediate. His eyes widened as he felt strength return to his bones. His exhaustion melted away, replaced by a heightened sense of alertness and energy. His steps felt lighter, and his mind clearer. ¡°Hippity-hoppity, let¡¯s go!¡± Justin exclaimed. Lila giggled giddily. ¡°We¡¯ve tarried too long,¡± Alistair said, his voice grave. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± They began the treacherous climb down the rocky path, where they had to be careful not to slip. Every step was a potential hazard, and Justin constantly looked down to avoid missteps. But the increased focus of the Grimroot Extract meant his footing was sure, aided by the Cane of Valoria. They had maybe a two-hour head start on Baron Valdrik¡¯s minions. Alistair lit the way with his Creator¡¯s Light spell, casting a warm, golden glow that illuminated their path. Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace kept them moving swiftly and efficiently. Eventually, the land evened out into a pine forest, the dense canopy above them filtering the moonlight into faint beams. They were heading east, making good progress, when a chilling set of howls filled the air. The sound sent a shiver down Justin¡¯s spine, and he instinctively moved closer to Lila. Shadowflight fluttered from the forest¡¯s canopy, having returned from scouting. The bird landed gracefully on Eldrin¡¯s shoulder. The Ranger inclined his head toward him. ¡°A pack of dire wolves,¡± Eldrin said, relaying the falcon¡¯s message. ¡°Ten in all.¡± ¡°Dire wolves!¡± Lila exclaimed. ¡°Dear Gods.¡± Alistair frowned deeply, concern etched on his face. ¡°What are dire wolves doing so far south of the Seraphim Range? We need to pick up the pace.¡± ¡°No picking up of the pace can outrun a pack on the hunt,¡± Eldrin said grimly. All the same, the group increased their speed, but the dire wolves were relentless, their piercing howls getting louder and closer. ¡°We must at least get out of these woods,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I need room to maneuver my hammer.¡± Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t long before Eldrin led them to a wide meadow. They stood in the center, awaiting the creatures that couldn¡¯t be far. It was only half a minute before Justin spied the predators¡¯ eyes glinting in the darkness from the trees, their forms hulking and menacing. Justin felt fear course down his spine at the sight as they stalked closer. ¡°Stay in the center,¡± Eldrin commanded, hand on the hilt of his longsword. ¡°Lila, Justin, be prepared to defend yourselves if necessary. Alistair and I should be enough to dispatch these.¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Lila readied her knives, while Justin gave his cane a twirl. He felt his heart rate increase. Between a dire wolf¡¯s jaws was not the way he wanted to go, and he knew, from his size alone, they¡¯d probably find him a decidedly delicious morsel. The dire wolves were enormous, their fur bristling and matted, with eyes glowing an eerie yellow in the moonlight. Their growls resonated deep and guttural, a sound that seemed to vibrate in Justin¡¯s very bones. Their teeth were sharp and white, and their breath visible in the frosty night air, coming in puffs as they circled closer. Justin wondered why Eldrin wasn¡¯t shooting his arrows, but perhaps it was because it would take too long for him to transition from the bow to his longsword, once battle was joined. For whatever reason, the Ranger elected to stand, blade at the ready. Justin could feel the tension in the air, every muscle in his body coiled and ready to spring. He gripped his cane tightly, his heart pounding. Alistair stepped forward, his war hammer raised high. ¡°Stand firm,¡± he called out. ¡°We¡¯ll get through this.¡± One of the dire wolves lunged, and Alistair met it with a powerful swing of his hammer, the blow landing with a sickening crunch. The wolf yelped and was thrown back, despite its enormous size, but the others were undeterred, closing in from all sides. Eldrin¡¯s blade moved swiftly, landing true and felling another of the beasts. Lila¡¯s throwing knives flashed in the moonlight, finding their mark in a white-furred wolf. On the sixth blade, the beast fell into the grass, and Lila backed away, hands extended to retrieve her blades. One dire wolf had eluded both the Paladin and the Ranger, and it looked mean and hungry as it readied itself to lunge at Justin. Poison Barb or Dazzling Display would do nothing against this creature. Justin was wondering just how to attack when, faster than he would have believed possible, the dire wolf pounced, teeth flashing. By instinct, Justin raised and twirled his cane, instantly rebuffing the attack and sending the dire wolf staggering back with a pained yelp. Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has shielded this attack! Pumped full of adrenaline, Justin seized the moment, dashing forward while extending the cane¡¯s hidden knife, stabbing the dire wolf just under the neck before it could recover. The creature gave a hot exhalation of breath as Justin twisted the blade and pulled it out, dripping red blood. The creature lay in the grass, giving a few more pained wheezes before settling into death. Justin backed away, just in time for Eldrin, Alistair, and Lila to come to his side. Looking around, the remaining dire wolves were fleeing the scene, leaving six of their brethren scattered in the meadow. Immediately, Alistair cast Bind Wounds on Lila, who¡¯d somehow gotten a bite wound on her arm. The golden magic wrapped around the bloody mess, not quite erasing it, but healing it most of the way. The wound had probably been too severe to be completely cured by a Lesser Life spell. The silence that followed was only broken by the rustling of the wind through the trees and a few chilling howls. ¡°We need to move,¡± Eldrin said, his voice steady but urgent. ¡°There could be more of them, and the Baron¡¯s men will not be pausing.¡± With Alistair¡¯s light guiding them once more and Eldrin¡¯s pathfinding skills leading the way, they continued eastward toward Highcliff. The forest ended just as dawn tinged the eastern horizon. They were half-running, half-walking. The effects of the Grimroot Extract had long since dissipated, meaning Justin felt like a dead man. He didn¡¯t even have the energy to look over his shoulder to see if they were being tailed. Thankfully, the dire wolves were sticking to the forest. Almost as soon as they¡¯d entered the plain beyond the trees, farms took over. They hopped stone fences, walked through fields of wheat and rye yet to be harvested, and followed the thin dirt tracks lined with hedges. They even passed through a couple of hamlets, their progress sped by narrow wagon tracks. In the early hours, they even passed a few townsfolk heading to their stores, but by far, most of them were heading out to the fields. Around a bend in the path, Justin caught sight of Highcliff, which seemed much taller now that they were out of the mountains. ¡°Almost there,¡± Lila said. ¡°Just¡­keep walking¡­¡± Justin said between breaths. At last, the dirt road joined a stone paved road, an actual highway at least fifteen paces wide. Somehow, Justin knew it was the Queensroad mentioned by Eldrin before the Vault, and it was much more impressive than the dirt road connecting Mistwatch to Silverton. He got the feeling that they had entered the main part of Aranthia, where infrastructure was a bit more developed. Somehow or another, he was still set on getting to Belmora and seeing what opportunities the big city could offer a Socialite like him. But, for now at least, survival took precedence. That, and the task of getting rid of this pesky Death Mark. Justin wondered if their time in the Vault had ¡°counted¡± as the first rising of the moon, or if the Vault¡¯s magic had somehow protected him. It was a question for Alistair or Eldrin, but he was much too winded to ask. As they approached the plateau upon which Highcliff was situated, they passed ambling carts making their way both in and out of the city. It was late morning by now, and Justin could barely keep himself from keeling over. Unfortunately, they had a long series of switchbacks to ascend to reach the plateau above. Justin was absolutely filthy, coated in dirt, sweat, and even some blood from the fight with the dire wolves, as were the others. They got more than a few looks from the traders and farmers they passed on the way. At last, they came before the tall iron gates of Highcliff. The guards at the gate, bearing spears and shields and dressed in maroon and silver with the sigil of a soaring eagle on their breasts, gave them curious glances but didn¡¯t stop them from entering. Justin imagined it was not the first adventurers they had seen. The city beyond was bustling, far busier and more crowded than any Justin had seen thus far. Most buildings were of red brick, lining a wide central avenue of cobblestone. These buildings were four or five stories tall, hinting at a prosperous city that had been developing for quite a while. Shops and stalls of various sorts lined the streets, offering everything from fresh produce, meats, and baked goods to clothing, jewelry, and books. Blacksmiths hammered away at anvils, and the scent of fresh bread wafted from bakeries. Inns and taverns beckoned travelers, and iron lampposts dotted the sidewalks, casting shadows in the brightening morning. Justin noticed metal tracks in the center of the streets with horse-drawn trolleys serving as mass transit, adding to the sense of activity. Two of these trolleys wandered through the streets, both filled with people, some even hanging off the sides. The air was filled with the chatter of townsfolk going about their day. They finally came to a cozy-looking inn of three stories near the center of town; its metal placard, swinging in the breeze, proclaimed it to be The Silver Stag. Its sign featured a gracefully leaping stag against a backdrop of what seemed to be pure silver. The inn had a welcoming exterior with large, clean windows, flower boxes brimming with colorful blooms, and a well-kept facade. ¡°Here we are,¡± Alistair said, his voice filled with relief. ¡°Let¡¯s get inside. Gregory, the innkeeper here, is a friend of the Templars of Arion. We¡¯ll be safe.¡± With that, Justin, Lila, and Eldrin followed the Paladin into the inn. 23. The Silver Stag Inn As they entered The Silver Stag, the warmth and comfort of the interior immediately embraced them. The common room was spacious, with polished wooden tables, a roaring fireplace, and the aroma of hearty food wafting through the air. At this time of day, the common room was mostly empty. A friendly innkeeper behind the counter, a middle-aged man with graying hair, greeted them with a smile, addressing Alistair. ¡°Sir Alistair of Drakendale, it is a pleasure to see you again. Be welcome to The Silver Stag. Will you and your friends be staying the night, or merely taking lunch?¡± ¡°Staying the night,¡± Alistair said, retrieving his coin purse and producing three fat, five-silver pieces. ¡°Lunch, dinner, and breakfast on the morrow, and four of your finest rooms.¡± ¡°Very good, sir. To confirm, this will not be on the Chapter House¡¯s credit?¡± ¡°No, sir. Off the books. The extra is for your discretion.¡± ¡°Of course, sir,¡± he said, almost giddily. ¡°All of you seem tired and worn, but The Silver Stag is the finest establishment in all Highcliff. If you cannot find rest, succor, and peace here, then you can¡¯t find it anywhere.¡± He turned his head back. ¡°Martha! Prepare a swift, but full, luncheon for four guests in the private dining chamber.¡± Then, back to Alistair. ¡°Will you take ale or wine?¡± ¡°Wine, but make it watered,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We¡¯ve been walking all night through the wilds, and we plan to rest as soon as we have lunched.¡± ¡°Indeed?¡± the innkeeper asked, surprised at this. ¡°Well, after your meal, we can prepare four tubs for you, that you might wash the night¡¯s trials away. You can count on our discretion, Sir Alistair.¡± ¡°I thank you, Gregory.¡± ¡°Please, follow me to the dining room.¡± The innkeeper led them swiftly through the common room toward a door leading into the rear of the establishment. Thankfully, what few patrons there were sat far from the counter, so there was no chance of Alistair¡¯s words being overheard. They entered the private dining room, a cozy chamber with a large oak table set for four. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting hunting scenes, and a chandelier with candles cast a warm glow. They settled into cushioned chairs, their exhaustion palpable. Within minutes, a generous meal was set before them: roasted chicken, fresh bread, a variety of cheeses, and a hearty vegetable stew. Cool watered wine was poured, and Gregory left them to their meals. The four attacked their plates ravenously. Once done, Justin was so full that he was about to nod off, a feeling aided by the wine¡¯s gentle buzz. From Lila¡¯s heavy eyes, it seemed as if she were in the same boat. The innkeeper returned. ¡°Your baths and rooms are ready. If you are ready, I shall take you there myself.¡± ¡°Very good,¡± Alistair said. They rose from their seats, following the innkeeper up a set of stone steps. Everyone was too tired to even talk. ¡°Here they are,¡± the innkeeper said with a smile, once they¡¯d arrived at the end of the hall. He handed them four small brass keys. ¡°At The Silver Stag, we have a dedicated bathroom for each floor. You shall find it halfway down the hall, separated by gender, of course. Is there anything else I can do for you?¡± ¡°Nothing, good innkeeper,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°If you have dirty laundry, it is not too late to begin the early afternoon wash. I can have Martha return it to you by evening, if you set it outside your door within the hour.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Alistair said. The innkeeper gave an accommodating bow before retreating down the stairway. Once Gregory was gone, Alistair took the others in. ¡°We¡¯ll be safe here through the night. I¡¯ll be able to detect any trace of Death Magic if it comes too close to the inn. Those thralls of Valdrik¡¯s are better suited for hunting overland than blending into a city like this. If we leave tomorrow when the sun is good and bright, we should get a sizeable head start on them.¡± ¡°They will be lying in wait for us on the Queensroad,¡± Eldrin pointed out. ¡°By now, they¡¯ve surely figured out where we¡¯re headed, especially considering the company we¡¯re keeping.¡± ¡°That is something we must discuss, perhaps this evening, when our heads are fresher for rest.¡± Alistair¡¯s gaze took in Justin and Lila. ¡°You two can bathe first.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t have to tell me twice,¡± Lila said. She then frowned. ¡°Just realized I don¡¯t have a change of clean clothes¡­is it safe for Justin and I to go out and buy a few things?¡± ¡°Not a chance,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We must stay in the inn until it¡¯s time to leave. Far too dangerous.¡± She pouted a bit but didn¡¯t argue. She was probably too tired for it. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Justin said. ¡°You¡¯ll have clean clothes tonight, Lila.¡± ¡°I guess.¡± As they headed down the hallway, Lila looked down at the Ring of Hygiene on his right index finger. ¡°What I wouldn¡¯t give for one of those right now! The guy said it cleaned your clothing too, right?¡± ¡°He did,¡± Justin confirmed. ¡°But a hot soak is just what I need right now.¡± ¡°I hear that.¡± They entered the bathroom, and as the innkeeper had said, there was a partition to separate the two. Justin thought back to what Lila had said about bathing customs. Apparently, here in Highcliff, modesty was a thing. Maybe Lila had meant her home country of Daeloria. On the men¡¯s side were three steaming copper tubs, and on the women¡¯s, just one. Justin bathed more quickly than he would have liked, knowing that Alistair and Eldrin were waiting for their turn. Once dried off, he left Lila there and returned to his room. Alistair and Eldrin had vacated the hall, though he could hear their voices, talking low through the door. Slowly, he crept up and pressed his ear to the oak. There was nothing at first, and for a moment, he believed he had been discovered. That was when their conversation resumed. Justin heard Alistair speak first, his voice calm and measured. ¡°You¡¯re right that Valdrik¡¯s men are likely waiting for us on the Queensroad. We have to be ready for that.¡± ¡°Aye, they¡¯ll be expecting us to head straight to Belmora before heading north to Mont Elea. It¡¯s the fastest route. But it will also be the busiest, and that can be a sure shield. There are regular patrols of the Queensguard every few hours, and the Baron will think twice before trying something.¡± Alistair sighed. ¡°I fear the Baron is desperate. He knows there¡¯s little time left before we reach Mont Elea and may risk a direct confrontation, even if we opt for the Queensroad. After all, if we make it to Mont Elea, his schemes will be foiled. And, of course, I¡¯d rather avoid unnecessary bloodshed, especially if it puts Justin and Lila in more danger. That incident with the dire wolves was far too close. Not to mention the Vault.¡± ¡°Aye, all that¡¯s true. There¡¯s an old trader¡¯s road that breaks off from the Plainsway to Draegor¡¯s Keep. It¡¯s less traveled, and if need be, we can head east overland and lose them in the wild. My thinking is Valdrik¡¯s men might not think to look for us there, and by the time they realize where we went, it¡¯ll be too late for them to catch up.¡± There was a pause before Alistair spoke again, his tone contemplative. ¡°That could work. But what of supplies? We¡¯ll need provisions for the extended journey, and there are few villages up that way. That would take us through the Wilderlands of Balor. That¡¯s rough country.¡± Eldrin¡¯s voice was reassuring. ¡°We can stock up here in Highcliff, of course, which will see us a good part of the way. The hunting is good in the Wilderlands. It might slow us down a bit, but we won¡¯t want for anything. Winter is still two months away. Enough time to make Mont Elea before the hammer falls.¡± ¡°It will take at least a couple of weeks longer than the obvious path,¡± Alistair said. ¡°And let¡¯s not forget, after the Wilderlands, there¡¯s the Brackenbog. One false step will see you sinking to your death. There¡¯s at least fifty miles of that before we reach the Gulfway. And if winter comes early, as it did five years ago, that alone could be enough to end us.¡± ¡°Aye, all true. Two poisons, pick one. The faster Queensroad, or the less-traveled route.¡± Alistair seemed to consider this. ¡°All right. First light, we¡¯ll head to the market. We¡¯ll need supplies, whatever path we choose. We need to be discreet, though. Valdrik likely has eyes here.¡± There was a pause. ¡°What is it about the boy that the Baron would go through all this trouble? It¡¯s not just about me reporting him to the High Priest.¡± Eldrin hesitated for a moment. ¡°That, I can¡¯t say. His story¡­is interesting. You should ask him.¡± ¡°Humph. Perhaps I will, Ranger. But for now, rest is best. Both he and the Bard will need it for the long road ahead.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll want to go her own way? If she did, would the Baron try to track her down?¡± ¡°That¡¯s hard to say. My guess is, he¡¯ll put all of his resources toward finding Justin and me. Lila is not a concern of his. I will put the decision to her tomorrow, or perhaps this evening. She deserves to have a choice. Though it¡¯s clear she sees something in the young man.¡± ¡°Aye, that she does.¡± Eldrin¡¯s voice took on a more serious tone. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.¡± Alistair¡¯s voice softened slightly. ¡°Thank you. Your skills have been invaluable on this journey. However, like Lila, I know Valdrik is not your fight. When we make Mont Elea, I¡¯ll ensure you are properly rewarded.¡± ¡°If what you¡¯ve just told me about Valdrik is true, Paladin, then I would do this for free. However, the money would be welcome.¡± Justin heard movement within the room, so he pulled away from the door and creeped down the hallway toward his own room. Thankfully, the floorboards made nary a sound. He wondered at the part of the conversation he had missed, what Alistair had told Eldrin about Valdrik. He felt left out, and he wondered why this information wasn¡¯t for him or Lila. Clearly, Alistair esteemed the Ranger far more, perhaps because of his age or abilities. Justin returned to his room, the exhaustion at last becoming impossible to ignore. He fell asleep to the sound of creaking wheels, horses, and distant conversations.
When Justin awoke, the evening light bathed the room in hues of gold. The noises of the city could still be heard, but they had softened somewhat with the fading of the daylight. He resisted the urge to fall back asleep, even if that was all he wanted. His head was throbbing something fierce, either from exhaustion, or perhaps an aftereffect of the Grimroot extract. His bones were aching, and his muscles stiff. As he sat up in bed, he received a System message. You have reached Level Three. As you awake to greet the evening, things feel as if they are coming together¡­slowly. You know you¡¯ll get there, one step at a time. Justin felt himself reflective as he pondered his journey so far. Instead of resisting the introspection, he bathed in it for a few minutes until a new message broke him from his reverie. You have one Attribute Point to distribute. For the first time, Justin felt he faced a tough decision on where to distribute the point. So far, he¡¯d gone all in on Charisma, which made sense for his character. As a Socialite, all of his bonuses depended on that stat. At least, as far as he knew. But after thinking about the Vault, getting stunned twice by Zaramund, likely because of a lack of Intellect, and having a close call with the dire wolves¡ªnot to mention all the hard travel which required Endurance¡ªhe was torn. Maxing out Charisma as much as possible would make sense if he was in a large city, where he could count on guardsmen to keep the peace. For the foreseeable future, at least, it didn¡¯t seem like that would happen. If Alistair and Eldrin¡¯s conversation was any sign, they had a long, tough road ahead of them. His Cane of Valoria already granted him a +1 boost to Perception and Charisma, which was nice, but he had the distinct feeling it wouldn¡¯t be enough. So, that begged the question: where to put the point? He could do with a boost in either Power, Endurance, or perhaps Intellect, which would help his survivability. From the conversation he¡¯d overheard, if they ended up going up this Plainsway, or even running into Valdrik¡¯s men along the Queensroad, it might be the difference between life and death. And yet¡­and yet¡­ It still felt wrong. He sighed and locked the point into Charisma. Your Charisma Attribute is now: 14. And just like that, the tension of having made the wrong decision evaporated. Besides, he had plenty of banked experience points. If he really needed to put a point in something else next time, he had the full freedom to do so. As a Level Three Socialite, you have unlocked your third class skill. Choose wisely! There is no going back. As with both other times, there were two to consider. Justin perused both. Dandy¡¯s Swagger: Perform a captivating strut that immediately fills you with confidence and swagger! This skill boosts allies¡¯ Charisma by +2 and makes neutrals treat you as if you have +2 Charisma for one minute. Hostiles take a -2 Charisma penalty for one minute. This strut can halt conversations and cause enemies to hesitate, with this effect becoming more likely at higher Charisma levels. Cooldown: 30 minutes. Endearing Compliment: Deliver a tailored compliment that¡¯s sure to soften hearts of stone! If your Endearing Compliment makes the recipient smile, they treat you as if you have +5 Charisma during the conversation. If a complimented person gives you something you want, the skill¡¯s cooldown resets. Usable once per day per individual. Cooldown: 10 minutes. Justin pondered both skills, weighing their pros and cons with careful consideration. Endearing Compliment seemed straightforward and powerful. The ability to craft a perfect compliment and gain a +5 Charisma boost for the duration of a conversation could be invaluable in negotiations or when trying to gain favor with a specific person. The immediate refresh of the cooldown if a request was granted was a bonus, making it a versatile tool in social interactions. Unlike Dandy¡¯s Swagger, it was honed and specific. However, it had its limitations. It required the recipient to smile, which might not always be possible in high-stakes situations¡ªalthough if it were anything like Poison Barb, its opposite, then he could also get a good read on his target and know what kind of compliment would be effective. Another limitation was that it could only be used once per individual per day, limiting its utility, although it seemed it could be used on any amount of people, within the limits of the ten-minute cooldown. Dandy¡¯s Swagger offered a more dramatic and immediate effect. The eye-catching strut would not only fill Justin with confidence. It would also cause allies to gain +2 Charisma for one minute, while causing neutrals to treat him as if he had +2 Charisma. Not only that, but it also inflicted a -2 Charisma malus on hostiles. That malus could be useful in making them more vulnerable to a Poison Barb. Justin could envision a synergy between the two Skills; Dandy¡¯s Swagger to soften up their Charisma resistance, so that Poison Barb would land more effectively. While not as specific and powerful as a +5 Charisma Bonus with one particular person, Dandy¡¯s Swagger had the potential to turn the tide in larger social confrontations, and even in battles, causing enemies to hesitate and allies to rally around him. The ability to halt conversations and make enemies hesitate was particularly intriguing, as it could create openings for strategic maneuvers or escape¡ªsomething Justin could have sorely used several times. The cooldown of thirty minutes was longer than Endearing Compliment, but it was still reasonable, given the power of the move. Justin reflected on his journey so far. The Vault had tested his mettle in ways he hadn¡¯t expected. He had faced Zaramund¡¯s terrifying presence, endured the treacherous climb, and survived the dire wolf attack. Each challenge underscored the importance of not just Charisma, but also presence and confidence. The ability to make enemies hesitate and allies feel more assured could be the edge he needed in the unpredictable and dangerous path ahead. Dandy¡¯s Swagger aligned with the essence of his Socialite class. It was about more than just words; it was about presence, confidence, and the ability to command attention. This skill could enhance his natural charisma and make him an even more formidable force in social situations. After a few moments of deliberation, Justin decided. He locked in Dandy¡¯s Swagger. You have chosen: Dandy¡¯s Swagger. Instantly, Justin felt a surge of confidence wash over him as the knowledge of the skill entered him. He knew he had made the right choice. The road ahead was uncertain, but with his new skill, he felt more prepared to face whatever challenges came his way. He got up from the bed, his body still aching but his spirit renewed. He knew he needed to rejoin the others, but first, he wanted to check his character sheet: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 3 Experience to Level 4: 1154/325 (Level-up available!) Attributes Power: 10 Coordination: 10 Endurance: 10 Intellect: 10 Perception: 10 (+1) Charisma: 14 (+ 1) Skills (Level 0) Epic Barb: Obsolete. (Level 1) Poison Barb: You know precisely what to say to cause emotional damage to someone, stunning them temporarily. If your barb renders them speechless for at least three seconds, the cooldown immediately refreshes. Cooldown: 10 minutes. (Level 2) Dazzling Display: Once a day, strike a pose or make a gesture that immediately captures the attention of those nearby, momentarily distracting or captivating them. The strength of this skill scales with your Charisma Level. (Level 3) Dandy¡¯s Swagger: Perform a captivating strut that immediately fills you with confidence and swagger! This skill boosts allies¡¯ Charisma by +2 and makes neutrals treat you as if you have +2 Charisma for one minute. Hostiles take a -2 Charisma penalty for one minute. This strut can halt conversations and cause enemies to hesitate, with this effect becoming more likely at higher Charisma levels. Cooldown: 30 minutes. (Hidden) Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff: Instinctually block the first hostile attack directed at you once per day by any character or creature up to Level 12. Equipment Weapon: Cane of Valoria: + 1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill ¡°Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff.¡± Accessory: The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications. Just reviewing his equipment got him curious. He went to the room¡¯s mirror, looking at his unkempt, almost wild hair. Despite this, he was shocked at the transformation. He hadn¡¯t lost ten pounds, as previously supposed. He¡¯d lost at least twenty, and maybe even as much as thirty. It wasn¡¯t just exercise and fresh air. Something else was going on, too, having something to do with either his class or his Charisma level, or perhaps both. His face was thinner. His double chin was still palpable but reduced. A jawline was taking shape, and it was magnificent. His facial hair was a right mess; he hadn¡¯t taken care of himself in months, and it was even worse now. He looked better than he had in years, perhaps all the way back to childhood. He observed the silver Ring of Hygiene on his finger. Perhaps it was time to test out its capabilities. He wasn¡¯t sure how it worked, but he looked in the mirror, imagining a clean-shaven face and a classic haircut, with a modern twist. He wanted the top to be long enough to have some volume to create a slight wave, parted to the right. Overall, he wished for a clean, polished look, but with enough length on top to style it a bit. As soon as he was done with that image, he confirmed it with a mental click. An aura of yellow light surrounded him, making it impossible to see just what was happening. After a moment, it dissipated, and Justin stared in astonishment at his reflection. His auburn hair was perfectly styled, just as he had envisioned, with the top long enough to boast a gentle wave, neatly parted to the right. His face was clean-shaven, highlighting his newly defined jawline, and his skin seemed fresher, almost glowing with health. The transformation made him look years younger, a stark contrast to the unkempt appearance he had grown accustomed to over the past years. There in the mirror stood not merely Justin Talemaker, former NEET, recluse, and dweller of basements. There stood a proper gentleman: well-groomed, revitalized, brimming with confidence and yes, even aplomb. With a satisfied nod to his reflection, and a sly wink, for he couldn¡¯t help himself, he twirled his cane and stepped out of the room, his stride carrying the weight of his newfound self-assurance, his cane clacking merrily on the wooden floorboards. For the first time, he looked and felt every part the Socialite. 24. A Fork in the Road Justin strolled down the hallway, cane tapping against the wooden floor, punctuating the rhythm of his newfound confidence. He nearly bumped into Lila, who was coming up the steps. She stopped dead in her tracks, her green eyes widening as she took in his transformation. ¡°Justin! Is that really you?¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but grin. ¡°Yes, of course it¡¯s me.¡± He gave a small, playful bow. ¡°Just a bit more¡­polished.¡± Lila laughed, the sound filling Justin with warmth. ¡°Polished? You look like you¡¯ve stepped out of a bard¡¯s tale!¡± She blinked, seeming to remember herself. ¡°I mean, compared to before.¡± As Justin struck a pose, her gaze lingered on his clean-shaven face and styled hair, her smile brightening. It was almost as if she was checking him out, of all things. ¡°Lila¡­are you okay?¡± She blinked, seeming to come out of a haze before giving a nervous laugh. ¡°Yes, of course! I¡¯m just glad you woke up. I was getting bored. Did you level up?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± he said. ¡°Level 3, baby!¡± ¡°Same here!¡± She frowned in confusion. ¡°Though I¡¯m no babe.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re not?¡± Justin asked with a wink. She giggled. ¡°So, what skill did you take?¡± Justin took a step back. ¡°Watch this!¡± Before she could react, he activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger. With a flourish of his cane, he began an eye-catching strut, his movements exaggerated yet elegant. His entire body glowed with yellow light, and he moved like a panther on the prowl. The mere movement filled him with unbridled confidence. Lila¡¯s eyes sparkled as she watched, and as if in reaction to the move, she joined in, mimicking his movements, even her steps syncing with his in a spontaneous, playful dance that echoed through the hallway. Their laughter and footfalls attracted attention. Eldrin and Alistair emerged from their rooms, likely to see what the commotion was, their expressions a study in contrast. Eldrin¡¯s face broke into an amused grin, while Alistair remained unsmiling, his brows furrowing slightly as he watched the impromptu performance. ¡°Quite the moves, Justin,¡± he remarked dryly. ¡°I trust this new¡­ energy¡­ will serve us well on the road ahead?¡± Justin and Lila slowed to a stop, their smiles lingering. ¡°Absolutely!¡± Justin said. ¡°A little flair can only help, right?¡± Eldrin laughed. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! We could use a bit of lightness in our step, especially with what lies ahead.¡± Alistair merely nodded, his skepticism clear but not voiced further. Justin knew the Paladin had a lot on his mind. Indeed, Alistair seemed far more somber of late than their initial meeting on the road. The stress of protecting them from Baron Valdrik was weighing on him heavily, and he saw Justin¡¯s shenanigans as a needless risk that could get them all killed. Justin realized he might have never had this insight without the recent Charisma Attribute boost. He was far more able to read the room and expressions around him in a way he never had before. He assumed a properly modest expression. Alistair nodded toward the stairs. ¡°Dinner should be served soon. It would be a good chance to discuss our plans for the road. And please, for all our sakes, try to keep the dancing to a minimum.¡± ¡°Yes, Sir Paladin,¡± Justin said respectfully. ¡°After you. Respectfully.¡± The Paladin watched him grimly before heading down the stone steps. Eldrin gave him a neutral look and a shrug, while Lila just winked, her steps light and teasing. Justin let out a breath, following with his head held high. The large oak table of the private dining room was set with a hearty meal: roasted venison, herbed potatoes, fresh bread, a variety of cheeses, and a bowl of cool, watered wine. Alistair, Eldrin, Lila, and Justin settled into their seats, the earlier mirth replaced by a more serious air as they prepared to discuss the road ahead. They ate quickly, sensing that Alistair wanted to get started as soon as possible. Once the dishes were cleared, Alistair waited for the door to close before reaching into his pocket, producing a rolled map, which he spread out on the table. Justin¡¯s eyes widened at the sight. This map looked far more complete than his, seeming to have dynamic capabilities over all of Serenthel, the continent they were on. Alistair, with a tap of his hands, zoomed in the map, with Highcliff in the bottom left corner and the Golden Gulf on the right. Along that coast were three points of interest: Belmora in the south, Mont Elea in the center, seemingly on a peninsula jutting into the sea, and Draegor¡¯s Keep, a fortress town bordering both the ocean and the Seraphim Range, a large mountain range running along the northern edge of the map. All three were connected by a single road running along the coast, appropriately named the Gulfway. There were also many other cities, towns, and landmarks, all clearly labeled, but it was far too much to take in at the moment. ¡°We have two choices before us to reach Mont Elea,¡± Alistair began, his voice low and steady. ¡°Each holds its own set of advantages and perils.¡± His hand traced a solid line, extending from Highcliff across the Aranthian Plain, along which there were several modestly sized towns, toward Belmora. ¡°The Queensroad is the fastest route, patrolled and relatively safe, but it¡¯s also where Valdrik¡¯s men will expect us to travel. They could ambush us, despite the Queen¡¯s regular patrols. Eldrin and I suspect he¡¯s desperate.¡± Alistair¡¯s brow furrowed as he ran a hand along a thinner road snaking its way northeast from Highcliff. ¡°The Plainsway, though less traveled, will take us to Draegor¡¯s Keep, if we take this old trader''s road that breaks off from it. And from there, the Gulfway goes south to Mont Elea. The road is rough. It¡¯s dirt in most places, and there are fewer chances to resupply. And of course, patrols are rare. This course would take at least a month longer than going to Belmora and then north along the Gulfway.¡± ¡°Why not go up the Plainsway a bit and cut across?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Seems that¡¯s the most direct route, and we have Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace.¡± Eldrin came out of his silence. ¡°That would take us through the Wilderlands of Balor. Any settlements there are not on a map, and it¡¯s rife with bandits and other dangers. The forests are thick, the hills unforgiving, the streams many. I¡¯ve been there a few times, but I spend most of my time in the Hinterlands. Some of this ground would be new even to me. Pathfinder¡¯s Pace will help, but it is no substitute for a well-established road.¡± Lila frowned as she considered this. Alistair watched her, and her eyes rose to meet his gaze. ¡°Lila, there is something we must discuss.¡± ¡°What?¡± she asked, her voice thin. ¡°Whatever path we choose, it will be fraught with hardship. You¡¯ve been invaluable, and while the Baron has seen you with Justin, he is not after you in particular. Eldrin and I have judged that the Baron will put most of his resources into pursuing us to Mont Elea. If you wish to go your own way, this might be your last chance. Of course, you would be wise to never tread in the County of Silverton for the rest of your days. If we take the Queensroad, I suggest you take the Plainsway. If we take the Plainsway, you could find a hamlet near here and lie low for a few weeks before deciding where to go next. If you decide to leave, no one here will think less of you. I¡¯m ready and able to supply you with a modest amount of silver to ensure your safety.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Justin tried not to look at her, so as not to influence her decision. He saw Alistair¡¯s point, but Lila was the one he was closest to. And she was his friend¡ªand perhaps with the chance for something more. It would sadden him greatly to lose that, but perhaps it was for the best. Lila¡¯s eyes narrowed in thought, then she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with the group.¡± Her tone left no room for doubt. ¡°I¡¯m aiming for Draegor¡¯s Keep, and no matter which way the party goes, it¡¯s on the way. If you choose the Queensroad, and I go to the Plainsway, as you suggest, that is dangerous for a woman traveling alone. I¡¯d rather travel in the company of warriors such as you. After Mont Elea, I might take a couple of days¡¯ rest. They say the mountain is beautiful, and the Blessing of Arion is not to be missed by anyone who is faithful to the Six.¡± Alistair nodded, respect clear in his eyes. ¡°Very well. We would welcome your company, Lila.¡± Justin felt a palpable sense of relief. He wondered what ¡°the Six¡± was, but he could only assume it was a pantheon of gods, of which Arion was one. ¡°With that settled, which way should we go?¡± Justin asked. ¡°What are the risks of both?¡± Eldrin gave a coy smile. ¡°You should know that as well as us, Justin.¡± From the stares he and Alistair were giving him, he had not been as stealthy as he thought. ¡°What are they talking about, Justin?¡± Lila asked. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll admit it. After my bath, I heard them talking, and I got a little nosy and eavesdropped. What of it?¡± ¡°Never underestimate a Ranger¡¯s senses,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Even the quietest eavesdropper leaves a trail.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Okay, point taken. It seems from what you guys talked about, the Baron is sure to ambush us somewhere on the Queensroad, despite the regular patrols of the Queensguard. The Plainsway, and then cutting across this Wilderlands place, would be rough going. And I heard something about a bog that¡¯s sure to kill us. It seems there¡¯s a third way now, going all the way to Draegor¡¯s Keep via the Plainsway, and then south on the Gulfway. This way would take the longest, and I assume, might be hard to travel with winter coming on.¡± ¡°An accurate assessment,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Queensroad all the way,¡± Lila said. ¡°It¡¯s hard to see the Baron trying to attack us with so much security there.¡± ¡°Simple Queensguards will be nothing to the soldiers he is sending after us,¡± Alistair said grimly. ¡°As long as there is nothing to tie them back to Valdrik, we will be ambushed.¡± ¡°You can just take them out, right?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I saw how you fought in that battle! Plus, you took care of their men easily enough at the alehouse.¡± ¡°Nay,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Lieutenant Gareth¡ªthat¡¯s Valdrik¡¯s pasty lieutenant you saw at the Silverton alehouse¡ªescaped our fight. There¡¯s no doubt he¡¯s in charge of the expedition hunting his down.¡± ¡°How did he escape?¡± Lila asked. Alistair paused, seeming to weigh his next words carefully, as if he was wondering whether he should even say them. ¡°Lieutenant Gareth is a Shadowblade. One of their key skills makes escaping a prickly situation quite easy.¡± Justin felt his blood run cold. ¡°Shadowblade? Sounds dangerous!¡± ¡°I kept it from you¡ªdidn¡¯t want to scare you out of your wits. But maybe it¡¯s good that I say as much, just to show you what we¡¯re up against. It¡¯s an advanced class, meaning that Gareth is at a minimum of Level 20, but he is not more than me. I could sense the stain of Death Magic upon him, which means he is at most equal to my level, which is 25.¡± ¡°Death Magic,¡± Justin said. ¡°That would mean he¡¯s undead, too.¡± ¡°Valdrik¡¯s most trusted soldiers are,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Normally, Valdrik would keep such men behind the scenes. He wouldn''t want to risk a Paladin or mage detecting Gareth¡¯s undead status. So, that he¡¯s bringing him into the open only proves his dedication to taking us out.¡± ¡°Shadowblade,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of that class.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the combination of Warrior Core and a Thief Core,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Shadowblades are favored as assassins, masters of both open combat and covert operations. They combine the raw strength and combat techniques of a Warrior with the stealth, agility, and cunning of a Thief. They excel in hit-and-run tactics, infiltration, and striking from the shadows, making them versatile fighters capable of adapting to any battlefield situation.¡± ¡°Dear Gods,¡± Lila said. ¡°And if Alistair hadn¡¯t come along at the right time, we¡¯d have been murdered in our sleep!¡± ¡°That, or worse,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I had him cornered, but he doesn¡¯t fight fair. Shadowblades get an ability called Cloak of Shadows. They can become invisible once a day, and he used the invisibility to get reinforcements. And you can bet those reinforcements are a well-honed team. While Lieutenant Gareth¡¯s retinue won¡¯t be Level 20 or above, each has a class and is highly capable.¡± The following silence was palpable, and to Justin, he almost wished Alistair had kept his mouth shut. Even now, all he could think about was where this Lieutenant Gareth was. Perhaps he was sneaking in the shadows of the city even now, looking for an opening. ¡°You should take heart,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°In a way, a Paladin is the perfect counter to an undead Shadowblade. Their chief ability is striking from the shadows, something they can¡¯t do if Alistair can sense the Mark of Death upon them. At best, Gareth can use his invisibility to escape. However, that means you can¡¯t stray too far from Alistair. He can detect Death Magic within half a mile or so, and that feeling only becomes stronger the closer an undead gets to him. Just stay close and you¡¯ll be safe.¡± Justin nodded shakily. Despite Eldrin¡¯s words, it certainly didn¡¯t feel as if he was safe. ¡°So, what are we deciding?¡± Justin decided. ¡°Is it not possible they try to block both the Queensroad and the Plainsway?¡± ¡°That¡¯s fully possible,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Whatever the case, they are probably watching the city closely and will know what choice we make, no matter what. But the fact remains, they must position their forces somewhere well away from Highcliff, somewhere with shelter from the sun.¡± Eldrin pointed to Alistair¡¯s map, at a small forest south of the Queensroad. ¡°My best guess is they¡¯re lying in wait there, while they¡¯ve taken a few of their human soldiers to keep watch over the city for any sign of us leaving. There are three ways into Highcliff: the North Gate, the East Gate, and the West Gate.¡± ¡°Will they be watching all three?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Possibly. Perhaps even probably. But the West Gate is least likely to be watched.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the one we came in from, right?¡± Justin asked. Alistair nodded. ¡°Could be our best move to leave from there. It would be unexpected.¡± ¡°Of course, it doesn¡¯t matter if we¡¯re tailed trying to buy supplies tomorrow,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But if there¡¯s any sort of trouble, I¡¯ll root it out. A Ranger has a keen sense of observation.¡± That was something Justin could attest to personally. ¡°Well, that¡¯s our plan, unless otherwise stated,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Leave by the West Gate, and head for the Plainsway.¡± ¡°As sound a plan as any,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We could even cut across the woods north of town to hit the Plainsway, so that we¡¯re not so obvious. It¡¯ll take longer, and of course, there¡¯s the risk the Baron¡¯s men are actually camping there. But if we suppose right about the Queensroad, the woods to the north should be clear.¡± ¡°Shadowflight can watch our backs,¡± Justin added. ¡°Right?¡± ¡°Aye. His eyes are sharper than any of ours. We can adjust as needed. Good plans are like rivers; they bend and flow as needed.¡± ¡°Given the potential dangers of being watched,¡± Alistair said, ¡°I must insist that we retire early this evening. Highcliff, while bustling and seemingly safe, could harbor spies or worse. I don¡¯t believe Gareth would risk himself, owing to my skills, but that doesn¡¯t mean he won¡¯t contract someone to do the watching or killing for him.¡± Justin¡¯s shoulders slumped a bit. He¡¯d hoped to relax a bit this evening, have a bit of a talk with Lila, maybe even go out with her. There would be no chance to for quite a while, and if she intended to go onto Draegor¡¯s Keep without him, there might never be a chance again. Alistair seemed to read his intent, his normally stony features softening somewhat. ¡°As a small concession¡­the common room downstairs will remain available to you. It should be safe enough. If Gregory sees anything suspicious, I¡¯ll be the first to know. And for Arion''s sake, stay inside and don¡¯t stay up too late. We have an early day tomorrow.¡± Eldrin grunted in agreement. ¡°It¡¯s settled then. We¡¯ll dine, rest, and at first light, we venture to the market for supplies. We¡¯ll keep a low profile, purchase what¡¯s necessary, and prepare for the longer journey along the Plainsway.¡± ¡°Just to be clear,¡± Lila asked. ¡°Are we going to Draegor¡¯s Keep first, or cutting across the Wilderlands of Balor?¡± ¡°The former, if possible,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I¡¯ll take the early snows of the Seraphim over the unknown dangers of the Wilderlands and Brackenbog.¡± The Paladin gave a firm nod. ¡°Good night.¡± As the strategy meeting adjourned, Justin felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The weight of the journey was palpable, yet the resolve within the group, strengthened by Lila¡¯s decision to stay, gave him a cautious hope. Alistair and Eldrin rose from the table, heading to the door that would lead to the stairway. Clearly, both had a mind to retire early. Lila caught Justin¡¯s eye. She nodded to the opposite door, the one that led into the common room. ¡°I¡¯d say we¡¯ve earned a drink or two.¡± Justin nodded his agreement. It would be their last chance to relax in a long time, and he meant to take advantage. He followed her out the door and into the common room of The Silver Stag. 25. Of Goblins and Karaoke Within a minute, Justin and Lila were sitting down with pints of cool ale. The common room of The Silver Stag was lively, almost nearly full given the lateness of the hour. The patrons were a mix of working people, dressed in simple, practical clothing, and a few richer folks, adorned in finer fabrics and jewelry. This eclectic mix told Justin it was popular among all crowds. The buzz of conversation meant that whatever they talked about wasn¡¯t likely to be picked up in their little corner of the common room. ¡°So,¡± Justin began. ¡°Tell me about growing up in Daeloria.¡± Lila smiled. ¡°What¡¯s there to know? The food¡¯s divine, the wine is the best in Serenthel, and of course, the maids are the prettiest.¡± ¡°I believe it, if you''re any example." Her eyes crinkled with amusement as she took a drink. "Daeloria seems to be beyond the Seraphim Range, right?" Justin asked. "On the far western side of the continent.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Far from home, then.¡± ¡°Very,¡± Lila said, somewhat sadly. ¡°I miss it, of course. But I don¡¯t miss those thugs coming after me.¡± ¡°Where was the last place you saw them?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Surely, they wouldn¡¯t chase you this far.¡± ¡°I saw them last in Stonehaven, a mountain town in the Seraphim Range. It¡¯s the border between Aranthia and Daeloria. Lost them by paying a kindly farmer to hide me in the hay bales of his cart. Haven¡¯t seen them since.¡± ¡°Do you think they¡¯re still chasing you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to take the chance. My debt is pretty sizeable. And it grows larger every day. I¡­may have insulted the one who sold me the Bard Core. That might have something to do with it.¡± ¡°What did you say to him?¡± Justin asked, amused. Lila smirked. ¡°I told him he had the face of a troll and the manners to match. Not the wisest thing to say to a man who has a dozen goons at his command.¡± ¡°Damn,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯d do it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m heading for Draegor¡¯s Keep. It¡¯s at the butt end of nowhere, at least as far as Aranthia is concerned. They say it¡¯s cold and rainy, the opposite of Daeloria. I think it¡¯s the last place they¡¯d look for me. If all goes well, perhaps I can make a life there. And if push comes to shove, well, it¡¯s a port. I can hop on a ship and head to Calidon.¡± ¡°Calidon,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯s another continent, right?¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Mostly orcs live there, at least in the western half. But there are human enclaves. Wouldn¡¯t be a simple life, but at least I¡¯d keep my kneecaps.¡± ¡°An important consideration, to be sure.¡± Lila drained the rest of her mug, her eyes going up to an open archway that seemed to lead into a separate common room. ¡°Just noticed that over there. Wonder where it leads?¡± Justin turned around. ¡°Seems to be another room.¡± He noticed patrons flitting back and forth between the two spaces. Following Lila¡¯s lead, Justin followed her there. Gregory, the innkeeper, gave them a knowing nod but said nothing as they slipped through the archway. They were met with another common room, cozy and warm, with a more intimate ambiance than The Silver Stag. Clearly, it was another inn, or perhaps simply a tavern, connected to The Silver Stag. Another archway lay on the other side of this tavern, leading to another. ¡°Seems all the inns here are connected, likely to share customers,¡± Justin said. ¡°It¡¯s a cool arrangement.¡± ¡°Cool?¡± Lila asked, arching an eyebrow. ¡°It means it¡¯s an interesting and fun setup. Allows people to explore different vibes without having to step outside.¡± ¡°Oh, I see!¡± She smiled with mischief. ¡°Well, maybe we should explore, then. Alistair said it¡¯s all right as long as we stay inside.¡± Normally, Justin would have disagreed. But the lively atmosphere of the inn¡¯s patrons, combined with the pint of ale, and of course, the smile of a pretty girl who seemed to be interested in him, was a potent combination that could hardly be denied. ¡°I don¡¯t see the harm. Just an hour of exploring.¡± ¡°Maybe two,¡± Lila said with a giggle. Justin knew he was as good as lost now but sod it. They¡¯d run from terror to terror for days on end. Would having a little fun kill them? Well, he realized the answer to that might actually be ¡°yes,¡± but at the moment, it didn¡¯t seem to matter. They got another drink in the tavern connected to The Silver Stag, which was apparently called The Whispering Willow. It wasn¡¯t as busy, so they sidled over to the next one, which was down a set of steps, and called The Thirsty Fox. Here, they ordered a spiced cider, a specialty drink that was warm and comforting. By now, they were beyond buzzed. Somehow or other, Lila had grabbed his hand as she led him from place to place, and she hardly let go, an arrangement Justin was quite happy with. Back in his old life, he was rarely¡ªif ever¡ªinvited for a night out, so in his mind, he was making up for lost time. The danger of Valdrik¡¯s men, and even the threat of the undead Shadowblade, seemed far away from the lively atmosphere. As long as they stayed within half a mile of Alistair, things should be okay. Or so his thinking went. After a couple of hours, Justin lost track of just how many inns they¡¯d visited and how many drinks they¡¯d had. Each inn had its own unique charm and specialty, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences, a kaleidoscope of faces, laughter, music, and revelry. Highcliff, it seemed, was a party town. They sampled exotic ales, spiced wines, and honeyed meads. And as they wandered, Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice people were drawn to him and Lila like moths to a flame. The women watched Lila with jealousy, while some men looked at him in challenge. More still wanted to be his friend, buying him even more drinks. No matter where he went, he was Mr. Popularity, a crowd forming around him, eager to hear his stories. The attention, which he had lacked so much in his former life, was downright addicting.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°And then,¡± Justin said, gesturing dramatically with his cane, ¡°the dire wolf lunged at me, but with a swift flick of my wrist, I sent it sprawling back!¡± The patrons gasped and cheered, hanging on his every word. Lila¡¯s eyes sparkled with amusement and pride as she watched him command the room, hanging on his arm. That was worth more than any amount of attention he was getting. Justin wasn¡¯t sure how it happened, but at some point, there was a stage in this one inn that called for its guests to come up and sing. He supposed it was something like medieval karaoke. Lila sang a lively drinking song, to the crowd¡¯s roaring approval. Lila insisted they sing together, a song of his own choosing, not taking no for an answer. Within ten minutes, Justin had taught her ¡°Islands in the Stream,¡± her Bardic class allowing her to pick it up with ease. Within minutes, they had it down and were ready to begin the famous duet, even considering making the Aranthian language rhyme where needed. The crowd all watched them expectantly. To Justin¡¯s surprise, Lila picked up a nearby lute, strumming the simple chord progression the song was known for, with a somewhat medieval twist. Justin picked up in a deep baritone. ¡°Baby, when I met you there was peace unknown¡­¡± As they sang, the crowd was captivated by the harmonious blend of voices and the heartfelt lyrics, finding the song¡¯s melody enchanting. Justin was sure the style was decidedly different from what they were used to, but they could still appreciate the universal themes of love and connection. Once they had finished, they were asked for an encore, but Justin shook his head. It was time to wind down. An appreciative patron bought them both a round of frosty ale, and they were sitting at the bar. ¡°Not bad for a first date.¡± Lila looked at him, smiling, her green eyes watching him playfully. ¡°A date? Is that what they call this where you¡¯re from?¡± ¡°I suppose,¡± Justin said. ¡°Ready to turn in after this round?¡± ¡°Just one more inn,¡± she said. ¡°There¡¯s no harm, right?¡± He laughed. ¡°You¡¯re like the Energizer Bunny.¡± She smiled suggestively. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what that is, but I do like to hop. Given the right circumstances.¡± Justin nearly spit out his drink at that one. The way her big green eyes were staring at him made it hard to resist. ¡°All right, one more,¡± he agreed. ¡°But you have to promise.¡± He looked at her lips, which looked especially inviting in the light of the muted lanterns. Lila, noticing his eyes, only widened her smile. Justin felt drawn to her, touching the side of her face gently. She closed her eyes, and at that moment, he wasn¡¯t thinking about the fact he¡¯d never even kissed a girl. All that was about to change. Within seconds. His heart raced, his face just inches from hers¡­ But just before he closed his eyes to give himself to the moment, he saw, from the corner of his vision, a sight that almost frightened him completely out of his wits. Sitting on the barstool next to Lila¡ªright behind her, in fact, previously missed because of its small stature¡ªwas a goblin. It had long ears, a pointed nose, and wide golden eyes¡ªboth of which were looking directly at Justin. Yep, it was a goblin all right. But there were several differences between this goblin and the ones that had chased him in the Wildwood. It had a slighter figure, he wore fine tailored clothing with a bowtie, suggesting he was a goblin of means, and had white, almost icy blue skin. It sported a number of jeweled piercings on both of its ears. Lila turned to see what had gotten Justin¡¯s attention, though when she saw the goblin, her expression wasn¡¯t afraid, merely curious. Before they could say anything, the goblin spoke, his voice surprisingly smooth. ¡°Good evening. Forgive me for interrupting, but I couldn¡¯t help but notice that cane of yours. Quite the piece you have!¡± Justin, deciding the goblin wasn¡¯t a threat, exchanged an annoyed glance with Lila before nodding. ¡°Yes, it is. What¡¯s it to you?¡± The goblin, with two hands, took a swig of his frosty ale. The pint glass was almost bigger than his head. Justin would have laughed, but something about the goblin¡¯s manner was quite serious. ¡°You¡¯re a Snow Goblin,¡± Lila said, her words slurring a bit. ¡°From the Seraphim Range, right?¡± The Snow Goblin nodded sagely. ¡°Yes, quite! We aren¡¯t often seen in human lands, but this inn is quite accepting of non-humans. More so than others, anyway.¡± He extended a long hand, his nails curled and painted gold. ¡°Name¡¯s Gribble Frostfang. Of Clan Frostwalker¡± Justin shook the goblin¡¯s hand, trying to ignore the way its sharp nails felt on his wrist. ¡°I¡¯m Justin and this is Lila. Is there something special about my cane?¡± ¡°Yes, quite special,¡± Gribble said. ¡°You see, I¡¯m an Enchanter of respectable level, and I have a skill that allows me to see an item¡¯s enchantment just by looking at it. Yours, simply, has a very interesting property. Where did you get it?¡± Justin hesitated for a moment, knowing he probably shouldn¡¯t share, but often, booze does the talking when the speaker shouldn¡¯t. ¡°Found it in a Vault!¡± Gribble¡¯s eyes widened with interest. ¡°A Vault, you say? Fascinating! You see, I could tell there was something special about that cane the moment I saw it. It¡¯s not so much the +1 to Charisma and Perception. A nice boon, but nothing too unique. I see also that it also grants a free Attribute Point upon core binding. That is an extremely rare enchantment, one I¡¯ve been searching all my life to find.¡± ¡°Really, this old thing?¡± Justin asked, examining his cane. ¡°I suppose you want to buy it off me?¡± ¡°Yes, very much so,¡± the Snow Goblin said seriously. ¡°It matters not if it¡¯s core-bound; I can break down the cane and discover the enchantment, and with luck, replicate it. No doubt, recreating it would require many expensive and rare components. But the rewards, for both me and you, would be great.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said, ready to find a way out of this conversation. ¡°I¡¯m afraid the cane isn¡¯t for sale.¡± ¡°The goblin¡¯s white, bushy brows lowered for a moment before resuming its former friendly expression. ¡°Of course, I¡¯d be willing to pay. Handsomely.¡± ¡°How handsomely?¡± Lila asked. ¡°For an enchantment of this rarity,¡± the goblin mused, ¡°ten gold crowns aren¡¯t out of the question.¡± It was hard for Justin not to react. Ten crowns? That was over ten times the amount of money he had on him. Lila whispered in his ear. ¡°I¡¯d take that deal in a flash.¡± Justin was considering it until he remembered something that was general knowledge, at least where he came from. Never take the first offer. ¡°Your offer is¡­generous,¡± Justin said. ¡°However, I¡¯m not sure of the value of the cane, since you¡¯re the first one to make an offer. I would need to get it separately appraised.¡± ¡°I know just about every appraiser in this town,¡± the goblin said eagerly. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to arrange it.¡± Justin smiled. He wasn¡¯t born yesterday. ¡°I think not, Mr. Gribble. I appreciate the offer, but really, we must be going.¡± Justin rose, with a look at Lila to say to get up, too. Reluctantly, she stood. ¡°Twenty crowns?¡± Gribble asked. ¡°I¡¯ll pay up front, right now.¡± Then, the goblin reached into his purse, laying the fat, golden coins on the bar top, one after the other. The coins glowed with inner light, attracting a lot of attention. But no one made any move to grab them. ¡°Justin¡­?¡± Lila asked, whispering in his ear. ¡°Take. The. Money.¡± Justin felt himself relaxing, almost giving in. And yet¡­he knew he was being played. Maybe it was his Charisma, but something about the goblin¡¯s manner was throwing him off. Something was definitely amiss. They needed to leave, and now. He grabbed Lila¡¯s hand firmly to let her know he was serious. ¡°I thank you for your offer, Gribble, but I¡¯m afraid the cane isn¡¯t for sale. Have a pleasant evening.¡± He walked firmly away, at first dragging Lila before she fell in beside him. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Lila asked, almost angrily. ¡°You could¡¯ve been rich. Rich!¡± ¡°Lila, the cane is worth more than that. Plus, I can tell something¡¯s off about him. We need to get back to our rooms.¡± But just as they were about to enter the adjoining inn, four swarthy men wearing leather armor, each bearing a club, blocked their path. Gribble appeared from the side, all of four feet tall, apparently having followed them through the crowd. The crowds shrank back at the coming confrontation. Gribble put his hands behind his tailored coat. ¡°I¡¯m afraid, Mr. Justin, that my offer stands and cannot be refused. Take my money or take something much worse.¡± ¡°Are you making me an offer I can¡¯t refuse?¡± Justin asked with a smirk. The Snow Goblin gave a yellow smile full of pointy teeth. ¡°Yes. That''s an¡­apt description, Mr. Justin. Don¡¯t mind if I steal that for the future.¡± Justin twirled his cane while Lila reached for two of her knives. ¡°Gribble, you¡¯re about to see just why you don¡¯t mess with a gentleman.¡± 26. Swagger and Shadows As the men advanced, Justin activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger. Instantly, he felt the power of the move enter him, filling his limbs with strength and confidence, with even the haze of his drunkenness fading. With a preening strut, he brandished his cane, his body glowing with a yellowish aura. The toughs paused in their tracks while the inn¡¯s patrons watched in awe, some even mimicking his movements. Some came closer, making fists, apparently ready to come to his defense. The first tough, a burly man with a tattoo on his neck and a sneer that could curdle milk, shook his head, snapping out of his hesitation by swinging his club. But Justin, with a fluid move that belied his experience, sidestepped the blow, swatting the man¡¯s club away. Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has blocked this attack! The tough¡¯s eyes widened at the adroit maneuver, which Justin followed up swiftly with a poison barb. ¡°You swing like a drunkard trying to swat a fly!¡± The man growled, the words making him hesitate for a moment. It was all Justin needed. With a deft flick of his wrist, he brought the cane down on the tough¡¯s wrist, disarming him with a pained yowl. In the same motion, he jabbed the cane¡¯s tip into the man¡¯s midsection, knocking the wind out of him. As the tough doubled over, Justin gave a quick, controlled strike to the back of his head, sending him to the floor like a sack of potatoes. It had all happened so quickly, and with such adeptness, that Justin¡¯s breath was stolen. It must have resulted from his Basic Cane Competency. Lila, meanwhile, performed a graceful flip, evading an attack from the second tough with ease. She landed lightly on her feet, a triumphant grin on her face. As she aimed her knives, the man raised his hands placatingly, bowing out of the fight. Lucky for him, Lila spared his life. The third and fourth toughs closed in, but Justin¡¯s Dandy¡¯s Swagger had inspired some of the tavern¡¯s patrons. A brawny man grabbed a chair and swung it at one tough, while a group of women threw their mugs at the other. The room erupted into chaos, with other patrons joining the fray to defend Justin and Lila. Justin knew it wasn¡¯t just his Dandy¡¯s Swagger, but the fact he and Lila had warmed up the crowd with their epic duet. With the remaining toughs facing down multiple opponents, the rest was quite elementary. Justin twirled his cane again, delivering a series of precise blows that kept them off balance. With the growing mob of tavern patrons, they could hardly defend themselves. ¡°Come on, you lot,¡± one of them said. ¡°This ain¡¯t worth the goblin¡¯s coin!¡± The bullies pushed their way through the crowd, leaving behind the one who¡¯d been knocked out cold. Gribble¡¯s eyes watched in mounting horror; the goblin must have set up this little ambush beforehand, in case his negotiations didn¡¯t go to plan. With a squeak, the agile creature beat a hasty retreat, slipping through the crowd. He had lost himself within a matter of seconds. You have gained 10 XP. Your experience stands at 1164/325 (Level-up available!). Breathing heavily, Justin turned to Lila. ¡°Well, that was something.¡± The muscled patron who¡¯d thrown the chair approached Justin. ¡°You all right, lad?¡± ¡°Yes, completely fine. Thanks for the assist.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Don¡¯t enjoy seeing bullies like that pushing people around. Especially ones as good at singing as you!¡± ¡°Hey!¡± the barkeep shouted. ¡°Are you two going to pay for all this? I¡¯m down a chair and several mugs!¡± It was too little too late to prevent property damage, but Justin laid a couple of silvers on the bar. ¡°Hope that covers it.¡± The barkeep waved them away, but his features had softened somewhat. As they left the establishment they were in, heading back to The Silver Stag, Lila laughed. ¡°I¡¯d say that was a resounding success!¡± Justin smiled. ¡°It¡¯s not a night out unless you¡¯ve been kicked out of the bar, right? By the way, what was that move you did?¡± Lila¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°I forgot to mention it. I unlocked a new skill, Acrobatic Tumble. Increases my evasion by fifty percent for three seconds, and by one hundred percent when targeted by classes of equal or lower level. Cooldown is only thirty seconds.¡± ¡°Impressive,¡± Justin said. ¡°Seems like it came in handy!¡± ¡°Speaking of moves, the way you handled that cane was a work of art! I would¡¯ve never thought¡ª¡± Her words were interrupted when a hand roughly grabbed Justin¡¯s shoulder, yanking him into a booth. He scarcely had time to yelp. But once he saw the one doing the pulling, he relaxed. ¡°Eldrin? What are you doing here?¡± The Ranger was nonplussed, the cowl of his hood hiding his features in shadow. ¡°You draw far too much attention to yourself, Mr. Talemaker.¡± Lila sat down with a smile, joining them. ¡°We¡¯re just having a bit of fun, Eldrin. Life isn¡¯t all death and despair.¡± ¡°You¡¯re completely drunk! What¡¯s gotten into you both?¡± Neither of them had a response. They had been caught red-handed, acting like immature children. ¡°Just got caught up in the moment, I guess,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ll say. Alistair will know all about this tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Are you going to rat us out?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Nay. But the good innkeeper, Gregory, will. But all that is beside the point.¡± ¡°And what are you doing up so late?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I¡¯ve been hard at work; of that, I assure you.¡± For the first time, Justin noticed that Eldrin¡¯s pint was barely touched. ¡°What work?¡± ¡°Shadowflight returned to me on the rooftop just an hour ago. He¡¯s informed me that every gate¡ªincluding the West Gate¡ªis being watched. Seems they¡¯ve paid men to mark our passing, no matter which way we choose.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯re stuck,¡± Justin said, sobering at the news. ¡°Right?¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been trying to figure out. I¡¯ve been asking questions¡ªcasually, mind you¡ªand I¡¯ve discovered something interesting.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Lila asked. ¡°As you know, Highcliff is built on a plateau. That¡¯s where the name comes from. But did you know that, in the past, it was its own city-state? And not only that¡ªthe city was far larger than it is today, extending well beyond even the plateau. It has been reduced in the last few hundred years by several wars and the shifting of trade routes, until two hundred years ago, it became part of the Aranthian Queendom.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Justin said. ¡°But why the history lesson?¡± ¡°Only to say that the city hosts a grand network of catacombs beneath it that belies its modern-day size. And those catacombs extend well beyond the current city limits, given the city¡¯s storied history.¡± ¡°Catacombs?¡± Justin asked. ¡°So, we can use these catacombs to get out?¡± ¡°That, I can¡¯t say. From what I¡¯ve gleaned, it¡¯s a strong possibility. Either way, it would seem to be our only option with the gates under constant watch.¡± ¡°Have you told Alistair about this theory?¡± ¡°Not yet. I was about to head that way when I picked up the commotion coming from The Frosty Mug.¡± Justin supposed that was the name of the tavern they had just left. ¡°What about the market?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Don¡¯t we need to get supplies?¡± ¡°It would be too much of a risk. Food can be found on the road, and in the worst-case scenario, going without for a few days is a small price to pay to ensure our escape. As for the catacombs, they¡¯re accessible from the Church of Light. Using Alistair¡¯s rank, we might convince the High Cleric there to let us in. Hopefully, by the time our pursuers know what¡¯s happening, it¡¯ll be too late for them to give chase. And even if they figure out the puzzle, there are likely to be multiple exits, giving us options.¡± ¡°Will it be far enough from town to make a difference?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Almost assuredly. Assuming those passages aren¡¯t buried.¡± The three seemed to consider the possibilities. Justin had sobered up considerably, both from the conversation and the fight. However, Eldrin was right. They¡¯d already attracted too much attention¡ªand enemies. Getting out without being seen was crucial. ¡°One thing is for sure,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We need to get some rest. It must be an hour after midnight. We will wake early, before first light.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Sounds good. And again¡ªwe¡¯re sorry.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°Life is filled with choices, and tonight, yours could have cost us dearly. Let¡¯s hope tomorrow brings wiser decisions. Now, get some rest. I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡± As Justin and Lila made their way back to their rooms at The Silver Stag, the common rooms were much emptier. The ¡°success¡± of the night had been dampened by the danger they¡¯d put everyone in. It was hard not to feel guilty. Even Lila seemed glum. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said, once they¡¯d made it to the stairs. ¡°All this was my idea.¡± ¡°I was a more than willing participant,¡± Justin said. ¡°This is on both of us.¡± ¡°It¡¯s too easy for one thing to lead to another. I was having fun, for the first in months.¡± ¡°Years for me.¡± They paused halfway up the stairwell as she took up his hands. ¡°There¡¯s one other thing. I¡­want to apologize. I¡¯ve acted like a proper ass this evening.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± She hesitated a moment. ¡°I think we¡¯ve gotten a bit carried away with¡­well, whatever¡¯s going on between us.¡± The silence stretched between them uncomfortably. There had been the handholding, the arm-locking, the sultry looks. Not to mention certain words spoken, and an almost kiss that had been foiled a second time. ¡°I understand,¡± he said. ¡°You want to focus on the road ahead, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­not ready, I suppose. I¡¯m not sure how I feel yet. You¡¯re my friend, Justin. I don¡¯t want to ruin that.¡± The dreaded Friend Zone. He was used to that one. She must have sensed his disappointment. ¡°You misunderstand me. We¡¯ve passed the point where it could¡¯ve meant nothing. That point happened, I think, after Silverton. It¡¯s not right for me to encourage things that aren¡¯t possible. We¡­have a lot at stake.¡± She sighed. ¡°Gods above, I¡¯m no good with words¡­¡± Justin watched her green eyes, and to his surprise, he could read her like a book. Whatever words she was speaking now, several facts remained. She¡¯d held his hand, had nearly kissed him not once, but twice, not to mention the outright flirtation. Yes, there had been a few drinks involved, but Lila said similar things without alcohol. She just wasn¡¯t sure, and that was natural. It made little sense to pursue things when they had to focus on getting to Mont Elea in one piece, and Eldrin¡¯s warning had been a wake-up call. Feelings and relationships gummed things up. And he couldn¡¯t be the one to do that. Not while things were uncertain. ¡°I agree,¡± he said. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to forgive. Friends?¡± To his surprise, she leaned into him, and he held her there in the darkness for what had to be half a minute. ¡°Thank you, Justin.¡± He let her go when he heard the single creak of a floorboard at the top of the stairs. ¡°That you, Alistair?¡± Justin called. Silence. Lila suddenly grabbed his hand, and not a moment later, someone was dashing down the step above them, blade drawn. Justin and Lila flew down the steps, making the bottom landing as the assailant behind gave chase. Justin twirled around, brandishing his cane. The would-be assassin, a young man barely out of his teens holding a pair of daggers, threw his entire body into the attack, both blades out. Justin, by instinct, extended the cane¡¯s blade, raising it just in time to impale the young man through the stomach. He stopped short, both blades falling to the floor. Lila threw two of her knives over Justin¡¯s shoulder, both burying themselves in the assailant''s neck. The assassin went down. It had all happened in less than ten seconds. Not a moment later, a set of heavy footsteps thudded down the stairs above, Alistair rushing onto the scene, a short sword¡ªwhat Justin supposed to be his side arm¡ªin his right hand. Meanwhile, Eldrin swept in from the common room, longsword drawn. Lila held out her hands, and her knives returned, one-by-one, perfectly clean. Her expression was grim as she regarded the body before her. Justin watched the dead assassin, the blood draining from his face. The assassin had bungled it, a creaky floorboard having given him away. Without that, he and Lila might''ve been done for. The mere thought of it made his stomach churn. He¡¯d been lucky Lila had reacted quickly. Insanely lucky. Alistair came to stand next to them. His gaze took in all three of them. ¡°We must away immediately, before Gareth learns of this failure.¡± Several inn patrons had emerged from their rooms and were gathering at the bottom of the stairs, gasping at the bloody sight. Not a moment later, Gregory appeared in his pajamas, apparently sensing the commotion. His eyes widened upon seeing the dead body before taking in Alistair. Before the innkeeper could even speak, the Paladin was giving orders. ¡°Coordinate with the Church of Light in the morning regarding this¡­unfortunate incident. Tell them I sent you. They should offer protection in the coming days. I¡¯m afraid you may need it.¡± The innkeeper¡¯s face was pale, but he nodded. ¡°I will do so, Sir Paladin.¡± Eldrin came up to join them on the landing. In a low voice to Alistair, he said, ¡°I¡¯ve found a way out. One that¡¯s safer.¡± Alistair gave the barest of nods. ¡°Let¡¯s gather our things. Then to the private dining room.¡± Within two minutes, all four of them grabbed their packs and equipment and were gathered in the dining room downstairs. Once they were alone, Eldrin spoke. ¡°Shadowflight has informed me that all the gates are watched, with no means of passing unmarked. Luckily, my night¡¯s work has been productive. There may be a way out of the city using the catacombs beneath it.¡± ¡°The catacombs,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Yes, of course. I don¡¯t know why I didn¡¯t think of it.¡± ¡°They¡¯re often forgotten about,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°And it¡¯s been a tumultuous few days. Of course, there¡¯s no guarantee they will actually lead out of Highcliff, but owing to the city¡¯s history, the probability is quite high.¡± ¡°Most cities have sewer mains,¡± Justin said. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be pleasant, but that¡¯s a possibility, too.¡± ¡°And one I¡¯ve considered, but that way is also likely to be watched,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°There¡¯s but one way into the catacombs, and that¡¯s through the Church of Light.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the next step?¡± Lila asked. ¡°We¡¯d have to go there and find the High Cleric. He¡¯s likely to be sleeping at this hour, but getting inside the Church itself should prove simple enough. And it will offer some measure of safety. Once we¡¯re inside the catacombs, we can find some place to pass the night safely. Sleep, unfortunately, is a necessity.¡± ¡°And we are unlikely to be pursued there, given the Life Magic enchantments every cathedral has,¡± Alistair mused. ¡°It¡¯s a brilliant play.¡± ¡°When do we go?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I assume now?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I¡¯ve already charted a course that will get us close. We can simply weave through the various taverns which surround the city¡¯s main square. There is one street we¡¯ll have to dash across, but I¡¯ve already scouted a spot the lampposts don¡¯t quite reach. If we stick to the shadows, and move quickly and quietly, we can hop the fence into the Church¡¯s courtyard. From there, we should be able to break in, or better yet, Alistair might have a way of getting us inside.¡± ¡°Sounds like a plan,¡± Lila said. She stifled a yawn. ¡°Gods, I¡¯m beyond tired!¡± ¡°We should be able to rest in the next hour or two,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°If the plan is good to Alistair, then I say let¡¯s move at the first opportunity, before the City Watch gets involved.¡± Alistair considered for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s a plan. Lead the way, Ranger.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°Then follow me. And try to do so quietly. Once they figure out the assassin is dead, it won¡¯t be long before they send another, perhaps in even greater numbers.¡± The Ranger headed out from the private dining room. Alistair nodded at Justin and Lila to follow, intent on bringing up the rear. Justin and Lila exchanged a glance before following. 27. Sanctuary and Secrets The inn was quiet now, the few remaining patrons whispering in hushed tones. The aftermath of the fight and the appearance of the assassin had sobered everyone up considerably. Eldrin led the way through the interconnected taverns and inns, weaving through darkened hallways and shadowy common rooms. About half had shut down for business, while the other half were nearly empty. Justin marveled at how the Ranger moved so silently, likely thanks to his Boots of Silent Steps. Lila followed close behind, her steps also light. Justin did his best to imitate them, but the occasional creak betrayed his presence. Alistair, in his heavy armor, was the loudest, but that couldn¡¯t be helped. They emerged into the final tavern, a place called The Moonlit Rest, which was dimly lit by a few flickering lanterns. The patrons here were asleep at their tables or quietly talking in corners. Eldrin motioned for them to stay close as he approached a side door, his eyes scanning the street beyond. He turned to the others. ¡°Ready?¡± Justin nodded, gripping his cane tightly, while Lila gave a quick nod, her eyes alert and focused now. The shadowed path they needed to take was clear: about ten steps across the cobbled street to the wrought-iron fence. Beyond lay a dark courtyard filled with trees, with the shadowy spires and buttresses of the cathedral looming above. The half-moon gave the scene a menacing air. He tried not to think about what might be out there in the darkness. Eldrin opened the door just enough for them to slip through one by one. They stepped into the cool night air, the street empty and silent. The iron fence of the Church of Light¡¯s courtyard loomed ahead, its spiked top casting long shadows in the moonlight. ¡°Over the fence,¡± Eldrin whispered. ¡°Quickly and quietly.¡± Justin glanced at the fence, then at Lila. She gave him a determined look before stepping up to the iron bars. With surprising agility, she climbed over, her movements smooth and practiced. Justin followed, his hands gripping the cold iron as he hoisted himself up and over with a boost from both Eldrin and Alistair. Eldrin and Alistair were over the fence in moments. Justin was surprised Alistair could do so in his heavy armor, but he supposed that was what the Power Attribute was for. His landing was hard, his armor clanking, but nothing could be done about that. Once inside the courtyard, they moved swiftly across the cobblestones, heading for the side doors of the church, up a set of stone steps. Those doors were quite grand, considering it wasn¡¯t the main entrance. Eldrin reached the doors first, testing them gently, but they wouldn¡¯t open. Alistair then approached, placing a gauntleted hand on the wood. A glyph shone briefly at his touch, creating the shape of a radiant sunburst surrounded by a hexagon of six lights in the colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Somehow, Justin knew those colors each represented an Attribute. The heavy wooden doors swung open with a faint creak. ¡°Stay close,¡± Alistair said, his voice a low rumble in the quiet night. ¡°The next step is to find the High Cleric. He¡¯s likely in the undercroft.¡± They slipped inside, the sanctuary of the Church of Light illuminated by the soft glow of floating enchanted crystals. The air was cool and still, the silence reverent. The vastness of the space, dimly lit and filled with shadowy columns, made Justin feel as though anything could jump out at them. From Lila¡¯s wide green eyes, it seemed she was having similarly dark thoughts. Eldrin led them through the main hall, past rows of empty pews and grand stained-glass windows that depicted scenes of fantastical creatures, Clerics healing the wounded, Paladins fighting monsters, and what had to be Arion himself, God of Power. He was portrayed as a tall, muscular figure with flowing hair and a serene expression, holding a war hammer that emanated red light. At the end of the hall, a smaller, nondescript door led to what had to be the undercroft. Alistair led the way, knocking softly. The sound was barely audible in the stillness. Justin thought they would never get an answer when a narrow metal grate opened, revealing a a sleepy-eyed Cleric peeping out. ¡°What is it at this hour?¡± he asked groggily. Then, seeing who was speaking, he straightened and unlatched the door, swinging it open. ¡°Sir Paladin! Are you here about the bill?¡± Alistair frowned in confusion. ¡°What bill?¡± ¡°The one sent to Mont Elea by the High Cleric Theophilus. We¡¯ve been waiting for months!¡± Everyone looked at each other, puzzled. Alistair cleared his throat, his presence commanding even in the dim light. ¡°I am Alistair of Drakendale, Paladin Brother of the Mont Elea Chapter House. I¡¯ve been away from the Mont for many months now, so I know nothing about the bill. We seek an audience with the High Cleric. It is of utmost importance.¡± The Cleric¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Of course, Sir Paladin. Please, give me a few moments.¡± They waited in silence for about three minutes, those three minutes seeming to stretch into eternity for Justin. At last, the Cleric returned. ¡°The High Cleric will see you at once; I can take you to him directly. I¡¯m Brother Eamon, by the way.¡± ¡°Lead the way, Brother.¡± They followed Eamon through a series of narrow corridors, and when the undercroft door was shut behind them, latched, and even barred, Justin felt much safer. Perhaps the Brother had sensed something in the Paladin¡¯s manner that had inspired him to redouble the door¡¯s security. While Justin was certain that nothing had marked their passing in the street¡¯s darkness, it was nice to be as safe as possible. It had taken all of two minutes for them to leave The Moonlit Rest and get inside the cathedral with hardly any sound. If that wasn¡¯t good enough, he didn¡¯t know what was. Instead, he turned his attention to the gray stone walls, adorned with tapestries and portraits of what seemed to be past High Clerics, all wearing crimson robes and pointy, conical hats. Finally, they arrived at a humble oaken door, which Brother Eamon knocked on softly. ¡°Come in,¡± a voice intoned from the other side. Brother Eamon opened the door, stepping out of the way, revealing the High Cleric, an elderly man with a flowing white beard and piercing blue eyes, who sat at a large wooden desk. The office was modestly furnished, with a few chairs and shelves lined with ancient tomes and religious artifacts. The room had an aura of quiet authority, reflecting the man who occupied it.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Despite the late hour, the High Cleric seemed alert and composed. ¡°Sir Alistair. I¡¯ve read your name in official dispatches, of course, so it is with great pleasure I can meet you in person, despite the late hour. Brother Eamon has informed me you haven¡¯t come about the bill, but I can¡¯t imagine any other reason you¡¯d arrive at such a time.¡± Alistair stepped forward, bowing slightly. ¡°High Cleric Theophilus, I wish I could say that was true; however, as Brother Eamon said, we¡¯ve come for another reason. We seek refuge and a safe passage out of Highcliff. Our enemies are closing in, and we believe the catacombs beneath the city may offer us a way out.¡± The High Cleric studied Alistair for a moment, frowning slightly. ¡°Enemies? What enemies?¡± ¡°The tale would take too long to relate, and to be perfectly candid, the less you know, the safer you will be.¡± The High Cleric gave a dark chuckle. ¡°Ah, cloak and dagger, is it? Very well, I won¡¯t press for details.¡± ¡°This is no joke, High Cleric. I don¡¯t believe our pursuers would follow us here, as we covered our tracks carefully, thanks to the Ranger here I¡¯ve contracted. I will say this much. The Life Magic infused in the cathedral¡¯s stones will serve as a sure guard against the ones coming after us.¡± ¡°I catch your meaning,¡± the High Cleric said darkly. ¡°Grievous news indeed, and I sense no lie in your words, though you keep strange company for a Paladin. Whatever ails you, you came to the right place.¡± He studied them briefly, and to Justin, it seemed his eyes lingered on him the longest. Perhaps he could sense the stain of the Death Mark upon him, just like Alistair. With a start, Justin realized that this would be the third rising of the moon since he¡¯d received it from the Baron, and the very thought made his stomach queasy. ¡°I will do what I can to help,¡± the High Cleric continued, interrupted Justin¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Such is my charge to all of Arion¡¯s faithful. Should we write the Mont, as little good as that would do?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going there with all speed, High Cleric,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I must be the one to deliver the message.¡± ¡°Of course. I don¡¯t mean to stick my nose into a Paladin¡¯s business. I only wish to help.¡± ¡°And I am grateful for it. So, will you grant us access to the catacombs?¡± The High Cleric gave an ironic smile. ¡°Yes, I am happy to. However, I regret to inform you that the catacombs are¡­ closed.¡± Justin felt a tinge of fear at those words. Was this Theophilus playing them false? Alistair frowned. ¡°Closed? What do you mean? The dead must be interred, no?¡± ¡°Indeed, they must. Hence why I was confused that you didn¡¯t come because of the bill.¡± ¡°It is too late for riddles, High Cleric,¡± Eldrin said, perhaps a bit too gruffly. The High Cleric, with patience, faced the Ranger. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s better to show you what I mean than tell you. I would let you be the judge. Follow me.¡± The High Cleric rose from his desk, his plain crimson robes seeming to glow as he moved. Justin knew Cleric was a class with access to healing and support magic. A Paladin came from the combination of a Cleric and a Warrior core, which likely meant Alistair outranked him, but the High Cleric was probably a highly placed Church official in his own right, of a decent level and capabilities. Theophilus led them from his office and down another corridor, where a heavy door was barred twice. The High Cleric removed the bars, opening the door to reveal a small, dusty chapel, quite intimate, likely for the private use of the Church¡¯s staff. It was so dark that Alistair had to cast his Creator¡¯s Light, as no floating crystals lit its interior. The air was cool and musty, and it was obvious the chapel wasn¡¯t being maintained. And, of course, why would a small chapel like this need to be barred? To Justin, it certainly seemed spooky. Almost haunted. They passed rows of dusty pews, some laced with cobwebs, until they reached the back where, behind the altar, a set of steps led downward to a small chamber of stone, at the end of which stood a heavy stone door. And before that door stretched a green barrier of light, flickering with mysterious runes. Justin¡¯s skin went cold at the sight. At their stunned silence, the High Cleric gave a sad smile. ¡°Now you see why I¡¯ve been eagerly awaiting a team from the Mont to arrive. The Vault first appeared four months ago, and it has only grown stronger since.¡± Alistair¡¯s face was pale. ¡°And they have done nothing? What Level is it now, High Cleric?¡± ¡°Level 13,¡± he said somberly. ¡°It began at Level 8, which is far beyond our capabilities as a Church. I hope your party is equipped to face such danger?¡± Thirteen. So, this Vault would be even tougher than the Guardians¡¯ Pass, if only slightly so. And of course, the nature of the danger could be very different. ¡°What do you think?¡± Eldrin asked of the Paladin. Alistair gave an ironic laugh. ¡°Never have I seen so many Vaults gather from the Ether! And always in the very place we must be going. Something tells me the Gods are playing with us.¡± The High Cleric watched the Paladin neutrally. ¡°The Gods test us for strength and faith, Sir Paladin, so that we may learn to rely on them.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Alistair said, his voice tinged with annoyance. ¡°And I suppose you didn¡¯t want to put out a general call to clear it, wanting to keep it within the Church?¡± Theophilus nodded gravely. ¡°Yes. If the Church is viewed as weak, it would harm our reputation. After all, ours is not the only faith competing for the hearts of men these days. But you need access to the catacombs, and I need someone within the Church to clear it. This may be the providence of Arion himself.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Alistair said, his voice tired. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll forgive us, Theophilus, but it¡¯s been an eventful week. If it¡¯s not too much trouble, we would camp here in the chapel. Assuming the Vault hasn¡¯t broken containment.¡± ¡°It has not,¡± the High Cleric said, ¡°but I would urge you to reconsider. Though it hasn¡¯t broken containment, it could do so at any moment. Though it¡¯s rare for a Level 13 Vault, it¡¯s happened.¡± Justin frowned. There was another new term he had yet to learn. ¡°Broken containment?¡± Eldrin explained. ¡°When Vaults become too strong, or have stuck around too long, they can begin releasing nasty things. Monsters, mostly, but sometimes even diseases or curses. The risk is quite low for a Level 13 Vault, but not unknown.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Then again, there is no safe place for us in all Highcliff, and this one seems about the safest. The Vault should stay passive, at least for one more night.¡± The High Cleric looked at Alistair as if he were crazy, but in the end, he conceded. ¡°Of course, I will leave the decision to you. Tomorrow, I can have Brother Eamon bring some breakfast and general supplies. It seems you could use both.¡± ¡°That would be most appreciated.¡± The High Cleric gave a small bow. ¡°I know not from what you flee, but I will have you know you are safe here. All are welcome in the Church of Light; we are ever a bastion against Death and Darkness. Take what rest and respite you can and let me know tomorrow if you wish to exorcise us of this curse.¡± Alistair nodded. ¡°I shall do so. Thank you, High Cleric.¡± ¡°Unfortunately, given the danger of the Vault, I must bar the chapel for the night. I will post Brother Eamon by the door just in case.¡± ¡°Do what you must, High Cleric,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Good night.¡± He withdrew, leaving the party alone. When the chapel door was closed, Justin could hear two heavy bars being placed behind the door. It was like two nails being driven into a coffin. ¡°Glad I¡¯m not claustrophobic,¡± Lila said. They made camp in the chapel above, setting up next to the heavy oak door. Within minutes, their bedrolls had been spread. ¡°Let¡¯s sleep,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I can keep the first watch.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take second,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Wake me in three hours.¡± Wit that, Justin, Lila, and Eldrin had settled down to sleep. Despite his exhaustion, Justin had difficulty drifting off. The thought of what might be released from the Vault was unnerving. He could only imagine the many horrifying creatures that might emerge from the darkness: spectral wraiths, monstrous beasts, or even curses that could afflict them. The weight of the unknown pressed heavily on his mind. In the end, sleep won out. He took some solace in knowing that Alistair and Eldrin were well-qualified to keep watch, and the fact he would gain a level from his banked experience, which could prove crucial for the challenges ahead. 28. Decisions Before the Door Justin awoke still tired, but that changed in an instant when he heard the System¡¯s voice in his mind. You have reached Level Four. While your journey has just begun, with a courageous heart, the heights you can reach are boundless. Justin felt that call to adventure even now, despite the dangers he knew lay ahead. As a Level Four Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute. Justin, at least this time, felt no temptation to put the point elsewhere. He locked it into Charisma. Your Charisma Attribute is now: 15. Onward, Brave Adventurer, to glory and victory! Justin felt the System depart with a frown. Where was his new skill? But then he remembered: new skills were only unlocked for every prime number level, and every five levels. This would be his first level up with no new skill to show for it. It didn¡¯t feel great, but at least his Charisma was 15 now, 16 when including the stat boost from his cane. He realized that despite being Level 4, his Charisma stat was likely to exceed most classes in this world, at least for those who didn¡¯t place a focus on it. It should make the social aspect far easier, at least when he wasn¡¯t directly at odds with another Charisma-based class. He summoned his character sheet to review it.
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 4 Experience to Level 5: 839/420 (Level-up available!)
Power: 10 (+1) Coordination: 10 Endurance: 10 Intellect: 10 Perception: 10 (+1) Charisma: 15 (+1)
Skills: (Level 0) Epic Barb: Obsolete. (Level 1) Poison Barb: You know precisely what to say to cause emotional damage to someone, stunning them temporarily. If your barb renders them speechless for at least three seconds, the cooldown immediately refreshes. (Cooldown: 10 minutes) (Level 2) Dazzling Display: Once a day, strike a pose or make a gesture that immediately captures the attention of those nearby, momentarily distracting or captivating them. The strength of this skill scales with your Charisma Level. (Level 3) Dandy¡¯s Swagger: Perform a captivating strut that immediately fills you with confidence and swagger! This skill boosts allies¡¯ Charisma by +2 and makes neutrals treat you as if you have +2 Charisma for one minute. Hostiles take a -2 Charisma penalty for one minute. This strut can halt conversations and cause enemies to hesitate, with this effect becoming more likely at higher Charisma levels. (Cooldown: 30 minutes) (Hidden) Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff: Instinctually block the first hostile attack directed at you once per day by any character or creature up to Level 12. Basic Cane Proficiency: Gained upon Core-Binding your first cane. 2.5% increased damage with canes.
Equipment: Weapon: Cane of Valoria: +1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill ¡°Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff.¡± Accessory: The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications.
Justin closed his sheet. There was truly nothing new to see aside from the Attribute increase, and of course, the amount of experience he needed to reach Level 5, which he should get after his next sleep. Now, Justin knew exactly what Eldrin meant when he said the first level-ups came quickly. It seemed the amount of experience was increasing, roughly, by a factor of 1.3 each time. Assuming Justin could keep himself alive, he¡¯d reach Level 5 and even 6 in no time at all. Plus, at his next level up, he had his first party skill to look forward to, which would provide a boon not only for himself but for the entire group, not to mention an upgrade to his cane competency. There was something else to keep in mind, too. Though he¡¯d used Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff early this morning, because of the level up, it seemed it was once again available to be used, should he need it. And something told him he¡¯d probably be needing it. Justin rolled over to find that Lila was also waking up. No doubt, she was Level 4 too. ¡°Coordination again?¡± Justin asked. She shook her head. ¡°Endurance this time.¡± ¡°Whoa. Don¡¯t go too crazy!¡± ¡°This Vault has me scared,¡± she said. ¡°Please tell me you put your point in Power or Endurance this time.¡± Justin felt unsure of himself for a moment. He¡¯d locked it into Charisma without hesitation, but maybe Lila was right. They had a Level 13 Vault ahead of them, after all.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Charisma,¡± he admitted. ¡°I just can¡¯t help myself.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to get yourself killed. Plus, Endurance will make travel all the easier. I can carry more stuff now!¡± ¡°Great! Would you mind taking the cook pot for me?¡± ¡°Ha. Hilarious, Justin.¡± For the first time, Justin realized that both Alistair and Eldrin were gone. ¡°Checking out the Vault,¡± Lila said, before he could ask. ¡°I think they¡¯re wanting to get started.¡± ¡°It¡¯s decided, then?¡± ¡°Seems like it. All out of options.¡± Justin supposed that was true. He and Lila ate quickly, also packing the supplies the monks must have dropped off. That Justin hadn¡¯t even noticed their coming only spoke to his exhaustion. Once packed, they headed through the chapel, which was still unnerving, even with Alistair¡¯s light spell he¡¯d set to floating in the nave. He wondered if the rate of deterioration had been hastened by the proximity of the Vault. Four months was not nearly enough time for things to look this bad. Justin and Lila went down the steps, finding both the Paladin and the Ranger just a few feet away from the Vault entrance. Both of their expressions were quite severe, more so than Justin would have expected, even given the situation. ¡°Something wrong?¡± Justin asked. The two exchanged a glance before Eldrin addressed Justin. ¡°It would be easier if you just stood close to the Vault yourself.¡± Justin and Lila looked at each other before approaching. As soon as Justin did so, the Vault description appeared before him.
Vault Discovered: The Crypt of King Alaric
Recommended Party Level: 15 Average Party Level: 10.75 Risk Level: Extremely Dangerous! Your party is significantly beneath the recommended level. Catastrophic consequences, including severe injury or death, are highly probable. Proceed with extreme caution!
Description: The Crypt of the High King Alaric, within the famous and beautiful Catacombs of Highcliff, has been corrupted by the dark rituals of the Cult of Morvath, the God of Death Once a place of rest for the beloved King, a renowned and powerful Life Mage, the crypt has become a haven for death and darkness. The cultists have summoned demons from the Netherrealm while twisting King Alaric¡¯s spirit toward unwholesome ends. To clear this Vault, you must defeat the Cultists, allowing the King''s spirit to rest easy. The challenges within will test not only your strength but your resolve to confront your deepest fears and the vilest sorceries.
Rewards Upon Completion: ¡ªExperience: Scaled to party member level and individual contribution. ¡ªGuaranteed Silver-Level Item: For each party member. ¡ªChance for a Platinum-Level Artifact: For one party member. ¡ªTreasure: Ten gold crowns, to be divided amongst the party.
Do you accept the Vault¡¯s challenge?
Justin stepped back, his face pale. ¡°Recommended Level 15? What the hell? I thought it was supposed to be 13!¡± ¡°It changed overnight,¡± Eldrin said somberly. Alistair was still quiet, still not having spoken. Justin had never seen him so solemn. It was easy to see he had been weighing the pros and cons of entering versus turning back, perhaps for hours. ¡°I have another level up,¡± Justin offered. ¡°Lila, too. If we rest here another day, get our bearings, we might enter the Vault in a better position. I stand to unlock Improved Cane Competency, not to mention my Level 5 Party skill.¡± ¡°The risk is too great,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We¡¯re likely to wake up and discover this Vault is Level 17. Perhaps even Level 20 or more.¡± ¡°It¡¯s growing exponentially,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°As you said last night, Alistair, it would seem the gods are playing with us.¡± ¡°We have no choice but to enter,¡± he whispered. ¡°No choice. A Level 20 or more Shadowblade and all his classed followers, all knowing exactly where we are. Or the trials of a Level 15 Vault. The answer is straightforward, but it¡¯s not easier to decide.¡± ¡°We must prepare ourselves as best we can,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I have some potions that can help edify Justin and Lila and improve their survivability. Combined, they¡¯ll increase Endurance and Power for a short time. They can use it if we ever get into any dangerous situations.¡± ¡°Those kinds of potions aren¡¯t cheap, Ranger. But I fear we have no choice.¡± Eldrin reached into his pack, producing several vials and handing them out to both Lila and Justin. ¡°Only take it if you absolutely need it. The gray one, Ironroot Essence, will boost your Power by 2 for five minutes. The red one, Heartwood Elixir, will boost your Endurance by the same. You will have one of each. It¡¯s all I have.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Thank you, Eldrin. I¡¯ll put them to good use.¡± Lila nodded. ¡°I¡¯m scared, but I have my knives and my new amulet. Both should come in handy for this Vault.¡± Everyone was silent as they watched Alistair, who still seemed at war with himself. ¡°I fear most for the safety of you three. Nothing here should trouble me, but the challenge is to get through while losing no one. Even I could become quickly overwhelmed if caught unawares.¡± ¡°Not too late to turn back, if you judge it best,¡± the Ranger said. ¡°It is at least day now. That should provide some shield against the undead out on the open road.¡± ¡°Nay,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We are here, and we have no choice. The strength of this Vault could easily become overwhelming, threatening not just the Church of Light, but all of Highcliff. It is our duty to clear it before it can become an even greater threat.¡± ¡°Not to mention the rewards,¡± Lila said. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget that.¡± ¡°Aye, a consideration, to be sure,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I¡¯m surprised a Platinum-Level Artifact is being offered at a Level 15. At most, you¡¯d see a gold at this Level, and rarely at that.¡± ¡°Maybe the gods are trying to tempt us,¡± Justin said. Eldrin grunted. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it past them.¡± ¡°And a guaranteed Silver-Level item to boot, not to mention the gold,¡± Lila said. ¡°I say we go for it.¡± Justin wondered at Lila¡¯s confidence, but if last night was any sign, money was a huge motivator for her. Which made sense, given her debts. ¡°Plus, Alistair has bonuses against the undead,¡± Justin added. ¡°I¡¯m with Lila.¡± Alistair let out a breath. ¡°The wise know that the inexperienced speak loudly, for they have not yet faced the trials that temper steel into strength.¡± He turned to face Justin and Lila, his blue eyes haunted. ¡°We must proceed with caution and resolve.¡± ¡°Lead the way, Alistair,¡± Eldrin said. The Paladin took in the entire group. ¡°This will be our most difficult trial yet. Follow every order without question. Not only do our lives depend upon it, but perhaps the lives of hundreds of residents of Highcliff, unaware of the danger. Our High Cleric friend did a foolish thing by not nipping this in bud, reputation or not, and now he¡¯s in a terrible bind. We must always remember: reputation is dust when considering the lives of the innocent, who hold the sacred spark of Life gifted by the Creator.¡± The others nodded solemnly. Justin realized there was no one better into this Vault. ¡°We¡¯re right behind you, Alistair,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯ll do everything you say.¡± Alistair gave a curt nod. ¡°That is well. My first order is, stay behind me. Eldrin, you bring up the rear. Let¡¯s approach. When ready, accept the Vault¡¯s invitation.¡± Lila gave a firm nod. ¡°Without risk, there is no glory nor gain.¡± Justin nodded, trying to feel as confident as her, but he couldn¡¯t kid himself. This one would be a doozy, and that was putting it lightly. As soon as he was about five paces from the Vault, a System alert notified him. Welcome back, Brave Adventurers. The Crypt of King Alaric lies within. Do you accept the Vault¡¯s Challenge? Justin clutched his cane tightly, hesitating only a moment before giving his mental assent. As soon as he did so, the stone door was thrown back, revealing a long, decrepit staircase descending into darkness, the only illumination being various, magically lit candelabra placed at irregular intervals within alcoves in the walls. A cold, dry wind, smelling of must and decay, escaped into the chapel. You have accepted the Challenge of The Vault of The Crypt of King Alaric. May courage be your guide and your resolve your shield. Good luck, Brave Adventurers... As one, the party of four entered the Catacombs of Highcliff. 29. Descent into the Catacombs The party began their descent into the Catacombs of Highcliff, down a long, winding staircase carved into ancient stone. The steps, worn smooth by countless years, spiraled downward into the darkness. Within minutes, the candelabras had extinguished themselves, leaving only Alistair¡¯s Creator¡¯s Light to illuminate the path ahead. As they descended, the air grew cooler and heavier, carrying the faint mustiness of long-sealed tombs. Justin tried to ignore the growing sense of unease as he observed the ancient carvings and inscriptions along the walls depicting the history of Highcliff. Scenes of battles, peace treaties, and moments of royal court life unfurled before them, offering glimpses into a past long gone. Quite a few seemed to show a fair-haired king sitting on a throne, wearing rich vestments of crimson, bearing a scepter in his hand and a crown upon his head. Of note was also a glittering amulet that shone with the six lights of each Attribute, those lights depicted with various colored jewels etched into the artwork. Though Justin couldn¡¯t have said for sure, he was certain the figure presented was King Alaric himself. The descent felt interminable, each step echoing softly in the enclosed space, amplifying the sense of foreboding. Justin couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was watching them from the shadows. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the bottom, and the party looked around in awe at a vast hall of marble and pillars. So vast was it that Alistair¡¯s Creator¡¯s Light couldn¡¯t even reach the ceiling, nor see too deeply into the forest of columns. ¡°Major Moria vibes,¡± Justin said. ¡°A place from your world?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Yeah, I guess you could say that.¡± Alistair turned his head back, giving them what Justin could only describe as ¡°the look.¡± Justin resolved to keep his lips sealed. The hall was breathtaking, a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era. Eldrin had mentioned Highcliff was once a rich trade city with a grander past, but Justin hadn¡¯t expected this. High ceilings soared above, supported by intricately carved marble pillars, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Statues of ancient heroes and imposing gargoyles lined the walls, their glinting ruby eyes seeming to follow the party¡¯s every movement. The floor was a mosaic of variously colored marbles, meticulously depicting scenes of Highcliff¡¯s past royalty, many dedicating themselves to King Alaric¡¯s life. He led armies into battle, offered mercy to the defeated, and embodied ideals of justice and compassion. And in nearly every representation, he wore that same amulet with the six colored jewels. ¡°What is that amulet he¡¯s wearing?¡± Justin whispered, unable to help himself. No one answered him, and Justin figured that was their way of getting him to shut up. Along the columns were sarcophagi on raised pedestals, the last resting places for the nobility and heroes of Highcliff, each adorned with inscriptions and carvings telling of their deeds and lineage. Scanning a few of the lines, they seemed to be written in an archaic form of Aranthian. They were hardly decipherable. While the hall¡¯s splendor was undeniable, there was a pervasive chill, an unease that hung in the air. Justin was certain it had something to do with the Cultists and their Death Magic. Speaking of¡­where were those Cultists, anyway? Justin had so many questions, but he had to keep them to himself. Who was this Morvath guy? This God of Death was definitely not a part of the Pantheon of the Church of Light. Bad guy material, then. Maybe the foil to the Creator, whoever he or she was. At last, the columns seemed to end, a square doorway of marble appearing at the end of the hall. Justin couldn¡¯t perfectly decipher the writing above it, but he definitely recognized the word ¡°Alaric.¡± They were heading the right way. As they proceeded, the temperature seemed to drop further. Shadows danced ominously in the corners of the room, flickering from the orb of light shining above them. Eldrin turned to them all, letting them know that something was about to happen. Justin remembered his skill, Ranger¡¯s Intuition, which gave him an uncanny knack of knowing when danger was imminent. Just gripped his cane tightly. It was then that the first signs of movement caught Justin¡¯s eyes¡ªshambling figures emerging from the darkness between the pillars and mausoleums. Stumbling into view were skeletal warriors, their bones clad in ancient, rusted armor, along with zombies, with decayed flesh barely clinging to their frame. Justin¡¯s heart raced, the sight sending a chill down his spine. The undead, with hollow eyes and jerky movements, were surrounded by an aura of darkness, bearing weapons as aged and brittle as themselves. The party sprang into action. As Justin twirled his cane, Alistair used his Leap of Faith skill to land directly in the middle of the mob, instantly drawing their attention. As they charged him, he let out a roar, giving a mighty Righteous Whirlwind that instantly smote the first wave of attackers. Flames of Life covered their bodies, a truly awesome sight. As they screeched their dismay, Justin felt no heat from those flames. Apparently, they only affected the undead. With the pressure taken off the rest of the party, the others engaged. Lila moved with feline grace, her knives flashing as she threw with lethal precision, focusing on the zombies¡¯ heads. Justin used his cane, finding the blade was quite effective at stabbing through the zombies¡¯ faces or just below the base of the skull. Despite his fear, it was easy to fight when all the attention was off him. Eldrin swung his longsword, easily lopping off the heads of skeletons and zombies alike. The air was filled with the sound of clattering bones and the dull thuds of falling corpses. As the last of the undead crumbled, the party took a moment to catch their breath. Looking around at their handiwork, there were at least thirty or forty undead. Without Alistair, who¡¯d racked up well over half of the kills, it was obvious the party would have become overwhelmed. ¡°Glad we have a tank,¡± Justin said, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°Everyone all right?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°Not a scratch,¡± Lila said. Her knives had already been retrieved and were secured in the holster strapped to her thigh. Justin raised his hand as if he were in a classroom. ¡°Um, question. So, if a zombie bites you or something, do you turn into a zombie, too?¡± The others looked at him in confusion. ¡°Nay,¡± Alistair answered. ¡°It requires Death Magic to be turned, and you must first be dead yourself. However, with the Mark given to you by the Baron, this would be your fate should the worst happen. Although your undeath would be markedly¡­different.¡± Different, how? Justin was afraid to ask, his stomach twisting just knowing there was a worse fate than becoming a zombie. It had been three risings of the moon since receiving the Death Mark. While he didn¡¯t feel any different, he was all too aware of it. ¡°Then I just have to stay alive.¡± ¡°The Six willing,¡± Alistair said. ¡°And the Creator,¡± Justin added. Alistair frowned at this, and Justin wasn¡¯t sure why. Perhaps invoking the Creator¡¯s name was out of place or disrespectful in this context. So many questions about this world, too few answers. If he had pen and paper, he could make a long list.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Whatever the case, the immediate threat had been neutralized, but the chill in the air and the oppressive atmosphere told them that this trial was just the beginning. ¡°We are getting closer to the crypt itself,¡± Alistair said, his voice low. ¡°Stay by me.¡± The others nodded and proceeded through the doorway, down set a wide, curving staircase that led deeper into the Catacombs of Highcliff. Justin soon realized that this staircase, circling down into darkness, gave access to lower levels of the catacombs, each deeper than the last. From time to time, Alistair would pause at each landing, reading inscriptions that detailed who exactly was buried on each level. But each time, they continued down to the next level, deeper and deeper underground. The first levels seemed more crowded, filled with the remains of commoners, their skeletons clearly visible in loculi within the walls, with the next levels becoming more ornate, with more generous tombs and individual details. Clearly, the lower one went, the more important the deceased. And it became easy to guess just where King Alaric would be laid to rest, given his importance. As they descended, Justin, once again, couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. The air grew colder, and the oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on his chest. At last, they were nearing the bottom, going down the final spiral. Eldrin held up a hand to signal that danger lay ahead. Once again, his Ranger¡¯s Intuition had come in handy. They rounded the final spiral as quietly as possible, finding before them a smaller chamber, dimly lit by a few flickering candles. In the center stood a female figure clad in black robes, on the front of which was embroidered a skeletal hand grasping a wilting white flower, what had to symbolize the God of Death. She was chanting in a low, guttural voice in some indeterminate tongue, and before her lay a row of six corpses adorned in richer clothing and robes. The Cultist of Morvath was completely oblivious to their entrance, clearly engrossed in her dark ritual. The surrounding air crackled with dark magic. Quick as a flash, Eldrin raised his longbow, nocking an arrow. At a nod from Alistair, he let loose with a twang. The arrow flew true toward the Cultist¡¯s head. But somehow sensing the intrusion, the Cultist cast a ward of dark magic, and the arrow clattered to the stones beneath her feet. Alistair gave his Leap of Faith, hammer extended, just as the Cultist raised her arms. Eerie, translucent figures that looked like ghostly apparitions issued from the bodies before her, swirling in the air as she stepped back. ¡°Wraiths!¡± Eldrin warned. The wraiths were ghastly, their spectral forms shifting between solidity and intangibility. They bore grotesque faces, what Justin could only assume was a macabre mockery of their former selves. Their semi-solid forms hinted physical attacks might work, but it might be difficult to get some damage in. Alistair landed hard among the specters, drawing their attacks. Flashes of blue light glanced off his armor as the wraiths attacked him. The Paladin brightened his Creator¡¯s Light, which slowed the wraiths¡¯ movements. Eldrin wove among the specters, his sword doing some work, but the attacks were mostly ineffective. Lila threw her knives from a distance, each one sinking into one of the closer wraiths. The knives only seemed to annoy the creature, which turned its attention to them. Justin stood next to her, cane twirling, as the specter floated toward them. ¡°Justin!¡± Lila cried. The wraith advanced, and with a bloodcurdling screech, lunged at Justin, ethereal jaws agape. Instantly, with no volition of his own, his cane spun and knocked it back a suitable distance, the weapon¡¯s tip flashing yellow. Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has shielded this attack! Justin let out a breath; by some miracle, this thing was Level 12 or lower, and he had needed that. Eldrin spun fiercely, wailing on the creature with his sword. He drew the wraith¡¯s attention, but from the look of things, it seemed to be an even match. Justin charged forward, joining in Eldrin¡¯s attack. Lila¡¯s voice pierced the din. ¡°Justin, Eldrin, duck!¡± Justin immediately dropped to the stone floor, and as soon as he did, six whistling knives flew overhead, each burying itself in the wraith before sinking through its body and clattering to the floor. The wraith advanced toward Justin, who stood between it and Lila. Justin gave it a strong thwack with his cane. While the attack connected, flashing yellow at the point of contact, it did little. The entity floated forward, surrounding Justin with its frigid, spectral force. Justin felt a horrible cold and despair such as he had never known. Just as his vision began going dark, a strange sensation surged within him¡ªa resistance that, miraculously, forced the wraith back with a screech. Justin had no time to ponder this; he followed the wraith, which was now outright fleeing from him. With newfound confidence, he chased it down, slapping it repeatedly with his cane. ¡°Take that! And that, foul specter!¡± The wraith screeched in both pain and fear, especially as Justin cornered it in the chamber. He wailed on it repeatedly, rage fueling his attacks, until it was reduced to almost nothing. Destroying it took far longer than Justin would have liked, his low Power attribute likely not helping matters. Again, his cane flashed flashing yellow with each strike, and it took him a moment to realize that perhaps it resulted from the enchantment. Lila¡¯s knives and Eldrin¡¯s sword seemed to go through the wraiths at least half the time, not finding purchase. Eventually, the wraith collapsed into a puff of blue smoke that spread along the stones in a fog. Justin, panting, turned around to find that the rest of the wraiths had already been dealt with, a low blue fog hanging over the stones. The Cultist¡¯s head had been smashed to a pulp, thanks to Alistair¡¯s hammer. Alistair was watching him curiously, while Eldrin nodded in respect. Lila¡¯s green eyes were wide. ¡°It was¡­ afraid of me!¡± Justin exclaimed. Alistair came to stand by him. ¡°It would seem it feared the Baron¡¯s Mark. Wraiths like this feed on the living, draining the Spark of Life from one¡¯s Core. If successful, the victim is doomed to become just like them. The Baron¡¯s Mark of Death may have helped you, at least in this situation. It¡¯s not you they fear, but him.¡± It was a sobering reminder of just how powerful the Baron was. Justin suppressed a shudder. ¡°This happened with Zaramund, too,¡± Justin mused. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a blessing in disguise.¡± ¡°It is no blessing, I assure you,¡± the Paladin said. ¡°Now fully mature, the Mark will be detectable by the Baron himself if he gets close enough. Given the extent of the situation, it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if he made his own way to Highcliff soon. We must be well away from the city before that happens.¡± The party took a moment to regather themselves. The air was thick with the acrid tang of the specters¡¯ remains, which were thankfully now dissipating. ¡°Glad we got that taken care of,¡± Justin said. ¡°Where¡¯s our prize?¡± Eldrin snorted. ¡°Prize? We¡¯re just getting started, lad.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°Wait. That wasn¡¯t the Boss Fight?¡± ¡°Nay,¡± Alistair said. ¡°That was a lackey at best, a Death Mage of middling level. About equivalent to Zaramund, if I had to guess.¡± ¡°Zaramund was the Boss last time.¡± ¡°We are now in a Level 15 Vault,¡± Eldrin said quietly. ¡°The Boss, as you put it, is now just another goon.¡± Justin gulped. ¡°Yikes.¡± For the first time, Justin took stock of just what the Cultist had been defending. They stood before a grand door, wrought of what seemed to be pure gold. It was a magnificent piece of craftsmanship and art, intricately carved with scenes from King Alaric¡¯s life. The images depicted his coronation, his battles to defend Highcliff, and moments of wisdom where he sat in council, dispensing justice and mercy. Above King Alaric himself was a majestic eagle in flight, the symbol of the City of Highcliff. Above the door, an inscription read: Here lies interred Alaric, Good King of Highcliff: A King Just and Balanced, Beloved of the People. Guardian of the Realm, Protector of the Peace. Wise Wielder of the Magic of Life, In Death, he doth rest with Honor. Never shall his like be seen again. The door stood slightly ajar, a sliver of darkness visible through the crack. Alistair sighed sadly. ¡°They say Good Alaric was one of the most powerful Life Mages to live on Eyrth, and besides that, that he had mastered the blade. It is ill indeed that the Cult of Morvath has so perverted his legacy.¡± ¡°Arion willing, that won¡¯t be true for much longer,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Aye, Ranger,¡± Alistair said. ¡°The Six will it so.¡± Justin remained silent, still shaken from the battle. He still couldn¡¯t get over the fact that they hadn¡¯t even reached the main Boss yet. Once again, he¡¯d only survived by luck and forces beyond his control. His Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff was gone, and the Death Mark had kept that wraith from absorbing his life force. But maybe there was something to this Death Mark. Despite what Alistair said, it might allow him to take risks the others couldn¡¯t, at least regarding monsters that wanted to feed on his so-called ¡°Spark of Life.¡± It was something to keep in his back pocket, perhaps. At last, Alistair shifted on his feet, steeling himself for what lay ahead. ¡°I don¡¯t know what lies beyond this door, but I know it will test us dearly. Lila, Justin; remember your potions. Take them as soon as the final battle starts. I would take no risks.¡± ¡°Will do,¡± Justin said. Lila¡¯s response was a firm nod. ¡°We stand behind you, Paladin,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Lead on.¡± Alistair started forward, slipping through the crack, through which a cold draft wafted, carrying the faint smell of decay mixed with an oddly sweet scent. Justin shivered. It was as if death itself lay just beyond this door, waiting for them to step through. 30. Puzzles in the Crypt As the party stepped through the golden door, a short passageway led into a vast chamber with an austere feel. In the center of the stone floor was an empty square, with a slight depression about three or four inches deep. There were six rectangular slots in that square, like missing jigsaw pieces. On the left and right-hand walls were six rectangular stone reliefs, each depicting a scene from Alaric¡¯s life. Eldrin was the first to approach the panels, surveying them. Justin and the rest followed. ¡°What are we supposed to do?¡± Justin asked. The Ranger frowned. ¡°It seems we need to arrange these reliefs on the wall in the correct order on the floor to proceed.¡± ¡°What kind of order?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Chronological, I would assume.¡± Justin took his time examining each scene. The first clearly depicted some sort of war or battle filled with chaos and conflict. Alaric¡¯s face was grim as he faced an army with his sword raised high, and golden magic covering his other hand. He wore the same amulet Justin had noticed upon first entering the catacombs, with the six colored jewels, each denoting one of the Core Attributes. The second relief showed the king much younger, receiving a crown and scepter, with subjects bowing before him. Again, he was wearing the amulet. The third showed what appeared to be a death scene, the king lying peacefully with flowers, surrounded by mourners, and of course, the amulet around his neck. The fourth showed Alaric sitting on his throne, surrounded by scholars, warriors, and citizens, with a crown of jewels set in gold, along with the amulet. The fifth showed Alaric, and the amulet, shaking hands with a foreign ruler, the scene radiating calm, with doves flying in the background alongside the Eagle of Highcliff. Last of all was a scene of what had to be his birth, or perhaps the birth of one of his own children, showing the royal family rejoicing. The resemblance of the baby to Alaric in the other images was striking, but not definitive. ¡°These look familiar,¡± Lila mused at last. Eldrin nodded, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Yes. I remember seeing all of them as we descended. And I¡¯m certain they were shown in a particular order. An order we must recreate on the floor over there.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t familiar to me,¡± Alistair said. ¡°I was looking out for threats. If I had known¡­¡± He trailed off, clearly regretting not paying closer attention. ¡°So, left to right on the floor over there,¡± Justin suggested. ¡°Pictures 1-3 will go on top, and 4-6 on bottom.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Eldrin confirmed. He approached the birth scene. ¡°This one seems likely as our first one.¡± ¡°How do we know it¡¯s first?¡± Lila asked, her voice tinged with concern. ¡°That could be him as a father with the birth of a son.¡± Eldrin pondered this. ¡°Well, the background shows symbols of new beginnings and prosperity, which are traditional for birth scenes. You can see the rising sun, a common emblem for the start of life, and the abundant flowers and green vines, which often symbolize growth and potential.¡± ¡°Damn, Eldrin,¡± Justin said. ¡°Did you take an art history course?¡± He cracked a smile. ¡°Never underestimate the value of a well-rounded education, even for a Ranger.¡± ¡°He¡¯s also not wearing the amulet in that one,¡± Justin said. ¡°He is in all the others.¡± ¡°More to the point and definitive,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The amulet is clearly important to him.¡± ¡°This begs the question,¡± Lila said. ¡°What happens if we get this wrong? Instant death?¡± ¡°That¡¯s hard to say,¡± Alistair replied. ¡°Something bad, that¡¯s for certain.¡± ¡°Okay, birth first. Then what?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Likely the coronation scene,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°He looks quite young there.¡± ¡°Birth and then Coronation,¡± Lila repeated. ¡°Death, obviously, would be last. Which leaves the war, the one with the scholars, and the one where he¡¯s shaking hands.¡± ¡°He¡¯s likely brokering a peace in the handshaking one,¡± Justin suggested. ¡°That would naturally come after the war. The doves are an obvious symbol of peace.¡± ¡°I think you¡¯re right,¡± Eldrin agreed. ¡°So, I think we have the right of it so far. We just need to place the court scene.¡± Lila thought about it. ¡°It could be a council debating going to war, which would place it third.¡± Justin considered this. ¡°Highcliff is known for its Golden Age, right? That scene could represent the prosperity and wisdom that followed the war. There are scholars in it, after all.¡± Eldrin thought about it, weighing the merits of both arguments. ¡°The court scene seems more like a time of peace and governance, possibly before the war. Let¡¯s place it there.¡± Justin didn¡¯t agree, but he also didn¡¯t want to be a pedant. There were merits to both arguments. ¡°Let¡¯s give it a go, then.¡± They moved the panels into position, everything going smoothly for the first two scenes. However, when they placed the third panel, it instantly popped out, as if the grooves were rejecting it. ¡°Uh-oh,¡± Justin said. A loud rumble shook the chamber, followed by hidden doors sliding open, unleashing a horde of zombies and skeletons into the room. ¡°Brace yourselves!¡± Alistair shouted, drawing his hammer. The following moments were chaos. Justin found himself face-to-face with a skeleton wielding a rusty sword. He parried the blows with his cane, doing his best to keep it at a distance. With an adroit maneuver, he knocked the skeleton¡¯s head off, but not before a zombie grabbed his arm, taking a vicious bite with sharp teeth. Justin screamed as red-hot pain seared up his arm. Lila was there in an instant, her knives flashing as she buried them both in the back of the zombie¡¯s head. Justin felt himself being pulled to the center as his three companions surrounded him. Blood gushed from the wound as his vision went hazy. The sight and smell of blood seemed to drive the undead into a frenzy. It was all Justin could do to keep his feet. About a minute later, the rest of the undead had been taken care of. As soon as the threat was neutralized, Alistair turned, wrapping Justin¡¯s wound with golden magic. It felt as if he had been plunged into ice water, but it brought delicious relief as his flesh was knitted anew. All the same, he felt a burning just beneath his skin. He tried not to think about what vile bacteria might have been lingering in that zombie¡¯s decaying mouth. Eldrin pushed a potion into his hand, green in hue. ¡°Draught of Veridian. It¡¯ll fight off even the most potent of infections.¡± Justin downed it, the taste truly vile. ¡°Thanks.¡± He chased it with a swig of water from his canteen, the aftertaste stubbornly clinging on. The group was panting, exhausted, and Justin could still feel the sting of the wound. Hopefully, Eldrin¡¯s potion would do its work. ¡°We got it wrong,¡± Eldrin said, frustration clear in his voice. ¡°But now we know that one likely comes after the War Scene and the Peace Scene.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s move these bodies off the puzzle,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Then we can proceed.¡± They did so, Justin not relishing the task. This time, they had to get it completely right. He might not survive another fight like this. ¡°War is next,¡± Eldrin said, confidence returning. ¡°I¡¯m sure of it.¡±Stolen story; please report. ¡°Let¡¯s do it,¡± Alistair agreed. They moved the War piece into place, and it clicked agreeably. ¡°Yes!¡± Lila said, relief clear in her voice. ¡°Not out of the woods yet,¡± Justin said. ¡°Peace,¡± Eldrin said, moving the corresponding panel into place. As expected, it clicked in perfectly. Now, only the court scene and the death scene remained, and it was pretty easy to figure out the order. They moved Court into place, and it clicked perfectly. Finally, they placed the death scene. Once all the pieces were in place, the entire puzzle glowed green while the sound of stone grinding against stone filled the chamber. The door at the far end of the room began opening. Justin smiled, relieved. ¡°We did it!¡± Eldrin wiped the sweat from his brow. ¡°Barely. One more mistake might have finished us.¡± Lila managed a small smile. ¡°At least we got it right before the end.¡± Alistair nodded. ¡°It¡¯s time to move on. This is just going to get tougher.¡± The team gathered their strength and moved toward the now-open door.
They followed a short corridor into another vast chamber, this one illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. The light seemed to emanate from a massive statue at the far end of the room. The statue depicted King Alaric in a regal pose, his expression stern and noble, as if gazing down at his subjects with both wisdom and authority. In his right hand, he held a sword pointed downward, its tip aimed at a spot just above where a person¡¯s head might be. The chamber was eerily silent, the only sound being the faint echo of their footsteps on the stone floor. As they approached, the light from Alistair¡¯s Creator¡¯s Light revealed a gruesome sight previously missed in the room¡¯s shadowy corners: five dead Cultists, their bodies bloody and contorted, as if they had been impaled by an unseen force. The blood pooled beneath them was dark, weeks or even months old. Their collective smell was musty, with a faintly sweet scent of decay. Justin¡¯s stomach churned. ¡°This¡­doesn¡¯t look promising¡­¡± Alistair nodded, his expression grim. ¡°There¡¯s no telling what dark magic might be at play here.¡± The party stood in a semicircle around the statue, from time to time eyeing the lifeless Cultists warily. Suddenly, a green aura formed beneath the sword¡¯s tip, expanding into a circle large enough for a person to stand in. As the aura brightened, an ethereal voice echoed through the chamber, clear and commanding: ¡°A gift unasked; some get less, others more, It binds us all from first to final door. But the only question for which you should care, Is whether you¡¯ve spent me with joy or despair?¡± The voice sent a shiver through Justin. It was unmistakably King Alaric, or rather, his spirit. The riddle hung in the air, heavy with expectation. Eldrin was the first to speak. ¡°It seems we must answer the riddle to proceed. But we must choose our answer carefully. The fate of these Cultists suggests the consequence of a wrong answer.¡± Alistair nodded. ¡°Indeed. It seems we have as many chances as we have party members. Although losing anyone would be grievous.¡± Lila glanced at the Cultists, her expression set. ¡°I¡¯ll go first. Alistair and Eldrin are more pivotal to clearing the Vault.¡± "What about me?" Justin asked. "Arguably, I''m less pivotal than you are." Lila ignored the question, and he didn''t like that. He felt a pang of fear at the thought of losing her. He cared for her deeply, more than he could express. ¡°Lila, we need to think this through. If I die, at least I¡¯ll still be alive¡­in a manner of speaking, assuming the Baron¡¯s Mark makes me undead.¡± ¡°That is not a possibility,¡± Alistair said grimly. ¡°I¡¯d offer myself, but what Lila says makes sense, as lamentable as it may seem. Sometimes, we must choose who to save and who to risk. It is the burden of leadership.¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°If I get it wrong, at least we know what not to say.¡± Eldrin considered the riddle, frowning. ¡°Whatever the case, we can probably discuss it among ourselves, as one of us must enter the light to give an answer.¡± ¡°True enough,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Any ideas?¡± Justin pondered it. Normally, he was pretty decent at riddles, but he couldn¡¯t think clearly with Lila¡¯s life on the line. Riddles were notoriously tricky, and overthinking could lead to the wrong answer. ¡°I¡¯ll start,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The riddle speaks of something given to everyone, binding us all together. It could be something like Time, or perhaps Fate.¡± Alistair shook his head. ¡°No, it must be something more personal. Can Time be said to be truly a gift, or Fate?¡± ¡°Fair points,¡± the Ranger conceded. Lila stepped forward, her face thoughtful. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s Money. Everyone gets different amounts, and it definitely influences how we live our lives. It¡¯s certainly influenced how I¡¯ve lived mine. You¡¯d be a fool to spend it poorly and wise to spend it well, either giving you joy or despair.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°That¡¯s a possibility. But does money really bind us all together? There are societies that do without money. In that way, the riddle doesn¡¯t fit.¡± Alistair spoke up. ¡°It could be Duty or Responsibility. We all have different duties, and our lives are often shaped by them.¡± Justin listened, his mind racing. Each suggestion seemed plausible, yet something about them felt off. The line about joy or despair particularly stood out to him. But an hour ticked by, and then two. With each passing moment, the urgency of their situation grew. They couldn¡¯t afford to spend more time on this riddle with the Baron¡¯s men skulking outside the city walls. By now, Gareth had certainly figured out they were no longer staying in the inn, and they hadn¡¯t left the city. Eventually, they¡¯d put two and two together, erasing their advantage. At last, Alistair¡¯s face relaxed. ¡°It¡¯s Money. It must be.¡± Everyone looked up, considering it. Indeed, of the couple of dozen answers they¡¯d contemplated, it seemed to fit best. Money was a common element in all their lives, and perhaps at the time the riddle was devised, they hadn¡¯t considered other cultures that didn¡¯t use it. Justin, however, couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Money was too materialistic for someone like Good King Alaric. And yet, he had nothing better. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we think about it some more?¡± he asked. ¡°This is important. A life is on the line. Lila¡¯s life.¡± ¡°Time is pressing,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We¡¯ve dedicated two hours to this riddle, and we can scarcely dedicate one more. If we think it out any longer, our brains are liable to turn to mush.¡± ¡°That¡¯s better than one of us dying.¡± ¡°Better than all of us dying,¡± Lila said. ¡°The Baron¡¯s men can¡¯t be given any more time to find us than they already have.¡± ¡°That begs the question,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Who shall answer? You mentioned yourself, Lila, but to make things fair, I would let fate decide.¡± He produced a silver mark from his pocket. On one side was the head of some unknown historical figure, while on the other, a hexagon denoting the Six Attributes. The Ranger gave a playful, but sad, smile. ¡°Heads or tails?¡± ¡°So, to be clear, the winner is the one who goes to answer?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Tails,¡± Lila said. As soon as the word escaped her lips, Eldrin flicked the coin up, allowing it to land on the stones. When tails was revealed, Justin¡¯s heart dropped. Lila only smiled. ¡°It¡¯s only fitting. Money was my answer, and money decided it.¡± The Ranger smiled. ¡°Good luck.¡± No one said anything, and she turned slowly and walked toward the green aura. Justin wanted to say something, anything, but the words were caught in his throat. Deep down, he knew Money was wrong. He needed to think of the answer quickly. His heart pounded, and he felt as if he might throw up. In seconds, Lila would be dead. He knew it. He ran up to her. ¡°Lila!¡± She slowed, but didn¡¯t stop walking, set on her goal. He caught her by the arm. She tried to shirk his grasp, but he didn¡¯t let go. ¡°Justin¡­you must let me go.¡± ¡°Please. There are things I¡¯d like to say first.¡± Tears welled in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re making this more difficult than it needs to be.¡± ¡°I know. Will you give me just a moment?¡± She gave the barest of nods. ¡°Yes. As long as you let me go after you¡¯re done.¡± ¡°I will,¡± he promised. Now what? He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. ¡°Some people make life worth living. Life is hard enough as it is, but it¡¯s the people we share it with that bind us together. None of us asked to be here, but because we are, Lila¡­¡± He trailed off. ¡°It¡¯s people like you that make life worth living.¡± ¡°Stop,¡± she said, her voice breaking. ¡°How am I supposed to do this when you say things like that? It has to be me, Justin.¡± He smiled. ¡°All I can say is¡­though we¡¯ve only spent a short time together, every moment has been a joy.¡± Before she could respond, he brushed past her toward the aura. By the gods, the System, or whatever it was, he had it. ¡°Justin!¡± Alistair ordered. ¡°Justin, stop this instant!¡± ¡°Sorry,¡± Justin said, a determined edge in his voice. ¡°That¡¯s one order I¡¯m going to have to disobey.¡± He heard the Paladin¡¯s armor clanking as he ran forward to restrain him, but Justin was too close now. He stepped into the green aura and was locked in. Alistair reached the edge of the light and, with a quick swing of his hammer, tried to break it. The weapon only rebounded and clattered to the stone floor. ¡°Justin, you know not what you¡¯ve done!¡± Alistair said. His blue eyes were fearful, close to tears, even. ¡°If you die¡­if you die¡­¡± He trailed off, not finishing. Eldrin just looked at him in shock, and it seemed like death itself was written on his face. Only Lila¡¯s face was filled with hope. Like Justin, she knew the answer, and unlike the others, she knew he knew. But he wouldn¡¯t know for sure until he answered. Justin turned to face the statue, feeling the weight of the moment. He looked up at the sword, just inches from his face, and smiled. ¡°Life.¡± There was a brief silence, then the sword lifted, and a resounding click echoed through the chamber as the doorway beyond was unlocked and rolled back. The green aura vanished, and the others looked at him in awe. ¡°Life,¡± Alistair said, a note of admiration in his voice. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s Life! What I swore to defend. So simple. So elegant¡­it fits the riddle perfectly.¡± Justin nodded, relief washing over him. ¡°Alaric was a Life Mage, and the riddle talks about something everyone has, though to different extents. The true value of life isn¡¯t in wealth or duty but in how you live it. More than that¡ªthese Cultists serve the God of Death, the ultimate perversion of everything Alaric stood for. It makes sense they guessed wrongly five times. Life was the only answer that fit every part of the riddle.¡± Eldrin considered this. ¡°It makes sense indeed. The question of joy or despair speaks to the quality of one¡¯s life, not just the material aspects. Good King Alaric would have valued life more than anything else, including money.¡± He gave Justin a respectful nod. ¡°Sharp thinking, lad.¡± Lila, looking pale but relieved, embraced Justin. ¡°How did you figure it out?¡± He smiled, shaking his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t. I just wanted to stop you and started talking to drag it out. That¡¯s when the answer came to me.¡± ¡°Well, this isn¡¯t over yet,¡± she said. ¡°But it¡¯s a good start.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s press on,¡± Alistair said. ¡°We should save our congratulations for when the Vault is cleared, and Alaric¡¯s spirit rests easy. I think the last trial is before us.¡± The air around them felt lighter, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. The door behind the statue now stood open, revealing a passageway leading to the next chamber. They advanced, Alistair in the lead with his hammer, Eldrin with his bow, Lila with her knives, and Justin his cane. It was time to clear this Vault and get the hell out of Highcliff. 31. A King and Queen As the party stepped into what Alistair had suggested was the last chamber, they were met with a scene of solemn grandeur. The room was vast, dominated by a majestic sarcophagus at its center. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, each depicting significant moments from King Alaric¡¯s life¡ªhis rise to power, his wise rule, and his battles. A dark, pulsating energy surrounded the sarcophagus, casting a sinister glow over the room and filling the space with an eerie hum. The malevolent force at work sent a shiver down Justin''s spine. This was the heart of the crypt, the final resting place of the great King Alaric, now desecrated by dark rituals. Yes, Justin mused. Classic Boss Room material. At the foot of the sarcophagus stood a figure cloaked in dark robes, facing away from the party. A stream of dark magic tethered him to the sarcophagus. As they approached, the figure turned, revealing a gaunt, pale face with eyes that glowed with cold, malevolent light. His robes, like the other Cultists¡¯, bore the insignia of a skeletal hand grasping a wilting white flower, and he grasped a dark staff, at the head of which was a red, demonic skull. ¡°Who dares disturb the meditations of the Dread Summoner Malachor?¡± he intoned, his voice low and menacing. ¡°Great,¡± Justin muttered. ¡°He refers to himself in the third person.¡± Malachor¡¯s eyes narrowed as he smiled faintly. ¡°Ah, a fellow practitioner of the Magic of Death! Why would one such as you ally yourself with these¡­ life-loving fools?¡± Alistair raised a gauntleted hand to silence Justin, but he couldn¡¯t resist. ¡°I¡¯m not really a practitioner of Death Magic. More of a dabbler, really.¡± Malachor looked like he was about to blow some more hot air, so Justin figured it was the perfect opportunity to down his potions. He reached into his pouch, uncorking the first of them. The pop echoed loudly through the chamber, along with Justin¡¯s gulps. The Ironwood Essence tasted just how it was spelled, almost like blood. As he put the empty vial back, Lila followed his example, probably realizing this would be her last chance to edify herself for the fight. Next, Justin downed the Heartwood Elixir. This one was woody but had a pleasant bite, even with notes of umami. As both potions worked, he felt strength and power enter his limbs. ¡°Ah, much better! Now, where we were?¡± Malachor¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Such insolence! Well, you wouldn¡¯t be the first. As if a couple of potions can save you! All of my companions perished to bring me here, but it was a small price to pay. They have joined my Master in the Netherrealm, while I have gained an even greater prize.¡± ¡°You talk too much,¡± Alistair said, stepping forward with his hammer. But Malachor raised his hand, sending him flying back with a telekinetic push. Alistair recovered quickly, hammer in hand, ready to strike. ¡°Fool! The Vault grants me this moment to speak, and you will listen. Behold!¡± With a dramatic gesture, the sarcophagus burst open. The party stepped back as an amulet¡ªthe same one Justin had seen in the artwork¡ªfloated from the skeletal neck of King Alaric. The Amulet affixed itself around Malachor¡¯s neck, surrounded by a violet aura as dark magic swirled around him. ¡°Lo! I now possess the Amulet of Equilibrium, King Alaric¡¯s most treasured artifact, the source of his power and wisdom.¡± As he held up the Amulet, its six colored gems glinted ominously in the dim light. The party tensed, uncertain of the artifact¡¯s power, but Justin was sure it was formidable. ¡°With the power of the Amulet, I will transcend mortal limits. Weep now, foolish Life Worshippers, as I summon a servant fit for a king¡¯s tomb!¡±
Malachor raised his hands, chanting in a guttural, otherworldly language. The air itself darkened as a portal opened, revealing an abyss of pure black. From this void, a monstrous form began to coalesce. A towering undead demon emerged, its skeletal wings stretching wide as it let out a bone-chilling roar. It was a grotesque fusion of giant skeleton and zombie, with a fetid face and torso that combined exposed bones with patches of decaying flesh. The creature''s eyes burned with green fire, casting an eerie glow around the chamber. In one clawed hand, it wielded a massive, jagged sword. There were no pithy words Justin could muster to downplay the situation. He felt a moment of panic, even pissing his pants slightly, as the demon¡¯s wings fluttered, filling the chamber with an aura of death and decay. The very air seemed to rot under its presence, making it hard to breathe. Justin glanced at his companions; their faces were set in grim determination. This was it. Within seconds, the battle would begin. With a flourish and a decidedly evil laugh, Malachor lowered his hands, and the demon advanced on its insect-like legs. Alistair led the charge, his hammer glowing with holy light as he struck the demon¡¯s legs with his Righteous Whirlwind, attempting to bring it down quickly. The demon screeched as several legs were lopped off and engulfed in holy flames. The demon swung its jagged oversized sword, but Alistair used his Arion¡¯s Shield ability to tank the blow, surrounding himself in an aura of golden light. He then infused his weapon with his Arion¡¯s Hammer skill, slamming it into the demon¡¯s midsection. The demon reeled from the impact, as Alistair followed it up with several Divine Strikes, sending waves of holy energy rippling through the creature and spreading the Flames of Life along its body. As Eldrin loosed arrows, and Lila threw knives, Justin wondered what he should be doing. So, he activated his Dandy¡¯s Swagger, strutting like a peacock in full display. Yellow magic surrounded him, infusing his allies and temporarily boosting their Charisma. It seemed useless in a direct fight, but it was something¡ªperhaps the only thing he could do without risking immediate death. But maybe it wasn¡¯t entirely useless, because now Alistair was fighting with increased confidence, and Lila and Eldrin moved with more vigor. Justin couldn¡¯t help but crack a smile. Alistair had been wrong. The solution wasn¡¯t less dancing. It was more dancing.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. And not only that, but Justin felt an insane surge of confidence from the skill. Twirling his cane, he edged closer to the beast, positioning himself behind Eldrin and Lila, who were continuing to deal steady ranged damage while Alistair took on the role of the tank. Malachor, meanwhile, lurked behind his demon, casting dark magic to support it, presumably healing or buffing it. A classic Summoner, then, Justin thought derisively. Fighting from the shadows and letting his minion take the hits. At least Justin was out in the open, fighting as a gentleman should. If there was a way Justin could sneak up on Malachor, this fight could be over in a jiff. Reel it back, he thought. The swagger is making you a bit too confident. Instead, Justin stood next to Eldrin, who was loosing arrows with precision, targeting the demon¡¯s eyes and joints, seeking any vulnerabilities in its tough hide. Lila moved with a dancer¡¯s grace, darting around the demon, her knives flashing as she aimed for weak spots. She deftly avoided the demon¡¯s sword and wings, and every time she ran out of knives, she simply held out her hand to recall them within seconds. Justin remembered that his Swagger would also give the demon a Charisma malus. With his +2 Dandy¡¯s Swagger boost and his Cane of Valoria, his current Charisma was actually at 18¡ªa respectable number. Coupled with the demon¡¯s -2 Charisma penalty, perhaps a well-placed Poison Barb would be just the ticket. Justin cleared his throat and shouted. ¡°What are you, a failed science experiment? I¡¯ve seen scarier things on a haunted house ride at the county fair!¡± The demon seemed to hesitate for a moment, probably more confused than anything else. But this hesitation, however slight, allowed Alistair to land a pivotal hit, driving the demon further into the chamber¡¯s corner. But despite their combined efforts, the demon was incredibly resilient. Its tough, leathery hide and Death Magic defenses, bolstered by Malachor, deflected much of the damage. Alistair¡¯s hammer, though powerful, seemed to have a limited effect on its core, while Eldrin¡¯s arrows often glanced off without penetrating. Lila¡¯s knives, while more effective, couldn¡¯t be thrown fast enough to make a significant impact. The battle raged on for at least another thirty minutes, each member of the party pushing their limits to bring down the formidable foe. Alistair was doing what Paladins did best: tanking, with clutch heals on himself, while dealing a respectable amount of damage. Justin had to remember, despite the demon¡¯s size and ferocity, it was still only Level 15, while Alistair was Level 25. In a way, the fight was going about as well as it could be going. Of course, as soon as Justin had this thought, it all started coming apart. Alistair landed what should have been a decisive blow, his hammer crashing into the demon¡¯s chest. The demon collapsed on its scuttling legs, ceasing all movement. Eldrin prepared to finish it, drawing his sword and charging. But that was when the demon¡¯s form began to crackle and distort, its body convulsing violently before exploding into a swarm of wraiths. The ghostly figures, about thirty of them or more, quickly filled the chamber, their eerie moans echoing off the walls. The wraiths attacked with alarming speed, their ethereal forms darting toward each member of the party, at least seven or eight to a person. Justin, standing back and having dealt no physical damage during the entire fight, was totally ignored. But maybe that wasn¡¯t a bad thing. Perhaps now was the time to go after Malachor and end the fight once and for all. If the Summoner dies, so would his summons. No. Even alone, Justin couldn¡¯t hope to face Malachor. Despite being a Summoner, Malachor still had plenty of spells at his command, for which Justin had little resistance. He needed to use his Charisma to turn the tide, but how? With mounting dismay, Justin realized things were not going well at all. The party¡¯s weapons were passing through the wraiths with limited effect. Even Alistair was overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Lila and Eldrin struggled against the onslaught, their movements slowing. Now off cooldown, he activated Dandy''s Swagger again¡ªhis comrades were overdue for a morale boost. Justin''s strut was angry, almost violent. He even did a few twirls, his cane arcing through the air and tracing trails of yellow magic. He was bursting with confidence, his Charisma once again boosted to 18 while all these nasty wraiths were getting a -2. But of course, this was not enough on its own, for he had one last trick up his sleeve. Justin bowed his head. It was up to him now. And Freddie Mercury. Why Freddie Mercury? He couldn¡¯t say. It was just the first thing to pop into his head as soon as he activated his Dazzling Display skill. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was going to work, but as far as charismatic individuals, well, Freddie had to take the custard. As the spirit of Freddie Mercury infused into Justin, he felt a surge of energy far greater than he felt even when channeling Michael Jackson. With his Charisma now at formidable 18, the move¡¯s power, he knew, was going to be exponentially higher. Justin felt the raw charisma and stage presence of a rock god coursing through him. He spread his arms wide, a confident grin on his face, and belted out in a commanding voice that filled the chamber. ¡°Ayyyyyy-oh!¡± The very stones shook with this mighty emanation. And not only that, but a sparkling yellow aura rippled through the air like waves of light, infusing the surrounding wraiths. The specters paused, their attention snapping to Justin. They seemed strangely captivated by the unexpected display, their forms flickering in response. Alistair, Lila, and Eldrin all looked at Justin as if he were a madman or a hero. It seemed the wraiths needed a bit more coaxing. ¡°Ayyyyyy-oh!¡± The second call seemed to do the trick. They shot toward him as if of one mind, their ethereal faces twisted in confusion and anger. ¡°Get Malachor!¡± Justin shouted, as the skill''s power left him. ¡°This won¡¯t last long enough to¡ª¡± But then the wraiths were upon him, one after another. Justin felt an intense coldness unlike anything he¡¯d ever experienced, a coldness that seemed to freeze his very soul. He imagined that this feeling must be what it was like to float at the edge of the universe. But he only felt it for a moment. Once again, as with before, Justin felt the internal resistance, the repelling magnet that was Valdrik¡¯s Death Mark. The wraiths let out a high, discordant screech and recoiled from him, their ghostly forms scattering. Justin gawked in amazement. By the Six, it had worked. It had actually worked. Malachor, witnessing this unexpected turn, was visibly shaken. ¡°No! This isn¡¯t how it was supposed to be!¡± The path to Malachor was clear. The party, as one, turned their focus on the Dread Summoner. Alistair, Eldrin, and Lila advanced, weapons at the ready, while Justin, still glowing with the aftermath of his Dazzling Display, moved with renewed confidence, brandishing his cane. Malachor¡¯s dark eyes widened in fear, and his once-confident demeanor faltered. He cast quick spells to empower the wraiths that were still scared witless and finally cast a dark shield around himself. The wraiths, bolstered by Malachor¡¯s magic, regained some of their cohesion and surged towards the party, but they were disorganized and weaker than before. But the party pressed their advantage, their resolve unshaken. Alistair led the charge, his hammer ablaze with power of his attack. He easily shattered the dark energy shielding Malachor. Eldrin, with a determined focus, loosed arrow after arrow, each one finding its mark in the summoner¡¯s body. Lila¡¯s knives flashed as they embedded themselves in the Summoner from head to toe. Malachor made not a sound, despite the pain he must have surely felt. Blood stained his clothes and dribbled from his cadaverous face. Dark tendrils of energy snaked around the Summoner¡¯s body, attempting to heal him, but there was no way he could tank this amount of damage. He was a mage, and he was squishy. To add insult to injury, Justin gave him a few hard thwacks on the head for good measure. The summoner fell, and with his sure death, the wraiths eddied out of existence, creating a thick, icy fog on the floor. As the echoes of the battle faded, the oppressive atmosphere lifted. The dark energy that had permeated the chamber dissipated, and a sense of calm returned. The party stood over Malachor¡¯s body, their faces etched with relief and exhaustion. The dark energy that had once surrounded the summoner, the central sarcophagus, and the Amulet itself, had dissipated. Against all odds, they had done it. The Vault was clear and Malachor had been vanquished. Now, it was time to claim their just rewards. 32. The Treasures of Alaric A soft green aura emanated from the sarcophagus, casting a gentle glow over the chamber. Justin watched in surprise as the Amulet of Equilibrium, which had been around Malachor¡¯s neck, suddenly lifted into the air and floated gracefully back toward the sarcophagus. A soft, ethereal light filled the room as the Amulet settled around the neck of a spectral figure that was now rising from the stone tomb. It was King Alaric, his form translucent but regal, adorned in the royal attire he had been depicted wearing in the carvings. He had shoulder-length blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. The Amulet, now gleaming with a soft, violet light, hung prominently around his neck. His eyes, wise and kind, scanned the party, and he smiled warmly. ¡°Brave Adventurers,¡± King Alaric¡¯s voice was deep and resonant, filled with gratitude. ¡°You have freed my spirit from the dark ritual of the God of Death that sought to bind me. For this, you have my eternal thanks.¡± The party stood in awe, their expressions a mix of relief and respect. For the first time since entering the Catacombs, Justin relaxed. ¡°As a token of my gratitude, I bestow upon each of you a gift matched to your valor and skill,¡± Alaric continued. ¡°A Silver-Level item, one guaranteed for all Party Members.¡± With a wave of his hand, an armlet appeared before him, a beautifully crafted piece of silver adorned with intricate engravings of swords, shields, and eagles. It gleamed with a faint blue light. ¡°To Alistair the Paladin,¡± the King intoned, ¡°I present you with the Armlet of the Eagle. It is a Silver-Level Artifact that will bolster your Endurance by +2 while reducing the duration of Fear Effects by 30%, allowing you to stand strong in the face of terror.¡± Alistair accepted the armlet with a solemn nod, slipping it onto his wrist. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty. I will wear it with honor.¡± Alaric waved his hand again, producing a longbow made from a sleek, dark wood, polished to a high shine. Its string was a silver thread, glowing faintly in the dim light. ¡°And to Eldrin the Ranger,¡± the King continued, ¡°I gift the Bow of Eagle Sight. Made from the finest Ebonwood, it will upgrade your Eagle Eye skill to Eagle Sight, allowing you to see things at great distance, as an eagle would. In addition, the bow grants a +1 boost to Coordination.¡± Eldrin¡¯s eyes widened in admiration as the bow floated toward him. He tested its balance, giving a pleased nod. ¡°A fine weapon, indeed! Long have I coveted an enchanted weapon that would have the power to bring down ethereal enemies, such as the ones we just fought. Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± King Alaric nodded regally, next producing a delicate ring, made of a fine, woven silver band set with a small orange gem, fashioned in the shape of an eagle. ¡°And to Lila the Bard, I gift the Ring of Eagle Strike. It will confer the Hidden Ability, Eagle Strike, when you wear it, which increases your attack speed by 20% when using throwing knives. It will also confer additional nimbleness with playing stringed instruments, such as lutes, guitars, harps, or dulcimers.¡± Her eyes widened as the ring floated toward her, and she instantly slipped it onto her right middle finger, a slight orange aura surrounding her person. ¡°This will serve me well. My thanks, King Alaric.¡± Last of all, the King raised his hands, and a beautiful long blue coat materialized, with golden trim that glowed subtly. The emblem of Highcliff, an eagle in flight, was embroidered on the back. ¡°And for you, Justin the Socialite, I gift the Cloak of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance. It¡¯s of a kind that might have been worn by the nobles of my court. But unlike many enchanted coats Socialites wear, this one provides a bonus not for Charisma. It gives you +1 to Coordination and Endurance, perfect for a gentleman on the go. The coat also contains an Enchantment of Featherweight, which reduces its weight when you wear it, helping with mobility and reducing fatigue during long journeys.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened as the beautiful cloak floated toward him, and when he reached for it, the luxurious fabric felt soft under his hand. He immediately put it on. Do you wish to bind the Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance to your Core? Just gave a mental affirmation, and just like, he felt its effects. He felt hardier and nimbler, and such was its lightness that he almost felt like he wasn¡¯t wearing it at all. ¡°This is incredible. Thank you, Your Majesty!¡± Lila turned to him, giving a thumbs up. There was a moment of silence, as they knew what came next. The dispersing of the Platinum-Level Artifact. King Alaric smiled warmly. ¡°These gifts are but a small token of my gratitude. But the true prize is the very amulet I¡¯m wearing around my neck. It is called The Amulet of Equilibrium. In life, it was my most treasured possession, but the tale of its acquisition is sad.¡± King Alaric seemed to collect his thoughts. Justin knew they were in from quite the speech. ¡°As a young man, my father took me, along with some of his strongest knights, to the Seraphim Range after hearing rumors of the return of a high-level Vault known as the Vault of Aeternum. Many parties had failed to clear it, and many brave and talented people perished trying to claim its treasures. At last, our party ventured inside, facing a creature of unimaginable power, the Elder Shadow Wyrm, a being of pure darkness and malice, whose progeny were causing much grief in northern Serenthel. The battle was fierce, and many of our company fell, including my father. However, through great skill, and even greater luck, we brought the beast down at last. ¡°Although the Vault did not deem me worthy of the Amulet of Equilibrium¡ªI was still young, after all¡ªit was given to me by Sir Garrick Stormblade, one of my father¡¯s most loyal knights, a Spellsword of great renown. He was loyal to my father above all others. As he handed me the Amulet, resisting its call to power, Sir Garrick said, Use this well, young prince. Let it bring pride to your father¡¯s memory and wisdom to your rule. As Sir Garrick said, my father was a wise man, and it was indeed at that moment that I resolved to honor him by seeking wisdom myself. I used the Amulet of Equilibrium toward this end, and I used to boost my Perception greatly, granting me insight beyond my years, bringing me fame, wealth, and power. ¡°However, such power attracted many enemies. The Amulet¡¯s unique abilities made it a highly coveted prize. Only by my death could it become Unbound from Core, allowing it to be wielded by another. With the enhanced Perception the Amulet granted me, I led my small kingdom to victory, subduing many threats. My plan was to pass the Amulet on to my son, but tragically, he passed away before me. ¡°Therefore, I ordered the Amulet to be buried with me, locked within my crypt, for I could not trust any other to wield its power. I ordered the magically enchanted key to be thrown into the sea. However, there must have been some treachery after my passing, and somehow, by and by over the centuries, the key fell into the hands of the Cultists of Morvath, who used it to unlock my tomb. Here they remained for months, using their fell magic to unbind my sarcophagus of the mighty Life Magic that protected it. All of this explains why, despite this Vault being only Level 15, such a priceless treasure is available and why the Cultists were so desperate to get it.¡± While all this was interesting, it didn¡¯t tell Justin what the Amulet actually did, as well as who would get it. But he knew that moment was coming soon. The spirit of King Alaric looked at each party member thoughtfully. ¡°The Amulet, of course, is the Platinum-Level artifact I will give one of you. In life, there was no one I trusted with it, but one of you has showed the courage and wisdom necessary to wield its mighty power. Indeed, I have watched your deeds and weighed your contributions ever since you first entered this Vault.¡± The party exchanged glances, each wondering who Alaric would choose. ¡°Each of you has shown remarkable courage and skill,¡± Alaric began, his voice warm and resonant. ¡°Your combined efforts have freed my spirit and cleansed this sacred place. Let us reflect on your individual deeds.¡± He turned first to Alistair. ¡°Alistair of Drakendale, your steadfast bravery and unyielding faith have been a pillar of strength for your comrades. Your leadership and holy hammer protected your allies and struck down the darkness that sought to consume us all. You have been a staunch Defender of Life, and your wisdom has been invaluable to this Party¡¯s success.¡± Alistair bowed his head, accepting the praise with humility. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty. It is my duty and honor to serve and cleanse this place of darkness.¡± Next, Alaric looked at Eldrin. ¡°Eldrin Thornwood, your keen eyes and sharp aim have been crucial in this battle. You navigated the challenges of this Vault with insight and precision, recalling the details of my life in the murals you observed with accuracy. You were wrong only once, while the Cultists got it wrong several times, arguing and bickering on the proper order. Not only that, but your arrows found their mark when it mattered most, and your strategic mind has aided your companions. Your generosity in giving your companions your potions, precious indeed, is noted.¡± Eldrin nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°I did what I could, Your Majesty. I¡¯m glad to have played a part.¡± Turning to Lila, Alaric¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Lila Fairwind, your agility and resourcefulness were clear at every turn. Your deft movements and quick thinking kept the group safe, and your precision with your knives proved essential. You faced danger without hesitation, and your courage was a beacon of hope. You were also the first to offer to answer the riddle, at the risk of your own life.¡± Lila met his gaze, her eyes bright with emotion. ¡°Thank you, King Alaric. I¡¯m just glad I could help.¡± Finally, Alaric¡¯s gaze settled on Justin. His expression grew contemplative, as if weighing something deeply. ¡°Justin Talemaker, you have displayed an extraordinary talent for inspiration. Your¡­unique abilities¡­are unlike anything we have seen in this world. And perhaps that it is because you learned them from another.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened at this, wondering how Alaric could know that. But maybe, as a spirit, he had access to knowledge mortals didn¡¯t. Alaric continued. ¡°You turned the tide in the Party¡¯s favor, especially when you faced the wraiths. There was a moment, however small, where all thirty-six wraiths had attacked your very Core, from which they hoped to drain your Spark of Life. Such an attack would have ended even the strongest member of your Party within seconds.¡± ¡°By the Six,¡± Alistair said, face pale.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°You didn¡¯t know if it would work, but you did so anyway, perhaps not knowing that if it failed, you would have suffered a fate worse than death, joining the Demon Zalthor of the Netherrealm from which the wraiths issued. Not only that, but you also had the Perception to discover the answer to the riddle, which stumped the rest. You gambled everything for the chance to save your friend, Lila. That took guts, even if you were confident in your answer. In short, your Charisma and quick thinking have not only bolstered your allies but also confused and scattered the enemy. Your actions, though unconventional, were pivotal to the group''s victory.¡± At all this, Justin felt a flush of pride and gratitude. ¡°I just did what I thought was right. It was a team effort.¡± King Alaric nodded, his blue eyes filled with a deep understanding. ¡°Indeed, it was a team effort. Yet, in every challenge, there is one who stands out, whose actions are critical at a key moment. You all have shown great valor and wisdom, but the Amulet of Equilibrium requires a bearer who understands the value of balance, both in power and in life.¡± He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°Justin Talemaker, I bestow the Amulet of Equilibrium upon you. It holds a rare Enchantment, called Unbound Ascension. When you wear the Amulet, the hard cap of raising a single Attribute to more than twice the average of all other Attributes is waived.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened at that. He hadn¡¯t known that was a restriction, which meant that upon reaching Level 10, assuming he went all in on Charisma, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to place a point in it. He supposed the enchantment was useful, but he couldn¡¯t imagine any character, must less him, reaching that point. ¡°That¡¯s not all,¡± King Alaric said. ¡°For it contains a unique enchantment for which the Amulet is famed, the likes of which cannot be found in all the Realms of Eyrth.¡± Alaric paused, probably for dramatic effect. ¡°This enchantment is called Grace of the Six. Grace of the Six takes your highest base Attribute and divides it by six. The resulting number, rounded down, is then applied to all your other Attributes.¡± ¡°Whoa,¡± Justin said, unable to help himself. Even the others gasped at that. It seemed busted. But maybe that was the power of a Platinum-Level Artifact. And because of the dynamic nature of the enchantment, it would remain useful at all levels. Right off the bat, it would grant Justin a +2 to all other Attributes that were solely lacking, 10 Levels worth. And once he got to a higher level, say 24, it would grant a +4 in all other Attributes. And since only one Attribute point was granted per level, with rare opportunities to get a free one here and there, that was powerful. Extremely powerful. Even Gribble the Snow Goblin had pointed out that the free Attribute point he¡¯d received from the Cane of Valoria was extremely rare. ¡°The Amulet of Equilibrium is yours, Justin Talemaker. You have shown that strength does not solely lie in physical might or magical prowess, but also in the courage to inspire and protect others, even at significant risk to oneself. Use this amulet to continue guiding and uplifting those around you. But be warned: If you raise one of your highest base Attribute to more than twice than the average of all others, the Amulet cannot be removed except by death.¡± Justin considered this warning soberly. This wouldn¡¯t be an issue for a long time. The more important consideration was if it would make him a target. The Enchanter class, it seemed, could see what enchantments certain items had. Some blessings could become curses and liabilities. But all the same, the risk seemed to be worth it, at least for now. He had until Level 10 to decide if he wanted to change his mind by taking it off. That was when he¡¯d get to raise his Charisma Attribute to 21. The Amulet floated gently toward Justin, the six colored jewels glittering in the light of the glowing sarcophagus. His eyes widened as it settled around his neck with a soft, violet glow. Do you wish to bind the Amulet of Equilibrium to your Core? To his surprise, Justin hesitated. Once the Amulet was bound, it would be his, and he knew others might want to kill him for it once they recognized its power, as they had wanted to kill King Alaric. He could at least keep it hidden under his shirt, offering some measure of protection. But as he considered it, the pros far outweighed the cons. He had risked himself greatly to clear this Vault, and he deserved a just reward. Justin immediately gave his mental assent. He frowned. Nothing had changed. Core-binding failed. The Amulet of Equilibrium can only be bound to Characters with a Life Affinity. Death Affinity Detected. Justin¡¯s heart sank. Death Affinity? What in the blazes was that? Then he realized. ¡°This Mark. This damn Mark!¡± What he had half-jokingly called a blessing was now a glaring obstacle. Frustration surged within him, and he clenched his fists. A Platinum Artifact was right here, around his neck, but he couldn¡¯t even use it. The frustration was beyond visceral. It was almost maddening. King Alaric noticed the change in Justin¡¯s expression and the hovering amulet. His eyes, full of understanding and sympathy, softened. ¡°This situation is¡­unprecedented. I had considered giving the Amulet to another. However, I chose you, Justin Talemaker, knowing the Mark was not something you sought. It is a foul doing of Death Magic, so powerful that the gods¡ªfor whatever reason¡ªare treating you as if you are a Practitioner of Death Magic yourself.¡± Justin¡¯s voice was tight with frustration. ¡°Nothing could be further from the truth. So, am I really unable to use the Amulet¡¯s benefits?¡± Alaric nodded solemnly. ¡°The Amulet of Equilibrium is a Relic of Life, and as such, it cannot be bound by those aligned with Death. The Mark of Death has shifted your alignment. However, this is not an insurmountable obstacle. Removing the Mark will restore your alignment to Life and allow you to use the Amulet.¡± Lila placed a comforting hand on Justin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll remove the Mark, Justin. That¡¯s the whole reason for this quest, right?¡± Justin forced a smile, but inside, the frustration churned. At the beginning, he¡¯d never dreamed he¡¯d be the one to get the reward. Alistair, as a Paladin, was far more deserving. But the Amulet could have been Justin¡¯s way of enhancing his meager abilities to contribute to the party more effectively. Now, it was a reminder of the dark mark he carried and the influence of the Baron. Eldrin looked at him with sympathy, while Alistair¡¯s face was grim. King Alaric¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. ¡°Take heart, Justin. It seems your friends are committed to removing the Mark, something not easily done. This challenge is an opportunity to prove your strength and determination, to become even more worthy of the Amulet.¡± ¡°Do I have to give it back?¡± Justin asked. King Alaric shook his head. ¡°No. It was given to you, and that cannot be undone. You may keep it for yourself until you can remove the Mark, or you can give it to another.¡± Justin¡¯s face fell. ¡°That¡¯s probably what I¡¯ll end up doing. I¡¯m just a Level Four Socialite, and I can¡¯t even use it. If this is a Relic of Life¡­¡± He turned to Alistair. It wasn¡¯t easy, but he lifted the Amulet of Equilibrium from his neck. ¡°Alistair¡­would you take it?¡± Alistair¡¯s blue eyes regarded the mighty prize, and Justin could see his desire for it. He reached for it but did not take it. He simply closed Justin¡¯s hands over it. ¡°It¡¯s yours, Justin. And I swear that you will get to wear it one day and wield its power. It¡¯s one more reason to keep going for Mont Elea. The gods would not have given you this amulet if they didn¡¯t want you to have it, but they would test you first, so that you can prove you are truly worthy.¡± Justin nodded, putting the Amulet back over his neck. He would wear it, but it would not confer its bonuses¡ªnot for a while yet. ¡°I¡¯ll do everything I can to be worthy of it, then.¡± Alistair gave a respectful nod. King Alaric smiled warmly. ¡°Your ties of friendship are commendable. It is in these bonds of strength that we can rise above ourselves and achieve greatness.¡± He nodded, satisfied. ¡°And though it might seem a small prize in comparison, as promised, each of you shall receive 2.5 gold crowns, a substantial sum, to aid you in your future endeavors.¡± 2.5 Crowns have been added to your inventory! You now have 3 Golden Crowns, 11 Silver Marks, and 24 Copper Pieces! Justin let out a breath, unable to help his smile. ¡°That¡¯s¡­a lot of pints.¡± ¡°Thank you, King Alaric,¡± Alistair said, bowing deeply. ¡°Your generosity is unmatched.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± the others echoed, their voices filled with sincerity. King Alaric¡¯s form shimmered, his time in the mortal realm drawing to a close. ¡°You have my eternal gratitude. With your aid, I may now rest in peace. Should you ever find yourselves in Highcliff, know that my spirit watches over you.¡± ¡°Good King!¡± Alistair said. ¡°If I may ask one question before you fade to the Otherworld. Is there a way to use the Catacombs to leave Highcliff to the north?¡± Alaric nodded, his form growing faint. ¡°Indeed, there is a passage that leads to the northern outskirts of the city. Follow the path through the Hall of Heroes, two levels up; you will find a hidden passage behind the statue of the First King. Fare thee well, brave adventurers.¡± With a final, grateful smile, King Alaric¡¯s spirit dissipated, leaving the chamber in serene silence.
The Vault honors your triumph. Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds. The Trial of the Vault is complete! Experience Gained: 750 Your experience stands at 1589/420 (Level-up available!)
And just like that, it was over. Justin looked around the tomb, finding that all traces of the fight, including Malachor¡¯s body, were gone. Everyone crowded around him to check out his prize. The prize that would not give him its benefits. ¡°Tough luck, Justin,¡± Lila said. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful thing.¡± ¡°Congratulations, lad,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure you get to Mont Elea and get that Mark removed.¡± Justin nodded numbly. Mont Elea was a long way yet. Alistair¡¯s blue eyes regarded the Amulet. ¡°I am certain now the gods¡¯ hands are in this. They watch over you, Justin, and that is the greatest gift of all. We¡¯ll do everything we can to ensure you are free of the Mark.¡± ¡°The gods watch us all, do they not?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Yes, of course,¡± the Paladin responded. ¡°And yet, it is clear there is something about you, lad. Eldrin said you had a story, and an interesting one, but that will have to wait for another day. We must leave Highcliff at once.¡± The others nodded. ¡°Lead the way, Alistair,¡± Justin said. The Paladin did so. As they retraced their steps through the crypt, Justin opened his character sheet.
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 4 Experience to Level 5: 1589/420 (Level-up available!)
Power: 11 (10 +1) Coordination: 11 (10 +1) Endurance: 11 (10 +1) Intellect: 10 Perception: 11 (10 +1) Charisma: 16 (15 +1)
Skills: (Level 0) Epic Barb: Obsolete. (Level 1) Poison Barb: You know precisely what to say to cause emotional damage to someone, stunning them temporarily. If your barb renders them speechless for at least three seconds, the cooldown immediately refreshes. (Level 2) Dazzling Display: Once a day, strike a pose or make a gesture that immediately captures the attention of those nearby, momentarily distracting or captivating them. The strength of this skill scales with your Charisma Level. (Level 3) Dandy¡¯s Swagger: Perform a captivating strut that immediately fills you with confidence and swagger! This skill boosts allies¡¯ Charisma by +2 and makes neutrals treat you as if you have +2 Charisma for one minute. Hostiles take a -2 Charisma penalty for one minute. This strut can halt conversations and cause enemies to hesitate, with this effect becoming more likely at higher Charisma levels. Cooldown: 30 minutes. (Hidden) Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff: Instinctually block the first hostile attack directed at you once per day by any character or creature up to Level 12.
Equipment: Weapon: Cane of Valoria: +1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill ¡°Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff.¡± Clothing: Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: + 1 to Endurance and Coordination. Accessory 1: The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications. Accessory 2: The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Nullified: Death Affinity Detected!
Active Effects Divine Aura: 5% boost to Power (minimum of 1 Power) The Mark of Death: Upon death, become enthralled by character Baron Valdrik. Immunity to being enthralled or soul-captured by any character, creature, and monster of a lower level than the one who placed the Mark. Valor of the Fallen: +1 to Charisma and Perception.
Justin closed his sheet. Despite the others¡¯ words of inspiration and hope, he only felt sick. Part of the appeal of video games was seeing the numbers go up. The more they went up, the better. The Amulet of Equilibrium would have been a way for his numbers to go way up. Maybe this world wasn''t exactly a game. The truth was, Justin didn''t know what it was. It was his life, now, for better or worse. This was more than a setback¡ªit was a huge punch to the gut. In a way, he almost wished it had been Alistair to get it. Then he wouldn¡¯t be feeling this pain. Lila sidled over, wrapping an arm around him. She didn¡¯t say a word, but Justin appreciated the comfort. He looked at her, forcing a smile. ¡°I should be grateful. I¡¯m richer than I¡¯ve ever been, got a spiffy coat, and have friends to watch my back.¡± She smiled. ¡°Always good to look on the sunny side, right? It¡¯ll make it all the sweeter once you have that Amulet working.¡± The party continued out of the dead king¡¯s crypt, reaching the main part of the Highcliff Catacombs. One day, he determined he¡¯d get to bind the Amulet to his Core. It was another reason to keep going. To keep fighting. He followed Alistair and the rest up the spiral stairs. 33. The Hall of Heroes The party left King Alaric¡¯s crypt, returning to the main part of the Highcliff Catacombs. The air was cool, and the only sounds were the soft echoes of their footsteps on the stone floor. Despite the disappointment of the Amulet, which Justin had already hidden under his linen shirt, it felt good to be finally moving on. Hopefully, they could escape without Lieutenant Gareth or his followers being any the wiser. All were quiet as they followed Alistair up the wide spiral staircase just outside Alaric¡¯s crypt. Strangely, the corpses and the Cultist¡¯s body were gone. Was their desecration of the tomb merely a conjuring of the Vault itself? Justin couldn¡¯t say. Certainly, the Amulet in his hand felt genuine enough. It didn¡¯t take long to ascend two levels, and upon turning, they entered a vast hall of white marble that seemed to stretch on endlessly. Alistair¡¯s light spell pushed back the darkness effectively, revealing the Hall of Heroes mentioned by Alaric¡¯s spirit. The walls were lined with ancient sarcophagi, many bearing the coat-of-arms of the soldier in question: A lion rampant, a stag and oak, a silver phoenix, among many more. The air was laden with the scent of old stone and earth, mingled with the faint, musty odor of age. Dust lay thick on the floor and surfaces, while broken pots and urns evidenced grave robbers. Highcliff, a city in decline, could no longer protect its venerated dead, and Justin had the distinct feeling that most of the treasures had been stolen, Alaric¡¯s amulet notwithstanding. In older and better times, the Catacombs would have been more well-lit and actively maintained by Clerics or priests. But as the city¡¯s fortunes waned, so had the care for its ancient monuments. Like the great civilizations of Earth, these people had built their legacies, never imagining a time when there would be no one left to maintain them. Plaques and murals adorned the walls, depicting scenes of epic battles, heroic deeds, and the faces of those who had fought valiantly for the kingdom in centuries past. Alistair¡¯s light spell cast long shadows, and each step they took seemed to echo with the voices of the past. As Justin passed the silent statues, though he never knew these soldiers, he felt a renewed determination to prove himself worthy of the Amulet. He¡¯d never imagined himself to be a hero, but somehow, that was the way his story was shaping up. Courage, sacrifice, honor¡ªall had been foreign concepts to him. But now, with some help and by sheer necessity, perhaps they were qualities he might one day embody, even if he was only a Socialite. Eldrin seemed to note the detailed craftsmanship of the carvings. ¡°Every hero has a story, though few of these are remembered today. And right now, each of us is writing our own story, one step at a time.¡± To Justin¡¯s surprise, Alistair didn¡¯t shush him. Maybe with the disappearance of the Vault, it was safer to speak. ¡°Do you think the spirits of these heroes are still watching over Highcliff?¡± Justin asked, curiosity piqued. He would have thought the idea laughable in his own world, and yet not even an hour ago, he¡¯d spoken to a ghost. Alistair nodded thoughtfully. ¡°In a way, yes. The deeds and sacrifices of the past shape the present. Their spirits inspire us, reminding us of the values they fought for. We honor them by striving to uphold those ideals.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel that the heroes were watching over him, urging him onward. It was easy to believe certain things were impossible, but this very hall was a reminder that heroism could be found even in ordinary places. Perhaps even in a Socialite. Maybe Justin couldn¡¯t use a sword, wear heavy armor, or fight in a battle the way Alistair could, but he had his own personal fights. Like getting rid of the Death Mark. The question became, though, what came after that? He couldn¡¯t say. He supposed his next big goal should be to find a way home, but he didn¡¯t know what was involved in that. Did he need to find another tornado? He remembered the blue portal that had brought him here. If one had brought him here, it stood to reason one could bring him back. Maybe it was as simple as finding that meadow west of Mistwatch on the next fall equinox. He missed home. He missed his mother. He¡¯d never gotten to figure out what had happened to her, and he felt a pang of guilt that these days, he hardly spared his old life a thought. Every day, the past was slipping further and further away¡­ ¡°Still thinking about the Amulet?¡± Lila asked. Justin forced a smile. ¡°Yeah, I guess.¡± Lila smiled encouragingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll remove that Mark. You deserve to use that Amulet, and we¡¯ll make sure it happens. We¡¯re in this together.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Thanks.¡± The party continued through the Hall of Heroes in silence, the passage eventually ending at one last hero at the end of the hall. This statue stood twice as tall, its imposing figure dominating the space. The placard declared it was a representation of King Eldred the First, the First King of Highcliff. The party paused for a moment to examine the statue. Alistair looked at it admiringly. ¡°He rebelled against the Shadow Empire nearly six hundred years ago. He¡¯s not called the First simply because he¡¯s the First King of Highcliff. He¡¯s called the First since he was the first to stand up and declare Highcliff¡¯s independence, inspiring others to do so as well. His reign did not last long. But if not for him, perhaps the Shadow Empire would never have fallen. It¡¯s a lesson for us all.¡± ¡°What lesson?¡± Lila asked. ¡°If you stand up, you¡¯re the first to die?¡± ¡°Nay,¡± Alistair said. ¡°Sometimes, all it takes is one good man, one brave deed, to change the course of history. The gods smile upon that. And now, the People of Highcliff will remember him as long as the city exists, and perhaps even beyond.¡± Justin watched with a feeling akin to awe. The statue depicted Eldred in full armor, a great sword in one hand and a shield emblazoned with the Highcliff eagle in the other, his expression stern and resolute. ¡°End of the line?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Let me have a look,¡± Eldrin said. The Ranger walked around the statue, finding a narrow crevice behind it. A rectangular recess could be seen in the darkness there, on which he pushed. Sure enough, the recess spun, a cloud of dust falling from above. ¡°Like clockwork,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Let¡¯s move on,¡± Alistair said. They squeezed behind the statue and went through the recess, finding a narrow passage beyond, of simple stonework and no further adornment. The air was cooler here, carrying a faint draft from somewhere ahead. They followed the narrowing corridor until they reached a set of stone steps leading upward into the unknown. Justin felt himself becoming nervous. This was the moment they¡¯d been waiting for¡ªemerging from underground. Would it be to safety or danger? Now that the Vault was gone, the catacombs were relatively safe. It was easy to imagine them hiding in here for a long time, if not for Baron Valdrik being able to sense Justin¡¯s Mark. Only time would tell what awaited them on the surface. Justin watched Eldrin closely, knowing that his Ranger¡¯s Intuition would be key here. Alistair led the way, his light spell casting a soft glow on the steps as they climbed cautiously. The air became noticeably cooler as they ascended, a sign that they were getting closer. Each step seemed to echo in the confined space. After what felt like an eternity of climbing, they reached a simple stone door, cleverly disguised to blend in with the surrounding stone. The door was made of the same material as the walls, with intricate carvings mimicking the natural rock formations around it. Alistair pushed the door open, revealing a narrow exit that led outside. Sunlight flooded in, momentarily blinding Justin.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The party emerged onto a hillside, Justin¡¯s eyes taking a moment to adjust to the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the forested landscape. The cool breeze was a welcome change from the stale air of the catacombs; the temperature had dropped significantly since their time underground. Justin was thankful for his new coat. The leaves of the forest were changing, many already yellow and red, some even borne by the wind. From their vantage on the hill, Justin could see the northern countryside, a mix of rolling hills and woodlands, with the foothills of the Umber Range to the northeast. Nearby, the ruins of a disused watchtower stood sentinel, a relic of a bygone era. The view was breathtaking, yet the sight of the ruins brought a sobering reminder of the impermanence of all things. Alistair slammed the door shut behind them, and Justin marveled at how well it blended in. There was no chance that the Baron¡¯s men could find this, even if they were trying. ¡°We must keep moving,¡± Eldrin said, his voice low and urgent. ¡°Shadowflight should be returning soon with information.¡± They headed downhill and into the thick of the trees. Looking behind, there was no sign of Highcliff; the hills blocked Justin¡¯s view. All was quiet as they blazed a trail through the forest, the ground giving way underfoot to Eldrin¡¯s guidance. It seemed that they had made it, but Justin wouldn¡¯t rest easy until they were a few days out from Highcliff with no sign of pursuit. As they traveled northwest, Eldrin¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the area, sticking to the bases of the hills. They¡¯d walked about a half-mile when the Ranger held up a hand and crouched, signaling the others to do likewise. Justin kneeled, feeling a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature. He wanted to ask what was wrong, but he simply watched Eldrin¡¯s gaze, which was focused on the sky. Moments later, Shadowflight appeared, circling above before swooping down to land on Eldrin¡¯s arm. The bird¡¯s urgent movements conveyed an obvious message: trouble was coming. ¡°The Baron¡¯s men are close,¡± Eldrin said, his voice tense. ¡°They expected us to come out this way. They must¡¯ve figured out where the secret passage came out.¡± Alistair frowned. ¡°How long do we have?¡± ¡°Minutes, maybe,¡± Eldrin replied quietly. ¡°We need to decide our next move, and fast. We can¡¯t hope to outrun them.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Justin asked. ¡°They don¡¯t know we¡¯re here yet, do they?¡± ¡°They know nothing, but they¡¯ve guessed correctly. If we go forward, we¡¯ll run into them. Go west, and we¡¯ll reach the River Marin, which is too wide for us to cross before they catch us. The hills are too steep to climb effectively.¡± The party exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation settling in. The thought of being captured, especially with the Amulet of Equilibrium in their possession, was unthinkable. They needed a plan, and they needed it quickly. The party quickly gathered in a tight circle, their faces grim. ¡°We need to find some high ground,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°Eldrin can ambush them with his new bow. I can come at them with my knives. Alistair, you can draw their attention.¡± The Paladin was already shaking his head. ¡°It won¡¯t be enough, Lila. Now, you must remember your vows to follow my every order. I want no arguments.¡± The others were silent, waiting for Alistair to speak. Justin¡¯s heart raced. ¡°The best chance for us to escape is to split up. Eldrin, you lead Justin and Lila west toward the Umber Range. You¡¯ll be able to cross the river and lose yourselves in the woods if I can give you enough time.¡± Eldrin nodded, his face set with determination. ¡°The terrain is rough, but it¡¯s our best shot.¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°Alistair, you can¡¯t mean this. What are you supposed to do?¡± As Alistair met his gaze, a calm resolve in his eyes, Justin already knew the answer. ¡°I can handle them, Justin. My only job is to buy you time. Eldrin knows these lands and the way to Mont Elea. The most important thing is to keep you safe and out of the Baron¡¯s hands.¡± Justin frowned, frustration bubbling up. ¡°Why am I so important? What¡¯s going on that you¡¯re not telling me?¡± Alistair hesitated, then shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no time, Justin. Just know that the Baron wants you for a reason, and we can¡¯t let him get his hands on you. Now go, before it¡¯s too late.¡± Lila opened her mouth to argue further, but Eldrin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°Alistair knows what he¡¯s doing. We need to trust him.¡± Justin took off the Amulet, thrusting it at Alistair. ¡°Take it, Alistair. You¡¯ll need it more than me.¡± ¡°Run, you fools,¡± Alistair said, his voice a low growl. ¡°Or all this will have been for naught.¡± At that moment, Justin saw something movement in the trees, downslope from where they were. As much as he hated it, the Paladin was right. He would buy them time. Hopefully, enough to escape. Justin couldn¡¯t imagine him dying. He didn¡¯t know what he¡¯d do without him. ¡°Stay safe,¡± Alistair urged, looking each of them in the eye. ¡°Stick together and keep moving.¡± Alistair¡¯s sharp blue eyes settled on Justin last of all. ¡°You¡¯ve come so far already¡ªdon¡¯t let this setback define you. Keep going, for all of us.¡± With that, he stood and walked downhill, hammer in hand, doing nothing to hide his presence. Eldrin waited a moment, keeping his palm outward to signal them not to move. Justin wondered why they weren¡¯t moving yet until he realized Eldrin wanted to make sure Alistair had all the enemy¡¯s attention first. ¡°Now,¡± Eldrin said. Eldrin, Lila, and Justin turned and started heading west, crouching low and moving swiftly. Before they lost sight of him completely, Justin turned, glimpsing Alistair on one knee, saying a quick prayer, even as Gareth and his men were advancing toward the high ground he¡¯d picked out. The Paladin¡¯s faith would have to be his anchor, giving him strength and resolve. Justin realized Alistair wasn¡¯t afraid to die; he was determined to hold the line and buy as much time as possible for the others, as a true Paladin should. The Paladin¡¯s words echoed in his head. All it takes is one good man, one good deed, to change the course of history. It wasn¡¯t long before the sounds of battle echoed off the hills. The clashing of steel and the shouts of men filled the air. Justin¡¯s stomach twisted with worry, the reality of their situation weighing heavily on him. The Umber Range was now in sight, the forest ahead promising cover and safety¡­as long as they got enough of a head start. As they ran through the trees, the gravity of the situation hit him in full force. Despite Alistair¡¯s words, Justin knew this would probably be his last stand.
Alistair stood firm as Lieutenant Gareth approached up the hill. The Paladin had chosen a sunny spot, knowing it would weaken the undead Shadowblade. And yet, possessing a level above twenty meant Gareth likely had some resistance to sunlight. It certainly didn¡¯t seem to slow him down as he approached in his dark armor, his eyes cold and calculating. Flanked on either side were more soldiers, an assortment of warriors and mages, about twenty in all. Half bore the stench of fully realized Death Marks, while the others were still mortal, loyal to Morvath by choice. The air seemed to grow colder as they neared, the oppressive presence of Gareth and his retinue casting a pall over the hillside. Alistair felt the weight of their malice, like a dark cloud settling over him. He glanced around, taking in the scene¡ªsunlight dappling through the sparse trees, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the distant cry of a bird. It was a beautiful fall day. Alistair¡¯s heart ached, knowing this might be the last time he saw such simple beauty. The Creator was truly good. He thought briefly of Justin, Lila, and Eldrin, praying they were far enough away by now. The gods were watching over them; he had to believe that. He tightened his grip on his hammer, feeling its familiar weight. There was no way he could survive this, but he could delay Gareth and his soldiers long enough for the others to escape. He drew a deep breath, centering himself in the light of Arion, God of Power. Alistair¡¯s voice rang out clear and steady, a challenge and a warning. ¡°That¡¯s close enough, Lieutenant,¡± Alistair said. ¡°In the name of Arion, tread not another step further, lest you wish to taste my hammer.¡± Gareth¡¯s smile widened, a cold and mirthless expression. ¡°This need not come to blows, Sir Alistair. The Baron only wants the boy.¡± ¡°He won¡¯t have him. So long as I draw breath.¡± Gareth¡¯s eyes gleamed with a sinister light. ¡°Oh, you won¡¯t be for too much longer, I assure you. You are a foolish man, Alistair. Why die for the likes of him?¡± Alistair felt a surge of anger. ¡°Your master didn¡¯t tell you?¡± ¡°He did. I¡¯m the only man he trusts to bring the boy to him completely unspoiled.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not a man, Gareth. Not anymore.¡± Gareth chuckled, the sound devoid of warmth. ¡°It irks you to see me more powerful than you ever could be. Those prattling Priests of Arion have nothing over the power of Death.¡± ¡°You are a traitor, a thief, and a heretic,¡± Alistair retorted. ¡°You left the Templars because you craved power and glory, no matter the cost. You sold your soul to darkness.¡± Gareth¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Typical take for a Life-loving fool.¡± Alistair glanced at the soldiers behind Gareth, noting their unease. ¡°If you wish to prove the power of Death, why not a duel? Life against Death. We are of a similar level, Shadowblade, so the fight would be fair.¡± Gareth laughed openly, the sound echoing across the hillside. ¡°Do you take me for a fool, Alistair? I see now what you¡¯re doing. You would speak and speak until the sun falls, and the moon rises over us all. Even knowing the night would make me even more powerful. Your aim is not to defeat me, but to slow me down.¡± ¡°You were never known for your Intellect, Gareth.¡± Gareth¡¯s smile faded, replaced by a sneer. He drew his long, curved blade, a weapon that seemed to absorb the surrounding light. Alistair could feel its coldness, the chill of the grave, and smell the stench of Gareth¡¯s Death Mark, full realized, wafting toward him. The other soldiers drew their weapons. ¡°You will not be speaking much longer,¡± Gareth said, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Morvath take your soul!¡± With a roar, Gareth shot forward, fast as a shadow cast by a setting sun. Alistair raised his hammer, perhaps for the last time. If this was the end, he would make it count. He felt no fear¡ªonly a deep, abiding peace. It was up to the gods now. 34. Across the Marin Justin strained his ears, catching the last echoes of clashing steel and shouts, now distant and faint. Each fading sound sent a pang of guilt twisting in his gut. He wondered, against all hope, if Alistair could survive. If he did, would he be able to find them again? While the first answer was a maybe, the second answer was almost assuredly a ¡°no.¡± There would be no way for Alistair to catch up. If he found them later, it would have to be in some predetermined spot. As far as Justin knew, the only spot that would be possible was Mont Elea itself. No one spoke as they ran. Eldrin set a grueling pace, and both Lila and Justin fought for air as the miles passed. The forest closed in around them, the trees thickening and the underbrush growing denser. The sounds had completely faded by now, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird. It was getting darker, too. Sunset was two hours away, if Justin had to guess. After another hour of relentless running, Justin¡¯s legs felt like lead. His lungs burned, and each breath was a struggle. Just when he thought he couldn¡¯t make it any longer, they emerged from the dense forest to find themselves on the rocky banks of the River Marin. The river was wide, its waters rushing with a swift and powerful current. The surface was broken by swirling eddies, hinting at hidden dangers beneath. The river¡¯s chill seeped into the air, adding to the exhaustion that clung to Justin like a heavy cloak. Eldrin was the first to speak, and was already wading into the water. ¡°We need to cross.¡± The current tugged at him, and he looked back, his eyes concerned. ¡°It¡¯s not too deep here, but the current is strong. We¡¯ll have to swim partway.¡± Justin shook his head, fear tightening his chest. He put his hands on his knees to catch his breath. ¡°I¡­don¡¯t think I can make it. I¡¯m beyond exhausted.¡± Even Lila, thinner and in better shape than him, nodded in agreement. Eldrin frowned, regret clear in his expression. ¡°If only I had more Heartwood Elixir¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s the bridge to the south,¡± Lila said. ¡°The one we crossed to get into the city. It can¡¯t be that far.¡± ¡°About two miles,¡± Eldrin said, frowning in thought. ¡°Not far at all.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the problem, then?¡± Justin asked. ¡°If Gareth brought all his men with him, then yes, it¡¯s perfectly possible to cross it. But if he left anyone behind, it would be an obvious point to block off. Gareth started with about twenty men following him out of Silverton. And if that assassin in Highcliff was any sign, he¡¯s hired a few more since coming here. The bridge is too much of a risk.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t swim this,¡± Justin said. ¡°It¡¯s too wide. Too fast. And it¡¯s getting dark.¡± ¡°And the water¡¯s cold,¡± Lila added. Eldrin nodded. ¡°Yes, that is a danger. There¡¯s a ford ten miles upriver, but that¡¯s a long way. I¡¯d rather do this part of the river while there¡¯s still daylight. There should be time enough to cross and lose them.¡± ¡°This is taking us in the opposite direction of Mont Elea,¡± Lila said. ¡°They probably don¡¯t expect us to cross the river at all.¡± ¡°I¡¯m hoping so,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But I¡¯m not making any assumptions until I¡¯m sure we¡¯ve lost them.¡± He took a deep breath, his expression settling into firm determination. ¡°We head north to the ford. With my Pathfinder¡¯s Pace, we can stay ahead. The ford will be shallower, yes, but it will also be darker and colder. We won¡¯t have time to build a fire until we¡¯ve gone at least a few miles west. And the ford will only work if Alistair has bought us enough time.¡± Justin wondered what had happened. It¡¯d been at least two hours by now, so the fate of the battle had long been decided. For all his strength, Justin couldn¡¯t imagine Alistair surviving against twenty classed soldiers, one of them a high-level Shadowblade. All they could hope was that he¡¯d put enough of a dent in their numbers to slow them down. ¡°Let¡¯s move, then,¡± Justin said. As they marched north along the riverbank, the sun continued its descent, casting a golden glow over the Umber Range. It was a beautiful sight, the forests silent, the wind sighing through the trees. The leaves rustled, already turned into shades of red and gold. Justin couldn¡¯t believe that somewhere in this peaceful forest, someone was pursuing them. The temperature dropped, and Justin was grateful for his new coat, which kept the chill at bay. As the setting sun finally disappeared behind the mountains, it plunged the forest into an inky darkness. Justin¡¯s imagination ran wild, every rustle and crack of a twig a potential threat. His thoughts wandered to Alistair, hoping desperately that the Paladin had somehow escaped. As they went upriver, the terrain became rougher, with the river flanked on both sides by tall cliffs. The trees seemed to close in, their branches intertwining above them, creating a canopy that blocked out the stars. Justin felt a creeping fear, not just of the darkness but of the unknown dangers it concealed. His mind conjured images of dire wolves and even malevolent spirits lurking just out of sight, watching their every move. For hours, they traveled in silence. It was far too dangerous to run, so they walked quickly. Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace was a boon; even in the darkness, they moved steadily, though not as fast as if it were day. As adrenaline faded, the exhaustion of the day¡¯s events hit Justin in full force. About a couple of hours after they headed north, Justin jumped when Shadowflight flapped down from the branches above. They took their first break as Eldrin related the bird¡¯s news. ¡°They¡¯re at the river now,¡± he said, turning to the others as Shadowflight fluttered away to do more reconnaissance. ¡°A couple of hours behind us. They¡¯re debating which direction we went.¡± ¡°And Alistair?¡± Lila asked. Eldrin went silent. ¡°Look,¡± Justin said. ¡°You don¡¯t have to protect us, Eldrin. We deserve to know the truth.¡± Eldrin nodded sadly. ¡°He fell. But not before he took half of them down with him.¡± The news was like a punch in the gut, even if it was expected. ¡°He¡¯s the only reason I¡¯m here,¡± Justin said. ¡°I will miss him.¡± ¡°We must keep moving,¡± Eldrin said firmly. ¡°We can mourn him once we¡¯ve reached safety. That won¡¯t be for a while yet.¡± ¡°Will they be able to track us?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Hard to say. Shadowflight will let us know soon, I¡¯m sure. We¡¯re about two hours away from the ford. We must keep pushing.¡± They continued on, Justin¡¯s thoughts spinning. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there was something else he could have done. But no matter what, he kept on coming up short. All he could feel was guilt that the Paladin had to give his life for him. How could he ever be worthy of that sacrifice? After what felt like an eternity, Eldrin turned toward the cliff, weaving a path down to the water. The river here was narrower but still swift and deep in places. It was difficult for Justin to tell, even with the moon and starlight. He told himself just to follow Eldrin, and he¡¯d be all right. Eldrin didn¡¯t pause, going straight from rock to rock with practiced ease. Lila was graceful, easily tracing the Ranger¡¯s footsteps. Justin was far less so, splashing into the water more than a few times, and it would have been even more had it not been for his cane. About halfway across the river, they could no longer step on stones. The water, icy cold, came up to Justin¡¯s chest, numbing his limbs. It felt like needles pricking his skin, each breath catching in his throat as the chill seeped into his bones. His muscles ached and stiffened with every movement, and he could feel his body growing sluggish. Lila¡¯s head was barely out of the water, and Eldrin held her firmly so that the current wouldn¡¯t carry her away while grasping a fallen log for support. Soon, both Eldrin and Lila emerged from the deep part of the ford, entering some shallows that came up to their waists. Justin followed, the current tugging at him, threatening to sweep him away. Eldrin held out his arm, which Justin barely grasped. He was pulled from the water, using his cane for support, finding purchase on the rocky bottom. The feat would have been hard enough well-rested. But by this point, they had been traveling all night, while exploring the Catacombs of Highcliff all morning and afternoon. Not to mention the draining fight against Malachor and his demon.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. After all that, it was a wonder Justin didn¡¯t simply drop dead. Together, they waded through the last of the rushing water, stumbling and slipping, but finally reaching the other side. They collapsed on the riverbank, panting and shivering from the cold. It was hard to guess the temperature, but it was cold enough for their breaths to make clouds. ¡°We need to keep moving,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I know that¡¯s the last thing you want to hear, but it won¡¯t take long for hypothermia to set in. We need fire, shelter, and rest. Then we must press on.¡± Justin was too tired to argue. He almost wondered if death itself was preferable to the misery he now felt. It was at that moment that he remembered the Ring of Hygiene. Its description said that once a day, he could become perfectly clean and groomed to his exact specifications. Perfectly clean. Did they include becoming dry? There was nothing but to try. He set his thoughts upon the Ring. I want to become dry. Instantly, yellow light surrounded him, and not even a moment later, he was dry from head-to-toe. The other two looked at him, astonished. ¡°What did you do?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°The Ring of Hygiene,¡± Justin said. ¡°One of us needs to be kept from freezing.¡± He took off his coat, placing it around Lila. He wasn¡¯t sure what good it would do, but she needed it far more than him. ¡°Quick thinking,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Eldrin continued on, Justin and Lila close behind. The trees on the opposite bank provided some relief from the breeze, but not much. ¡°Do you know any place we might shelter?¡± Lila asked, her teeth chattering, her body hunched. ¡°I¡­can hardly even walk¡­¡± The coat seemed to not be doing her much good. She was cold and wet underneath it, which would continually sap her strength. ¡°Just a few miles more,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The further we get from the ford, the better off we¡¯ll be. If they don¡¯t know we¡¯re headed here, they will soon.¡± ¡°Lila might not make it a few miles, Eldrin. We need to think about starting a fire.¡± She didn¡¯t respond, only shivering uncontrollably. Justin knew at these temperatures, it didn¡¯t take long for someone who was soaking wet to get hypothermia. He had the advantage of having a bit of extra padding on top of his dry clothing. Lila, in contrast, was scrawny, and would lose heat much more quickly. They continued for another ten minutes before Lila came to a stop, collapsing to her knees. ¡°Eldrin, we need a fire,¡± Justin said. ¡°This is getting dangerous.¡± ¡°Stay here. Keep her as warm as you can for now.¡± Already, the Ranger was wandering off into the darkness. Justin didn¡¯t know what for. All he could do was grasp Lila, do whatever he could to warm her up. It didn¡¯t seem to do much good. He placed their packs on her back and covered them both with dead leaves. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was better than nothing. ¡°It¡¯ll be all right,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯ll be warm soon.¡± A few minutes later, Eldrin came back. ¡°Created something of a shelter. It¡¯s not much, but there¡¯s plenty of underbrush. I¡¯ve already prepared a fire.¡± ¡°Wonderful,¡± Justin said. ¡°I think we need to carry her.¡± They did so, along with Lila¡¯s pack. It wasn¡¯t easy to carry all that weight while following the Ranger through the almost pitch darkness. How the man navigated strange territory without the aid of a torch, he couldn¡¯t guess. It probably had something to do with his class. Justin was surprised when Eldrin brushed some branches aside and found a low ledge beneath which a small, smokeless flame crackled merrily. It wasn¡¯t large, but he could already feel its warmth. Various branches had been piled thickly in front of it, obscuring the fire from view. Even with the flame, there was no way to spot it unless you were within ten feet of it. ¡°Stay here,¡± Eldrin instructed. ¡°Get Lila out of her wet clothes and wrap her in anything dry you have. Keep her as warm as possible, as close to the fire as you can without burning her. Keep her awake and give her small sips of water, but no food just yet. Hypothermia can be tricky. I¡¯ll be back soon. I need to backtrack a bit to make sure our trail is covered. Rest is necessary, but mark my words, they will be in the vicinity within the next few hours, and morning at the latest. I shouldn¡¯t be more than a quarter of an hour. If I am, get some rest and don¡¯t wait for me.¡± Eldrin ducked out of the makeshift shelter and quickly disappeared into the night. Justin worked quickly to follow the instructions. Lila wasn¡¯t even shivering; her face was pale, and her lips were blue. He retrieved a fresh change of clothes from his pack. Though he hadn¡¯t specified that the pack be waterproof when he¡¯d bought it in Mistwatch, it seemed to have done a good job. All of his things were mercifully dry. He worked quickly to remove Lila¡¯s wet clothing. Her skin was ice cold, and he worked as fast as his own shaking hands allowed. Even if he was dry, the plunge in the Marin had taken a lot out of him. He also removed her socks and boots, then dressed her in his own dry clothing. He offered her a bit of water, but she was too weak to even do that. With Lila settled, he changed into dry clothes himself, since his clothes had gotten damp from holding her. He set all the wet articles near the fire to dry, laying them on flat stones. Justin stayed near her. Now that both of them were dry, she would warm up much more quickly. Lila revived slowly, her color gradually returning as the warmth seeped into her body. She shivered¡ªa good sign¡ªand her breathing steadied. She even smiled weakly at Justin, who nodded encouragingly. He wrapped her in his new coat, which had dried significantly, then sat beside her, feeding the fire with more kindling while ensuring it didn¡¯t get too big. He offered water, and this time, she took a few sips. At least an hour passed. Lila was asleep now, and Justin was nearly there too. Eldrin had still not returned, which worried him. He¡¯d said a quarter of an hour, and it had been far more than that. If they had lost Eldrin besides Alistair, Justin wasn¡¯t sure it was a blow they could ever recover from. He would be back before morning. He was sure of it. Justin carefully broke off some more deadwood for the fire. He resolved to stay awake, but the warmth of the flame and the day¡¯s events were too much. He fell asleep right where he was sitting, leaning back against the ledge.
Eldrin faced a hard decision. Well, perhaps not so difficult as inevitable. Checking their trail, it had become clear that they hadn¡¯t traveled far enough to create a significant gap between them and Gareth¡¯s soldiers. The trail they¡¯d left from the river was still too fresh, making it easy to follow. Eldrin backtracked, using his keen Ranger skills to identify and address the telltale signs of their passage. A broken branch here, boot prints in the earth there, a path cleared through beds of leaves¡­all these things told a story that was all too easy to put together, even for the inexperienced. He worked swiftly and efficiently in the darkness, years of experience enabling him to erase all traces of Justin and Lila¡¯s trail. After about an hour, he found himself by the river, faced with a choice: return to Justin and Lila and hope for the best, or absolutely ensure the two of them could escape before meeting up with them later. The choice was hard, but it was also easy. Eldrin picked a stand of rocks downriver from the ford that would provide decent cover, then sat vigil. Shadowflight returned, landing lightly on his shoulder. The bird conveyed its news. ¡°Closer than we¡¯d like,¡± Eldrin muttered, his voice low. ¡°Much too close.¡± Half of Gareth¡¯s forces had fallen to Alistair¡¯s hammer, but the Shadowblade Lieutenant remained alive and determined, relentless in his pursuit. The onset of the night would only strengthen the undead soldiers under his command. The falcon¡¯s report confirmed Eldrin¡¯s decision. Lila was too weak to continue, and they were beyond exhaustion. Even Eldrin, with his hardier Endurance and water-resistant clothing, felt his energy waning. Continuing the journey as a trio was impossible. He needed to mislead their pursuers. It was their only chance, and he was the only one who could do it. Telling Justin his true intentions might have caused a needless argument. He had to trust the two of them to do the right thing in the morning and keep going. Eldrin had already prepared a false trail, subtle enough to require a keen tracker but noticeable enough to be found, leading right to his position. It was their best chance to misdirect their enemies. The Ranger didn¡¯t have to wait long. Movement on the cliffs revealed Gareth¡¯s group. They made no effort at all to conceal their presence, speaking to their confidence. Or, Eldrin thought, their hubris. Slowly, stealthily, Eldrin raised his new Bow of Eagle Sight. His Nature¡¯s Cloak skill kept him hidden, while the poison he¡¯d applied to his arrow, Nightshade¡¯s Kiss, was the most potent he possessed. His Guerilla Expertise skill would ensure the first hit landed true, and the enhanced sight from his bow would help pinpoint his target. The best moment to strike would be when the Shadowblade was crossing the river at the deepest part. Gareth was tall enough that his shoulders and head would both be exposed, at least for a moment. As silent as a phantom, the Ranger waited. After about fifteen minutes, the soldiers began crossing the dark Marin. Gareth, as the leader, took the rear, just as Eldrin had hoped. Even with Eldrin¡¯s skills, it wouldn¡¯t be an easy shot. He was relying on his skills to ensure accuracy, but luck would play a part, too. He waited for the wind to calm, his focus sharpening. The forest seemed to hold its breath. The first soldiers were already fanning out, exploring the rocky western bank. Eldrin waited just a moment longer for the Shadowblade to step into the deepest part of the river. He waited for Gareth to fully perform the action, to ensure his arrow would intersect the Shadowblade¡¯s path perfectly. He loosed the arrow. It flew swiftly, almost invisible in the night. At first, it looked as though it might miss, but then the wind shifted slightly, guiding the arrow to strike Gareth¡¯s shoulder, the least protected area in his otherwise dark armor. It landed true, and the Shadowblade slumped. There was no sound, no scream. Panic erupted among the soldiers. Eldrin fired several more poisoned arrows, no longer bothering to hide himself. Some hit, causing confusion and chaos. With luck, it would create a couple more dead bodies. A fireball lit up the night, aimed in his general direction. Eldrin ducked behind the rocks, the heat from the explosion warming his back. Now it was time to lead them on a merry chase south. He melted into shadowy trees, leaving a few breadcrumbs for his enemies to follow. Alone, he could move much faster. He was in no danger of getting captured. Eldrin had no illusions. The poison wouldn¡¯t kill Gareth; it would only slow him down while the mages dealt with the wound. Gareth¡¯s rage would drive him south along the west bank of the Marin. He would never suspect Justin and Lila were hidden not a mile to the north. By the time Gareth figured out the deception, Justin and Lila would be far away, possibly heading west for the Umber Range or along the bank to Darkstream Crossing thirty miles upriver. Whatever path they chose, he planned to lose his pursuers and reunite with Justin and Lila later on. The only thing he feared was that they might choose to go north into the Darkwood, aiming directly for Windfall. That forest teemed with monsters too high-level for two low-level Charisma classes to handle alone, and there was an old protective magic in those woods, courtesy of the Ilvari Elves who used to live there. It was quite easy to lose one¡¯s way. There were a few reasons they might choose that path. The first might be out of sheer ignorance, or their fear of staying too close to the river. They might also decide that the Umbers would take them too far from their original goal. Whatever happened, Eldrin would do his best to find them. After all, the life of a Ranger and a Paladin was a small price to prevent a greater calamity. 35. A Change of Plans When Justin woke up, it was full daylight. His muscles ached fiercely from the previous day¡¯s exertion. The surrounding forest was still, the air crisp and silent. The usual sounds of the forest¡ªrustling leaves, distant animal calls¡ªwere absent, creating an eerie, heavy silence. The fire had long since extinguished, leaving only cold ashes. Justin almost jumped when the System voice entered his mind. In all the chaos, he¡¯d forgotten he was due for a level up. You have reached Level Five. With each encounter, you¡¯re learning to navigate the complexities of Eyrth with grace and cunning. No longer content to be a mere spectator, you aim to become a key player, a beacon of influence. Justin found the System¡¯s message ironic. As a Socialite, he should have been leveling up with his charm and social skills, not out adventuring. Here in the cold forests of Northern Aranthia, the courts of Belmora seemed a world away. As a Level 5 Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute. Given the increasingly frail hope that one day he¡¯d be able to use the Amulet of Equilibrium, he allocated it to Charisma. Your Charisma Attribute is now: 16. As a Level 5 Socialite, you have unlocked your Party Skill: Refined Presence. Refined Presence: Your Charisma and poise are not just a personal asset; they radiate, elevating those around you. With this skill, you and all members of your Party gain a +1 Charisma bonus. Justin nodded with satisfaction. This level up meant he gained not one, but two points in Charisma. And not only that, but all his Party Members would also benefit. You have also unlocked Improved Cane Competency, increasing your damage with canes by 5%. Reach Level 10 to unlock Advanced Cane Competency! Immediately, Justin felt the knowledge enter him, a flood of techniques and strategies for using a cane efficiently. It provided him with a new understanding of his weapon¡¯s potential. Onward, Brave Adventurer, to glory and victory! With that final message, the System departed. Justin took a quick glance at his character sheet:
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 5 Experience to Level 6: 1169/550 (Level-up available!)
Power: 11 (10 +1) Coordination: 11 (10 +1) Endurance: 11 (10 +1) Intellect: 10 Perception: 11 (10 +1) Charisma: 18 (16 +2)
¡°Not bad,¡± Justin muttered, closing the screen. The new skill, he quickly realized, wasn¡¯t something he had to consciously activate. Instead, it was a state of being he could summon at will. As he moved, his steps became more fluid, each motion carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible elegance. His Refined Presence seemed to ripple outward, casting an aura of quiet confidence around him. Justin looked around the campsite. Lila was still sleeping, utterly exhausted from yesterday¡¯s ordeal, while there was no sign of Eldrin at all. The emptiness left by the Ranger¡¯s absence made Justin feel uneasy, a gnawing worry creeping into his thoughts. He¡¯d promised to be back in a quarter of an hour, and it had been at least eight hours, judging by the sun¡¯s position. Justin didn¡¯t want to think about what could have possibly happened. It certainly had something to do with Lieutenant Gareth, but that he and Lila were still alive suggested that Eldrin had been successful in covering their tracks. He wasn¡¯t sure what to do, but with Eldrin gone, he realized they were on their own, at least for now. The Ranger had said not to wait for him, but the prospect of striking out in the wilds alone, with no guidance whatsoever and a high-level Shadowblade hunting them down, was nothing short of terrifying. He felt torn between waking Lila and letting her rest longer. In the end, he shook her awake. She stirred, blinking against the harsh morning light. ¡°Eldrin¡¯s gone,¡± Justin whispered. Lila suddenly became alert, sitting up. ¡°Gone? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Process your level up first,¡± Justin said. ¡°We can talk about it in a few minutes.¡± Lila did so, apparently going through the motions quickly. ¡°Done. So, what happened?¡± ¡°He left last night, saying it wouldn¡¯t be fifteen minutes.¡± Her face paled. ¡°So, what do we do now? Go look for him?¡± ¡°Before leaving, he said if he didn¡¯t come back, to move on.¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t like that one bit. Did he leave us?¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°No way. After everything, you think he¡¯d bail?¡± ¡°Well, the other option is worse. If he hasn¡¯t returned, that would mean he¡¯s¡­¡± She trailed off. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. With Alistair, and now Eldrin¡­the thought is too horrible to entertain.¡± That Eldrin, along with Alistair, were both dead would make their situation beyond hopeless. Both men had sacrificed so much for him, and worse, Justin didn¡¯t understand the reason. ¡°He¡¯s a Ranger,¡± Justin said. ¡°Maybe he wanted to cover our tracks a bit more. Make sure we really couldn¡¯t be found.¡± ¡°You¡¯d think he would¡¯ve returned, though,¡± Lila said. ¡°Something¡¯s definitely wrong.¡± ¡°If he didn¡¯t come back, it was for one reason. It would endanger us in some way. Maybe Gareth and the rest were closer than we thought. Maybe he had to create a false trail or something. Lead them away.¡± ¡°Huh. Yeah, that could be it. I prefer that theory over anything else.¡± She frowned in thought. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, though, eventually they¡¯ll catch on that they¡¯ve been fooled. And turn right back around.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°That has to be why. He intends to catch up with us later. He has Shadowflight. That means that once he shakes them, he can use his Pathfinder¡¯s Pace to catch up to us. Might take him a few days, but he¡¯ll manage it.¡± ¡°Either way you cut it, we¡¯re on our own for a while. We need to put some ground between us and Gareth. It was a terrifying proposition. Alistair and Eldrin had been the ones keeping them alive so far, and Justin couldn¡¯t imagine two Level Fives¡ªneither of them a combat class¡ªsurviving the wilds of this forest. Not with dire wolves and maybe even worse. ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said. ¡°So, the question is, what¡¯s our plan? Where do you think Eldrin was going to take us?¡± Justin shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe he didn¡¯t even have a plan. All we know is that eventually, he was going to turn east, which would lead to the Plainsway. Right?¡± ¡°I would suggest an alternate plan,¡± Lila said. ¡°The Plainsway plan happened way back in Highcliff, and I would argue things have changed.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯m listening.¡± ¡°The closest big city besides Highcliff, of course, is Windfall,¡± Lila said. ¡°But it¡¯s a hundred miles to the northwest. Not exactly the way we want to be going. But leading out from Windfall is the Northway, a well-established road which runs just south of the Seraphims. Assuming we can reach Windfall, we can head east from there on the Northway. It¡¯s less expected by our enemies. We could take that road all the way to Draegor¡¯s Keep, and from there, head south to Mont Elea. Better yet, in Windfall we can resupply and blend in. Without Eldrin, we can¡¯t hope to live off the land. We have plenty of gold. Enough, perhaps, to buy a carriage the rest of the way. Disguise ourselves as nobles, maybe.¡± ¡°That would be nice,¡± Justin said. ¡°Much faster.¡± ¡°The distances are too great for just the two of us to walk all the way to Mont Elea without Pathfinder¡¯s Pace,¡± Lila said. ¡°But the downside is, the roads are going to be more dangerous. If we lose them in the forest, they know we¡¯ll pop out on a major highway eventually. Worse, if we¡¯re slogging in the wilds too long, they have time to set up a spy network in every major city we might think of going to. I say we try to make Windfall as quick as we can, before anyone there is on the lookout for us. We¡¯re not truly safe until we reach Mont Elea.¡± Justin was quiet. Again, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder just what about him was so important. Alistair knew something, and for that matter, it seemed Eldrin did, too. What about Lila? Did she know something, too? ¡°Did either of them say why the Baron wants to get me so much?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Why place his Death Mark on me in the first place?¡± ¡°If there¡¯s a reason, it was never said to me,¡± Lila said. ¡°Clearly, from the first, the Baron saw something useful in you. Maybe it has something to do with your past. This other world you¡¯re from.¡± ¡°But how would the Baron even know about that?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense. And if he didn¡¯t want me to escape, he could have trapped us before we even walked out the door.¡± Lila thought for a moment. ¡°Well, there¡¯s more to this than we understand, that¡¯s for certain. Perhaps he was content to let you leave and learn more first. He had no reason to suspect you¡¯d ever discover the Death Mark, and Alistair¡¯s timely arrival put a major kink in his plan. Clearly, he had eyes on you from the moment you left.¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Justin said. ¡°We should eat first. I¡¯m starving.¡± They broke out a quick breakfast of hard cheese, dried fruit, and strips of salted meat. Justin tried to ignore how little food was left in the pack. Getting to Windfall on empty stomachs might prove a tricky proposition. ¡°So, what¡¯s your new Party skill?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Harmonic Amplification,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Double the Bonus of Bardic Inspiration.¡± If Justin was remembering right, that meant Lila¡¯s Bardic Inspiration skill would now confer a +4 bonus to any Attribute during the duration of the song. ¡°That sounds incredibly useful,¡± Justin said. ¡°Although it might be a bit of a risk to belt something out right now.¡± ¡°Something to keep in my back pocket for sure. My knife-throwing should also be even better now. My knife-throwing skill is now Improved.¡± ¡°Same for my cane wielding,¡± Justin said. ¡°We should get going,¡± Lila said. ¡°We¡¯ve been talking too much already. And¡­thanks for helping me out last night. Not my best moment.¡± ¡°No problem. I was only saved by the Ring of Hygiene. Apparently, it dries you off as well.¡± ¡°Supremely useful,¡± Lila agreed, though her brow furrowed in concern. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why Eldrin never came back. Do you think it was the cold that did him in?¡± ¡°It¡¯s hard to imagine that,¡± Justin said. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I think the Baron¡¯s men would have discovered us by now.¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Lila said, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. ¡°We just got to think the best. Eldrin will find us, you¡¯ll see. For now, our only goal is to head north. Are we sure we don¡¯t want to backtrack to the road after a few days? This forest looks like rough going.¡± ¡°We can discuss it later. To be honest, I¡¯m not sure what the country is like between here and Windfall. I know it¡¯s a lot of hills and a lot of forests. Hopefully, nothing too scary lives in them. Right now, the important thing is getting some distance.¡± ¡°One thing at a time,¡± Justin said. ¡°Shall we?¡± They packed up quickly, burying the ashes of their fire, which were already cold. He felt a pang of anxiety as they left their shelter, but there was no avoiding it. The forest awaited, dense and shadowed, as they ducked out of the underbrush. The trees loomed tall and dense, their branches forming a thick canopy overhead. The air was still, the only sound being the crunch of leaves underfoot. The forest felt vast and empty, a wilderness stretching out endlessly before them, adding to Justin¡¯s sense of isolation. He took out his map. Though they were far outside its range, the enchantment would still point them north. They kept walking. The forest was dense and wild, the underbrush thick with ferns and brambles. The ground was uneven, littered with rocks and fallen branches, making their progress slow and arduous. The lack of Pathfinder¡¯s Pace was all too clear. They were working twice as hard for half the miles. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. From time to time, Justin glanced backward, seeing no signs of pursuit. The River Marin flowed off to their right, perhaps a couple of miles away. There was nothing but trees and hills in all directions, and no sign of the Plainsway. The forest seemed to close in around them, a living entity that watched their every move. Without Eldrin and Alistair¡¯s comforting presence, the woods felt more sinister. Justin couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being exposed, with no one to guide or protect them. ¡°Damn,¡± Justin muttered. ¡°This is rough. Would it be a bad idea to sing a song to give us a bit more Endurance?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°Absolutely.¡± They kept plodding on through the afternoon. The silence of the forest was oppressive, amplifying every rustle and crackle. It seemed too quiet, as if the world itself was holding its breath. ¡°Probably time to think about shelter,¡± Lila suggested, as the sun neared the top of the western mountains. ¡°Before it gets too dark.¡± As they crested the next hill, Justin scanned the landscape to the north. About half a mile away stood what appeared to be a decrepit watchtower. The stone structure was weathered and crumbling, ivy creeping up its sides. The roof had partially collapsed, leaving jagged edges silhouetted against the sky. ¡°Is that too obvious a hiding spot?¡± ¡°Looks like a sure shelter to me,¡± Lila said. ¡°Either way, I don¡¯t think they know we¡¯ve gone this way and we¡¯re a whole day ahead at this point.¡± ¡°Someone else might think it¡¯s a good place to shelter,¡± Justin said. ¡°No smoke,¡± Lila said. ¡°We can sit here a few minutes and see if anything¡¯s moving.¡± It was good enough for Justin. He was certain Eldrin would have discouraged it, but with Eldrin absent, they had to do what they thought was best. They weren¡¯t covering their tracks effectively, anyway. They just wouldn¡¯t go to the top of the tower, where their movements might be visible from a distance. They watched for a while, and it seemed the place was empty, at least from the outside. Nothing moved around it. It was the best they could hope for as the sun started sinking closer to the top of the Umber Range to their west. It took another thirty minutes to reach the tower¡¯s base. The surrounding terrain was uneven, with stones and rubble scattered about. The air was cooler, and the shadows lengthened. A broken path led out north from the tower, accompanied by crumbling stone fences. That path became quickly lost in the northern forest. At least the journey tomorrow might not be so bad, assuming the path continued in the same direction. Justin assumed this place must have once been part of the Kingdom of Highcliff, having since fallen into ruin. Perhaps there would be a town or hamlet to the north where they could resupply. ¡°Nothing but to go in,¡± Lila said. ¡°We should be careful. Make sure we¡¯re the only ones here.¡± The tower was especially quiet. If it was a bandit¡¯s hideout, they would¡¯ve made their presence obvious by now. Or so Justin¡¯s thinking went. Justin gave his cane a twirl, the movement fluid and confident. With his improved cane competency, the motion felt even more natural, and he could switch hands or extend the knife from the stag¡¯s head seamlessly as he twirled it. ¡°Show-off,¡± Lila said with a smirk. Her smile vanished when, as soon as they breached the open threshold of the tower, a sudden explosion of blue light sent them sprawling back. Justin was momentarily stunned, and it took a couple of seconds before he could come to his senses. Whatever this attack had been, Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff hadn¡¯t blocked it. ¡°Stay where you are,¡± a gruff voice commanded. ¡°Or the next blast won¡¯t be a warning.¡± Justin looked up, his eyes widening. The figure before them was definitely not what he had expected. 36. The Unlikely Warden Justin¡¯s heart raced, brandishing his cane and preparing for whatever might come next. Lila stood beside him, her hand subtly resting on the hilt of a throwing knife. In the dim light at the top of the stone steps stood an orc, and one unlike any he had ever seen. This orc was younger, which Justin could tell from his smooth skin and lack of wrinkles. He sensed the orc was not just young but likely a teenager. It was something about his bearing, the lack of assurance in his eyes. His skin was a distinctive shade of gray, contrasting with the few, green-skinned orcs Justin had encountered before. He stood around six feet tall, with a lean build that suggested agility rather than strength. His amber eyes flickered with a mix of caution and uncertainty. The orc held a basic wooden staff and wore gray mage robes that were frayed and patched in several places, which also evidenced red bloodstains. His black hair was short and unruly, and his tusks were small, barely protruding from his lower lip. A distinct brand was visible on his forehead, a circular mark with two intersecting lines. Despite his initial aggressive stance, the orc¡¯s posture was not that of a warrior ready for battle but rather of someone hoping to deter trouble without causing harm. ¡°Stay where you are!¡± the orc commanded again, his voice gruff yet tinged with nervousness. ¡°There¡¯s plenty more where that came from!¡± Justin raised his hands slowly, signaling peace. ¡°We¡¯re not here to fight.¡± He took a moment to observe the young orc, noting the signs of fear and uncertainty in his eyes. Lila glanced at Justin, her eyes questioning, but Justin was confident in his assessment. Perhaps it was his heightened Charisma, but he could read the young orc like a book. The orc was far more scared than they were and didn¡¯t want any trouble. Justin took a careful step forward, maintaining eye contact. ¡°My name¡¯s Justin.¡± His tone was soothing. ¡°This is Lila. We¡¯re just looking for shelter for the night. We didn¡¯t mean to intrude. What¡¯s your name?¡± The orc¡¯s grip on his staff tightened, his eyes darting between Justin and Lila. There was a moment of silence, and Justin could see the internal struggle in the orc¡¯s eyes. He was afraid and uncertain. ¡°You¡­you shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± the orc stammered, his voice lacking the previous intensity. ¡°This place¡­it¡¯s not safe.¡± Lila raised an eyebrow. ¡°Not safe? From what?¡± The orc hesitated, searching for words. Justin sensed an opportunity. He made his voice as gentle as he could. ¡°Look. We¡¯re not here to cause trouble. Are you alone?¡± ¡°I¡¯m warning you!¡± the orc said, raising his staff. ¡°My friends will be back anytime! You don¡¯t want to be here when that happens.¡± Justin knew it was a bluff. ¡°You don¡¯t look like someone who wants to fight. And we just want to talk. Can we do that at least?¡± The orc¡¯s shoulders slumped slightly. To Justin¡¯s surprise, his words seemed to reach him, and he looked down, avoiding their gaze. ¡°Fine. What is it you want? Say it and then be on your way. I¡­I could still make you leave. You¡¯d best remember that!¡± Justin nodded, understanding the underlying fear and loneliness in the orc¡¯s words. ¡°We won¡¯t stay if it¡¯s a problem. I was thinking maybe we can help each other out. We¡¯ve been through a lot, and it seems like you have too. We have food. We¡¯d be happy to share it.¡± The orc licked his thin, gray lips, unable to hide his interest. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. I¡¯ve got plenty to eat in here.¡± Already, Lila was reaching for her pack, producing their supplies. ¡°We¡¯re happy to share. No pressure.¡± The orc looked up, his amber eyes meeting Lila¡¯s. There was a flicker of something¡ªhope, perhaps, or maybe just a desperate need for connection. But he was still guarded, not willing to share more. Justin sensed this hesitation, recognizing it from his own experiences of feeling out of place and misunderstood. ¡°We¡¯ve all got our stories,¡± Justin continued. ¡°And sometimes, it¡¯s easier to get through them together. You don¡¯t have to tell us everything, but maybe we can start with your name?¡± The orc hesitated again before finally sighing. ¡°Kargan,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°My name is Kargan.¡± Justin smiled warmly, sensing a breakthrough. ¡°Nice to meet you, Kargan. Why don¡¯t we sit and talk? Eat some dinner? Maybe we can figure out a way to help each other out.¡± Kargan nodded slowly, the last remnants of his defensive stance fading away. He seemed to relax slightly, though there was still a wary look in his eyes. He wasn¡¯t ready to fully trust them yet, but at least he would talk. ¡°I¡¯ll eat. After that, I¡¯d kindly ask you to get on your way. This tower¡¯s mine.¡± ¡°No problem,¡± Justin said. ¡°We can eat right out here if you¡¯d like.¡± Lila handed out the food, a simple meal of bread, cheese, and dried meat, and Kargan tore into his portion, eating it in under half a minute. Justin felt a pang of sympathy for the orc, and Lila¡¯s green eyes widened with pity. ¡°You poor thing,¡± she said quietly. ¡°What are you doing out here all alone?¡± Kargan clenched his fists on his staff, looking like he was about to defend himself, but something about Lila¡¯s voice just caused his stance to soften. Then, before Justin knew it, Kargan became wracked with sobs. He cried for a solid minute or two, and all Justin could do was watch him. To comfort him felt too risky at this moment. ¡°We¡¯re here for you,¡± Justin said gently, once the sobbing had subsided a bit. ¡°Let¡¯s get inside at least, get a fire going. It¡¯ll cheer you up.¡± Kargan nodded at last, seeming to recognize that these two strangers didn¡¯t mean him any harm. They retreated to within the tower, where a low fire had burned down to coals. Kargan stoked it with the base of his staff, adding a couple of logs. Then he gave a harsh sniff, wiping his nose with his robes. ¡°I¡­apologize for that display. It was¡­weak of me.¡± ¡°No need to apologize,¡± Lila said. ¡°Sometimes, you just need to cry it out. Gods know I¡¯ve done it plenty of times in the last few weeks.¡± Kargan gave a singular nod, the flames dancing in his amber eyes. ¡°I suppose you want to know what a young orc like me is doing way out here, away from the clan halls.¡± Justin didn¡¯t push for more, knowing that prying would just close Kargan off further. Sometimes, the best thing to say was nothing at all. He knew this intrinsically, but he didn¡¯t know where the knowledge had come from. Conversations weren¡¯t just push and pull. Sometimes, conversation was simply sitting still and allowing truths to settle. After a few minutes, Justic cleared his throat. ¡°How about we tell our story first?¡± ¡°If you¡¯d like,¡± Kargan replied, his tone neutral. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest,¡± Justin began. ¡°We¡¯re on the run from some bad types. We think they¡¯ll be headed up this way in a day or two.¡± ¡°Hmm. Thanks for the information. Why are they chasing you?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a long story. We¡¯re not thieves or anything. Just in the wrong place at the wrong time.¡± ¡°Heh. I can relate to that.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked. ¡°It¡¯s the story of my life." Kargan paused for a moment, reflecting. "Being born a gray-skin is bad enough, so I¡¯m used to being alone. You probably know that we orcs value Power and Endurance above all.¡± He gave a bitter laugh. ¡°Well, you can see from my stature, I¡¯m hardly larger than a grown human.¡± ¡°You¡¯re still strong,¡± Lila protested. ¡°Very!¡± ¡°Not for an orc,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve given up on the idea that I¡¯m going to be a mighty warrior. There¡¯s smithing, of course, but to make armor like we do, it requires raw strength. Master Grudak didn¡¯t want to apprentice me unless I could get my hands on a Craftsman Core. Not likely. Such cores only go to the strongest of the brood, not a runt like me.¡± ¡°The way you talk about yourself,¡± Lila said. ¡°It hurts my heart, Kargan.¡± ¡°Does it? Well, I¡¯m used to it, you might say. Sorry if I¡¯ve made you uncomfortable. We esteem ourselves the way others esteem us. The clan is like a forge that shapes its children. If you don¡¯t fit the mold, you end up discarded.¡± Justin felt a burst of realization. ¡°Is that what happened to you, Kargan?¡± The orc was silent for a long time, and from that silence, Justin knew he¡¯d hit the nail on the head. ¡°A gray-skin. A mage. A weakling. I suppose it wasn¡¯t hard to figure out.¡± ¡°Mages are powerful, though,¡± Lila said. ¡°You knocked us back a good five paces!¡± Kargan laughed bitterly. ¡°Powerful? My clan would say I¡¯m weak to use such a ward. Magic is for the weak, for those who can¡¯t wield a hammer or war axe, who can¡¯t shape armor or shields or useful tools. Magic is not for the orcs. Orcs are only born with Power or Endurance Cores. Magic isn¡¯t even a consideration.¡± ¡°But you¡¯re a mage,¡± Justin said. ¡°How is it possible for you to be a mage if orcs have only Power or Endurance Cores?¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°That¡¯s¡­a long story.¡± ¡°Well, we have time,¡± Lila said. ¡°I mean, only if you want to share it. It might take the burden off your shoulders.¡± Kargan stared into the flames doubtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve been out here a long time. Over a month now. You two are the only ones I''ve seen. Maybe...maybe it''s not a bad idea.¡± ¡°How¡¯d you become a mage?¡± Justin asked again. ¡°Orcs really only have one of two Core Attributes?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± he said. ¡°In return, we are hardier than other races. And stronger. And we can see well in the dark. It¡¯s give and take, I suppose. Humans can take on any core. It''s kind of your thing.¡± He took a deep breath, weighing his decision to share. Justin and Lila waited as Kargan began his tale. The orc stared into the flames, his expression a mix of bitterness and resignation. ¡°I suppose it all started with the raid. Our clan often sends out raiding parties to claim resources and, occasionally, magical items from nearby territories and Vaults. It¡¯s not unusual; it¡¯s just the way things are done among us orcs. We prize Power and Endurance, and whatever we can use to enhance those is worth the risk. Might is right, mostly.¡± He paused, looking down at his hands, which were wrapped around the staff. ¡°There was this Vault in the Darkwood Forest just north of here¡ªa place of ancient magic, dangerous but filled with treasures. The clan elders decided it was worth the risk, and they sent a party to clear it out. I wasn¡¯t part of the main group; I was just there to assist with carrying supplies and doing the menial tasks the Warriors couldn¡¯t be bothered with.¡± Kargan¡¯s voice grew softer, and he seemed to withdraw into himself. ¡°Inside the Vault, they found a core. A Blood Warden core. It¡¯s a rare type, rarely seen. It¡¯s one of two mage cores that uses the Endurance Attribute, the other being Blood Mage. The Blood Warden core grants the ability to protect and heal¡ªsupportive magic, really. Not the power we orcs value. Sometimes, some of the lower caste women will take it on, but even then, she has to live far away from the clans and isn¡¯t allowed to marry or bear children. They downright look down upon the Blood Warden class. It uses one¡¯s very Life Force¡ªa sacred thing to us Orcs¡ªspending it to create wards and stuff. Basically, it¡¯s not in keeping with Gor¡¯Thaak, so it¡¯s tolerated at best.¡± ¡°Gor¡¯Thaak?¡± Justin asked. ¡°The Duology,¡± Kargan explained. ¡°I suppose humans know little about it. It¡¯s our god, I guess you could say. Male and female rolled into one. Male for Power, Gor. Female for Endurance, Thaak. If it doesn¡¯t follow Gor¡¯Thaak, well, it¡¯s probably outright heresy. Though Blood Warden is an Endurance class, it directly attacks one¡¯s Life Force to heal and protect, so it is sacrilege.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Lila said. Kargan nodded. ¡°We orcs have little respect for magic anyway, and those who use it are often seen as weak or untrustworthy, even among other races. It¡¯s not in keeping with Gor¡¯Thaak. The clan was disappointed with the core, especially given the blood that was spilled for it, but given its rarity, they thought it would fetch a good price in the market, even if it wasn¡¯t useful to us. Failing that, one of the lower women would be forced to take it on. Despite the class being reviled, the elders are wise enough to understand it has its uses in healing the sick and injured.¡± He swallowed hard, the memories clearly painful. ¡°But then, as we were leaving the Vault, we were attacked. A pack of dire wolves, led by an alpha wolf twice the size of a normal one. It was chaos. The warriors fought bravely, but we were outnumbered and surprised, and the party was weakened from the raid. I¡­I panicked. I didn¡¯t know what to do. In the chaos, I was bitten badly on the arm.¡± Kargan held up his right arm, but there was no injury to speak of. ¡°One warrior drew the beast away from me. Somehow, I found myself alone, hiding in the baggage cart with the core. It was glowing, pulsing with blue energy. I was certain we were all going to die, and it was the only way I¡¯d get to live. I knew it was forbidden. But all the same¡­I felt it calling to me. So¡­I absorbed it.¡± Kargan looked up, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. ¡°And for the first time in my life, I heard the Creator¡¯s voice.¡± The Creator¡¯s voice. Justin was almost going to ask what Kargan meant until he realized he was describing the System¡¯s voice. So that was the Creator? ¡°I felt something like acceptance for the first time in my life. The Core bonded with me as if it always belonged. It was like nothing I¡¯d ever felt before¡ªa rush of power and energy. As a Level 0, of course, I had nothing but my main class skill, Forge of Life.¡± ¡°What does that do?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It heals the Blood Warden¡­slowly. All of a Blood Warden''s magic harnesses our Life Force to heal and protect. Blood Wards, I guess you could call it. So, with my main class ability¡­my wounds heal much more quickly. Life Force it what heals us, and Blood Wardens gain it much faster than others.¡± ¡°Sounds powerful,¡± Justin said. Kagan continued his story. ¡°Among the cart, I found this old staff among the loot. Somehow, I knew it would work to focus my wards. I had none to speak of, yet. But since I could heal much more quickly, I felt brave enough to contribute to the defense. I wouldn¡¯t say I turned back the tide, but for the first time, I felt like I was contributing to the clan. Some part of me hoped the others would see that, too.¡± His shoulders slumped. ¡°Of course, it was too much to hope for. To them, I had stolen the core. I had taken what wasn¡¯t mine, and worse, I had become something they despised: a mage. A male Blood Warden. It¡¯s like an oxymoron to the Orcish clans. There is no deeper shame among us.¡± Justin felt a deep sympathy for Kargan¡¯s plight, understanding the pain of being ostracized for being different. Kargan clenched his fists, his gray knuckles turning white. ¡°They took me back to the clan for judgment. The elders were beyond furious. My parents¡­they looked like they wanted to die from shame. The elders accused me of treachery, of dishonoring our traditions. For going against Gor¡¯Thaak. My father and mother spoke not a word in my defense. In their eyes, I could see the truth. I was no longer their son. The elders¡­they said I had tainted myself with magic. I was no longer fit to be part of the clan. They exiled me, cast me out with nothing but the clothes on my back and this staff. And of course, this brand you see on my forehead, so every other clan knows what I am. A mage and an exile. They let me keep the staff. I¡¯d already bound it to myself, so it was of no use to them.¡± Kargan¡¯s shoulders slumped further, the weight of his story clearly bearing down on him. ¡°I¡¯ve been out here ever since, trying to survive on my own. The magic is useful, but it can¡¯t replace the life I lost. I just...wish I could go back. I don¡¯t know what possessed me to grab that core. I just¡­I just wanted to belong, I guess. To help. For once in my life.¡± Justin had tears in his eyes, while Lila looked as if she wanted to comfort the young orc, but it was still too soon for that. ¡°You just wanted to help,¡± Justin said. ¡°You said you did it to save yourself, and that¡¯s true. But deep down, all you¡¯ve ever wanted was to help others. That¡¯s why the core called to you. Religion can be funny. They¡¯re just a collection of traditions that are wrapped up and given a name. They might be useful for the time in which they are written. But times change. That might sound like heresy to you, but clearly, you want to use your powers to help people.¡± Kargan nodded, a tear falling from his right eye. ¡°That¡­speaks to my soul.¡± ¡°What level are you now?¡± Lila asked. Kargan snickered. ¡°Just Level 2. There are few opportunities to practice my magic out here. In fact, that spell that knocked you back is one of the two I have, the Ward of Aegis. Meant to just protect a small area and provide minor healing to those inside it. It also helps hide anyone inside of it, like if you''re camping out in the wilds. It should get more powerful as I level up.¡± ¡°It¡¯s pretty powerful already,¡± Lila pointed out. ¡°That can come in real handy out here. That''s why this tower seemed empty from a distance. The ward was concealing it." ¡°What¡¯s your other spell?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Sacrificial Armor,¡± Kargan said. ¡°It lets me take some of my Life Force and use it to protect myself for a while. Useful, I¡¯m sure, but I haven¡¯t had the chance to try it out in a fight.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to offend, but it¡¯s crazy to say that you¡¯re not strong,¡± Justin said. ¡°It¡¯s not just your class, Kargan. It¡¯s your desire to help others. This tower is the last place you should be.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the place society has deemed fit for me.¡± ¡°There are orcs out there in the world,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ve seen them. I¡¯ve even seen some with similar brands on their foreheads. You aren¡¯t unique in being exiled.¡± ¡°They could be criminals, or worse,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Or they could be just like you,¡± Justin pointed out. ¡°Either way, what do you plan to do once you run out of supplies?¡± Kargan didn¡¯t have an answer for that. Something told Justin that he intended to starve himself. ¡°Listen,¡± Justin said. ¡°I¡¯m an outsider, too. I have been for my whole life. I also have a class that many people find useless. Doesn¡¯t feel great to be called that.¡± Kargan nodded in recognition. ¡°What class is that?¡± ¡°Socialite.¡± ¡°Ah,¡± Kargan said. ¡°I see how others might say that¡¯s useless.¡± Lila couldn¡¯t stop herself from snickering. ¡°My point exactly,¡± Justin said good-naturedly. ¡°I¡¯ve made the best of it. If I could be a badass Blood Warden who got to cast Blood Wards, I''d do it in a heartbeat. That said, this class has surprised me. It¡¯s gotten Lila and me out of some tough spots. The point being, you never know your worth until you try. And sometimes, people¡¯s beliefs prevent them from seeing your worth. Just means you haven¡¯t found the right people yet.¡± ¡°The right clan,¡± Kargan finished. ¡°Yes. I see what you mean.¡± He frowned a bit. ¡°This¡­is a lot to take in. And it¡¯s rather late. I¡¯ve¡­probably shared too much. It¡¯s weak to share feelings.¡± ¡°You did just fine,¡± Justin assured him. ¡°And sharing your feelings isn¡¯t weakness. Vulnerability can be a sign of strength.¡± Kargan frowned, as if the concept were foreign to him. ¡°That¡­makes little sense.¡± ¡°Think about your magic,¡± Justin said. ¡°You take your Life Force, which weakens you, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And you apply that Life Force elsewhere, creating strength. It¡¯s like that.¡± ¡°Hmm. Maybe there¡¯s something to it.¡± It was quiet for a while after that. Lila yawned. ¡°We should get some rest,¡± Justin said. ¡°Before we do, though, I¡¯d like to make you an offer.¡± ¡°An offer? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Lila and I could use someone like you. We¡¯re heading for Windfall. We¡¯ve¡­lost two of our friends recently.¡± Kargan¡¯s expression became somber. ¡°My condolences.¡± ¡°They were our guides. I¡¯m not sure we can find our way alone out here. You¡¯re probably not safe to stay in this tower for much longer, anyway.¡± ¡°I have my Ward of Aegis. I can manage.¡± Lila leaned forward. ¡°No disrespect, but with the ones chasing us, that won¡¯t cut it. You need to come with us for your own safety. Windfall could use someone with your abilities, Kargan. The Mage Guild is widespread over all Serenthel. It wouldn¡¯t be easy, but there is a place for you in the world. I know it.¡± ¡°Would they help a Blood Warden like me?¡± he asked. ¡°Our magic works¡­differently. From what I¡¯ve researched, many people distrust it, even other mages. Especially other mages. It¡¯s Blood Magic. While it''s not a direct tie to Chaos Magic, it correlates.¡± "Chaos Magic?" "One of the four Spiritual Elements," Kargan said, looking at him strangely. "Like Death Magic, it''s casting is banned in most of Serenthel. They get access to some Blood Magic spells, but they work differently from my Blood Magic. It''s a different school, if that makes sense." Justin wasn''t sure he totally understood, but he got the essence of what Kargan was saying. ¡°The world is a big place, Kargan. Not everyone will understand or accept you, but there will always be those who value what you can offer. The right people are out there; it¡¯s just a matter of finding them. Windfall could be a start.¡± Kargan nodded, contemplating Justin¡¯s words. ¡°I know the way to Windfall. I¡­could take you there. Maybe.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll have to sleep on it.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Justin said. ¡°If you¡¯re ready to sleep, we can head back outside, as promised.¡± Kargan shook his head. ¡°No need for that. Both of you have been generous. Among my people, it¡¯s often said: Better to share a fire than to burn alone. For the first time, I¡¯m realizing it¡¯s not just about fires.¡± He stood. ¡°My ward should be ready to go again. It¡¯ll keep lower-level creatures away and do a good job of hiding us, at least until morning. Might help if enemies head this way.¡± ¡°We would be grateful,¡± Lila said. ¡°Thank you, Kargan.¡± The orc nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± The orc took a few steps away, raising his arms wide, staff in hand. He gave a pained grunt as an aura of blue light spread from him, quickly fading into the night. Justin felt a sense of peace. It was subtle, but recognizable. An effect of the ward, he was sure. ¡°Did...that hurt?¡± Lila asked. Kargan had his hands on his knees, wincing in pain. ¡°Just a bit. But it¡¯s worth it for the safety. Plus, I''ll recover from it quickly.¡± For the first time, his lips upturned in a smile. ¡°Nice to get triple the experience for protecting two more people instead of just me.¡± Justin and Lila got out their bedrolls, settling down for the night on the opposite side of the fire. Kargan watched the flames, seeming to ruminate. ¡°Good night, Kargan,¡± Justin said. The orc grunted in response. ¡°Night.¡± As the conversation ended, Justin received a System notification. You have gained 20 XP (Current: 1189/550) (Level-up available!) Justin realized the experience had come from winning the young orc¡¯s trust. A less experienced person might have fumbled it. Justin closed his eyes and was soon asleep. 37. Northward Bound Justin woke up to the first rays of sunlight falling through the broken roof of the tower. As soon as he had his first conscious thought¡ªthat the fire was low¡ªthe System¡¯s voice entered his mind. You have reached Level Six. Setbacks are inevitable, but by keeping your eyes on the horizon, you¡¯ll find that each step becomes easier. Justin thought that was an apt way to describe things. The System seemed to change its little ¡°encouraging notes¡± to him based on what was going on in his life. It was sentient, then, or at least self-adapting. Or maybe Kargan had the right of it, and the System was the Creator. As a Level Six Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute. It was even a thought anymore. He locked it into Charisma without hesitation. Your Charisma Attribute is now: 17. With the Attribute boost, the effects were becoming more subtle. Each point gained was less of an overall percentage of his total Charisma stat. Though he no longer felt anything had changed, he knew he was getting better, more socially adept. Onward, Brave Adventurer. Never give up hope. With that message, the System departed. No class skill this time, being a non-prime number and not a multiple of five. As with every level up, Justin summoned his character sheet, if only to figure out how much experience was required to reach Level 7:
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 6 Experience to Level 7: 639/720
Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 11 (10 +1) Endurance: 11 (10 +1) Intellect: 10 Perception: 11 (10 +1) Charisma: 19 (17 +2)
For the first time since Silverton, Justin didn¡¯t have enough banked experience to get a level up on his next sleep. Just short of unlocking his Level 7 Class Skill. It was a little annoying, especially given he was so close, but the experience requirements were already getting much larger. His quick rise to Level 6, however, was all because of running into two Vaults and having Alistair and Eldrin do most of the legwork. True, he¡¯d found pivotal ways to contribute that had earned him the experience, but he knew Vaults were dangerous places usually not suited to characters with his class. Most Socialites probably had to level up the old-fashioned way: schmoozing, manipulating, lying, bargaining, charming, networking, flattering, and persuading. Justin had done little of that upon entering Eyrth, but he had the feeling that more of that would be in his future. With a beefy base 17 in Charisma, modified to 19 with the Cane of Valoria and his Refined Presence skill, with a possible 21 when activating Dandy¡¯s Swagger, he would be a massive social force, at least among unclassed individuals, and even among classes who had invested little in their own Charisma Attribute. Of course, most of that was useless out here in the wilds, but it wouldn¡¯t be that way forever. Lila was next to wake up, taking on a look of silent rumination. If she was anything like Justin, she¡¯d have her own last level up to process. Once done, she turned to face him. ¡°No skills. Level 6 sucks.¡± ¡°What did you put the point in?¡± Justin asked. She smiled. ¡°Charisma this time. I¡¯m a Bard. Time to do Bardic things.¡± Justin cracked a smile back. ¡°About time!¡± He summoned her character sheet, something he hadn¡¯t done it quite a while:
Character: Lila Fairwind Class: Bard Level: 6
Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 14 Endurance: 11 Intellect: 10 Perception: 10 Charisma: 12 (11+1)
Skills: (Class Skill) Bardic Inspiration: Once a day, start a melody that can enhance the morale and capabilities of your party and allies, providing a +2 boost to a selected attribute for the duration of the song. Length of buff scales with your Charisma Level. (Level 1) Knife Thrower: Become a skilled knife-thrower, gaining a ranged attack that can damage or distract foes with deadly precision. Competency with knives improves at Levels 5, 10, and 20. (Level 2) Rhythmic Attack: Unleash a flurry of knife throws in a precise rhythmic sequence, with each successive hit increasing damage based on a percentage of your Coordination stat, up to six hits. (Level 3) Acrobatic Tumble: Perform an adroit tumble, increasing evasion by fifty percent for three seconds, and by one hundred percent when targeted by characters, creatures, or monsters of equal or lower level. (Level 5) Harmonic Amplification: Doubles the Attribute boost of Bardic Inspiration. (Item Skill) Eagle Strike: Increases attack speed by 20% when using throwing knives.
Equipment: Weapon: Basic Throwing Knives. Accessory 1: The Amulet of Everblade: Return knives to you ten seconds after being thrown. Accessory 2: The Ring of Eagle Strike: Increases attack speed by 20% when using throwing knives. Confers additional nimbleness with playing stringed instruments, such as lutes, guitars, harps, or dulcimers.
That was all he could see, but it was an excellent review of her abilities. Kargan continued sleeping, snoring softly by the fire. Clearly, the young mage had become more comfortable with them. Justin and Lila prepped breakfast, something hot for the road, but not even the smell was enough to wake up the orc. ¡°Teenagers,¡± Justin said. The word seemed to wake Kargan, who rolled over and blinked his eyes drearily. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Time to eat,¡± Justin said. ¡°Do you like oatmeal?¡± ¡°Sure, I do,¡± Kargan said. He immediately tucked in, clearly still ravenous. He would have eaten more, but at least he left some for Justin and Lila. After eating, Justin looked the orc up and down. ¡°So, have you thought about our offer?¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Kargan grunted. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll go with you. At least as far as Windfall.¡± ¡°Yay!¡± Lila said. ¡°You¡¯ve made the right choice.¡± ¡°Not much of a future here, anyway. The food is tough enough to forage already, and it¡¯ll get even worse come winter. I was thinking about what you said, Justin. Maybe there is a place for me in Windfall. Never hurts to try, right?¡± Justin mentally invited Kargan to join their party. Kargan has joined the Party. He is edified by Justin¡¯s Refined Presence, gaining +1 to Charisma. ¡°Whoa,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Very nice.¡± ¡°We should all have a look at each other¡¯s skills,¡± Justin said. ¡°It¡¯ll come in handy to know what we¡¯re all capable of if we run into trouble.¡± ¡°Sensible,¡± Kargan said. ¡°I¡¯m an open book.¡± Even as Justin sensed Kargan inspecting his stats, he set his focus on Kargan:
Character: Kargan Durzag Class: Blood Warden Level: 2
Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 10 Endurance: 13 (12+1) Intellect: 11 (10 +1) Perception: 10 Charisma: 11 (10+1)
Skills: (Class Skill) Forge of Life: Increases Life Force regeneration. (Level 1) Ward of Aegis: Create a circular ward that protects your immediate surroundings. Provides a minor healing and defense bonus to allies within it. Repels and stuns creatures, monsters, and characters that try to cross it. Power scales with Endurance Attribute. (Level 2) Sacrificial Armor: Create Armor that makes you impervious to damage until the armor dies out. Strength of armor scales to your Endurance Attribute.
Equipment: Weapon: Staff of Focus: + 1 to Intellect. Clothing: Travel Robes: + 1 to Endurance.
Active Effects: Ward of Aegis: Wounds heal more quickly, and sleep is more restful. Increases Stealth of party. Refined Presence: + 1 to Charisma.
¡°Interesting,¡± Justin said. ¡°It¡¯s rare you see a mage that takes on the role of the tank.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure what my role is yet, to be honest,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Just learning as I go. I¡¯m confused about your skills though, Justin. Lila seems is a standard damage-dealer, but it doesn¡¯t seem your class gives you much combat-related skills.¡± ¡°I have my cane for that,¡± Justin said, giving it a flourish. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised how much damage this can do.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± The orc didn¡¯t seem convinced. ¡°What¡¯s Life Force, anyway?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Is it like HP or something?¡± ¡°HP?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°Your health,¡± Justin said. ¡°Ah, I think I know what you mean. Life Force can best be described as the spark of the Creator that lives within us all. We all have it, and if we lose some of it¡ªthrough injury or sickness, for example¡ªit¡¯ll regenerate on its own. Sometimes, of course, the loss is too great, or old age weakens it, which causes us to die. Blood Wardens get the ability to regenerate Life Force more quickly than other classes, allowing us to heal our wounds. It¡¯s kind of our thing. But the flip side is, all our magic requires us to use Life Force.¡± ¡°So, you hurt yourself to create defenses and healing magic?¡± Lila said. ¡°Yes,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Again, that¡¯s why it''s called Blood Magic.¡± ¡°Do you get any offensive spells?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I suppose I might down the line. The focus of the class is defensive.¡± ¡°We could use a tank,¡± Lila said. ¡°Either way, it¡¯s high time we got going.¡± ¡°Right,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Well, there¡¯s an old path that leads north from here. I actually followed it down from the mountains. It¡¯s rough going at points, but it beats going into the bush. I remember there being a fork in the road, so when we find it, we can choose the path that leads north to Windfall. From there, it¡¯s just a matter of heading for the Northway, and then to Windfall from there.¡± Justin remembered seeing the path. ¡°Any towns on the way? We need to resupply.¡± ¡°There are none in the Darkwood itself. There¡¯s Darkstream Crossing on the eastern side of the forest, about twenty miles northeast. If you¡¯re being chased, and they know you¡¯re up here, that¡¯s the next natural spot for them to check.¡± ¡°No, thanks,¡± Lila said. ¡°Is the Darkwood dangerous?¡± ¡°This area has always been pretty wild at least by human standards,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Plenty of lower level monsters, but they get tougher closer to the Umber Range toward the west. There¡¯s also Greenhollow on the northern side. More of a farming hamlet, really, but we can probably trade for food there with the locals. It¡¯s about thirty-five miles north, at a guess. Next big town after that is Windfall, and of course, a few smaller towns in between.¡± ¡°Lead the way,¡± Lila said. They stepped out the front threshold, the day bright. Kargan looked at the tower he¡¯d spent the last month in, regarding it for a moment. He then turned to face north, his gray mage¡¯s robes swirling in the breeze. Silently, the trio set off down the path. Justin wondered at Eldrin¡¯s fate. He struggled to imagine anything happening to the Ranger. He was too wily for that. Alistair, however¡­ He pushed the thought from his mind as they hiked into the hills covered by the Darkwood, following the path cut by the overgrown road.
As morning gave way to afternoon, and afternoon to early evening, the forest grew thicker, the air filled with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. The trees loomed larger, their ancient trunks gnarled and as big as buildings. The sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, casting the forest floor in an eerie twilight. ¡°I can see why they call this the Darkwood,¡± Lila said. Her voice came out muffled, the surrounding trees and foliage seeming to absorb her voice. ¡°It¡¯s an old forest,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Part of Aranthia, technically. It hasn¡¯t been maintained in well over a hundred years or more.¡± ¡°No monsters yet at least," Justin said. Lila eyed the sides of the trail warily. "Let''s hope it stays that way." The trio walked in silence. The road was somewhat overgrown, but it was surprisingly clear given its age. Every time Justin checked his map, they were still heading north. ¡°How is this trail even here?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been maintained in over a hundred years, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s easy,¡± Kargan said. He pointed to a worn, smooth stone covered in ivy on the side of the trail. It stood about four feet tall. ¡°See that?¡± ¡°Sure. I¡¯ve seen several of them.¡± ¡°They¡¯re Shield Stones. Ten per mile. And each one has been heavily enchanted to keep nature and animals from disturbing the path. Of course, the magic weakens. Eventually, this path will get taken over by the forest.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Justin said. The forest became silent again. Just minutes ago, there had been birdsong and the usual chirps of small mammals. All that was gone now. Justin gripped his cane tightly, while Lila reached for her knives and Kargan held his staff with both hands. He couldn¡¯t help but notice how deep the shadows were on the sides of the path. Anything could be lurking in there. That¡¯s when Kargan came to a sudden stop, grunting in pain as he created his Ward of Aegis. A circle, about twenty feet across, surrounded the trio as they took stock of their surroundings. Justin was about to ask what was going on when, from the darkness, a low growl rumbled, reverberating through the air. Justin strained his eyes, trying to pinpoint the source. That was when Justin saw it¡ªtwo glowing red eyes glaring at them from the shadows. ¡°I knew I saw something,¡± Kargan said. ¡°I saw nothing at all,¡± Lila replied, her voice thin. ¡°Orcs have excellent night vision,¡± Kargan explained. Justin swallowed. Without their new ally, he and Lila would have been caught by surprise. It crawled forward, to the edge of the ward and into the dim light of the path. Justin could only describe it as an oversized badger, its fur a dark, mottled gray that perfectly blended into the forest floor. Muscles rippled beneath its pelt while sharp, curved claws dug into the forest floor. Its mouth hung slightly open, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. A faint, malevolent glow emanated from its eyes. ¡°I hope he¡¯s by himself,¡± Lila said. ¡°They¡¯re solitary hunters,¡± Kargan replied. ¡°It¡¯s trying to size us up right now.¡± Justin took his cane, waving it in a wide arc. ¡°Go away! We¡¯re big and scary predators.¡± The monstrous badger¡¯s response was to let out a low snarl, crouching as if preparing to pounce. Lila, poised with her knives, watched the beast intently. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± ¡°Hammer and anvil,¡± Kargan said. ¡°If it breaks through the ward, let me get in between. Justin attacks from the left, Lila from the right.¡± The badger lunged at them with a sound somewhere between a hiss and a growl. It struck the barrier, causing a ripple of blue energy. The beast recoiled, flipping over and snarling in frustration. Lila unleashed a flurry of knives, each one finding its mark on the beast¡¯s tough hide. The badger roared in pain, its red eyes burning with rage. It clawed at the ward, and at last, broke it. Kargan advanced, giving a heavy grunt as he became surrounded by an aura of blue magic. Blood covered his gray skin, but already, the wounds were knitting themselves together. The beast lunged for Justin, but Kargan stepped into its path, knocking it back with his staff. Lila had recalled her knives and was throwing them again. Black blood mottled the beast¡¯s fur, and it slunk toward Lila was surprising speed. Kargan shifted his position, blocking it, taking the hit with his Sacrificial Armor. But Justin knew that armor wouldn¡¯t last forever. He approached from behind, extending the knife from his cane¡¯s tip, stabbing the badger deeply. It whirled and extended its claws, slashing more quickly than Justin would have believed. With inhuman swiftness, Justin parried, knocking the creature back with a shriek. Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has shielded his attack! Kargan¡¯s shield was petering out, and with another pained grunt, he created a new veil of armor. His very skin was dripping blood, his form hobbled and travel robes stained, but despite this, he stood directly in the beast¡¯s path as it charged Lila again, who was once again preparing to throw her knives. The young orc¡¯s concentration was intense, his eyes fixed on the beast. Lila continued her assault, each throw precise and deadly. Justin, once again, came from behind, determined to end the badger. It was slowing, blood loss finally dampening its ferocity. Justin stabbed at it repeatedly, and the creature recoiled at each strike. Kargan beat it down with his staff, while Lila took two of her knives, now recalled, and buried them both in the badger¡¯s neck from behind. Only then did the beast grow still. The three fought to catch their breath. Kargan lowered his staff, his breaths labored, his body drenched in both sweat and blood. Justin could see open wounds marring his skin. Wounds that, even now, were slowly knitting themselves together. The blue light of his armor faded, leaving them standing in the dim forest once more. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Lila asked Kargan. The young orc nodded shakily. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s my first proper fight, not counting the dire wolf attack.¡± ¡°You did great,¡± Justin said. ¡°That badger was positively radioactive!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never heard that term,¡± Kargan said. ¡°But sometimes, when a Vault is near, its magic will affect the local wildlife. It''ll turn animals into monsters, or it might spawn monsters itself.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not going into a Vault,¡± Lila said. ¡°No, it wouldn¡¯t be wise,¡± Kargan said. ¡°But an isolated forest like this would be the perfect place for one to spawn.¡± His gaze took in them both. ¡°We should try to find a safe spot to set up for the night. My ward should allow us to sleep somewhat peacefully.¡± ¡°Unless another one of those things attacks,¡± Lila said, glancing nervously around the darkening forest. ¡°That one broke your ward!¡± ¡°My ward will repel weaker creatures and monsters for sure,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Against something like that, though¡­I need to get stronger.¡± Justin glanced around warily. ¡°We were probably better off going to Darkstream Crossing, huh?¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Kargan replied. ¡°Either way, Greenhollow is another twenty miles north. It might be safest to walk through the entire night.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so tired,¡± Lila said. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t seem we have a choice.¡± As they continued their journey through the Darkwood, Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a growing respect for the young orc. Kargan might still be unsure of himself, but he had proven his worth by protecting them from that monstrous badger. But something told Justin that the horrors of the Darkwood weren¡¯t through with them yet. 38. The Darkwood They walked another hour, following the winding trail through rougher and rougher terrain. Night had fallen, and were it not for Kargan¡¯s Sacrificial Armor, which cast an eerie blue aura around them, they would have had no light at all. The armor extinguished itself every five minutes, forcing him to cast it again, almost always accompanied by a grunt of pain. Despite this, the orc seemed unfazed, accepting it as part of his duty. Justin felt bad for the guy. He wondered if he ever got used to it, or if it hurt every time. As they ventured deeper into the Darkwood, Justin¡¯s sense of unease only grew. The towering trees seemed to press in on them, their gnarled branches casting eerie shadows. Strange sounds echoed through the forest¡ªunfamiliar bird calls, the rustling of unseen creatures, and the occasional low growl that sent shivers down his spine. The air grew colder, and a faint mist crept along the forest floor, adding to the sense of foreboding. They hadn¡¯t come upon any fork in the trail, as expected. Justin was afraid that they¡¯d missed it in the darkness. ¡°We need to get well away from that Vault, wherever it is,¡± Kargan said, his voice tense. ¡°I¡¯m afraid we¡¯re getting closer to it,¡± Lila said, her eyes darting around. It was at that moment that Justin noticed an angry buzz. Flying right before them was what appeared to be a giant wasp. Kargan immediately reacted, casting his Ward of Aegis just in time to send the insect reeling back, stunned. Lila let loose two of her knives, each of which found their mark, killing the creature. ¡°This is the Forest of Death,¡± Justin said. They had no choice but to keep going. Justin was afraid to even get out his map, which would mean dropping his concentration. Any lapse in alertness could end in their deaths. He just had to trust it was still leading them north, that they had taken the right turn. Another hour passed, Kargan setting a fast pace. They went up and down hills, across small streams, as the path took them higher in elevation. ¡°We¡¯re getting closer to the Umbers now,¡± Kargan said, his voice low. ¡°Too close.¡± At last, after what he guessed to be midnight, Justin saw a light through the trees. Hope rose in his chest. ¡°Please tell me that''s Greenhollow.¡± ¡°It¡¯s green,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ll give it that much.¡± Indeed, the light had a green hue to it, not what would be expected of a village. Besides, Kargan had said Greenhollow as a hamlet; unlike a larger city, it probably wouldn¡¯t have any lighting at all. The light belonged to something else, and Justin already had an idea of what. His worst fears were confirmed when they rounded the path, coming face-to-face with what looked like a broken wall covered in vines, the trees of the Darkwood interspersed with broken stone buildings and towers. It was hard to tell in the darkness, but it looked like the ruins of an ancient city, long claimed by the forest. The entire area was surrounded by a green veil of magic that made a dome over the ruins. The stone structures and towers were covered in moss and vines, crumbling with age, yet still holding a ghostly majesty. The trees had grown through and around the buildings, their roots and branches intertwining with the stone, creating a hauntingly beautiful blend of nature and architecture. Kargan surveyed the scene with a furrowed brow. ¡°I¡­can¡¯t believe it. We¡¯ve definitely come too far west. Justin, have you been checking the map?¡± ¡°Not for a while, no. Never wanted to lose my concentration. I just assumed the trail was heading north.¡± ¡°We must have gotten sidetracked,¡± Kargan said in frustration. ¡°We¡¯re way off base here.¡± ¡°Well, where are we then?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Because this city looks big, ancient, and scary.¡± Kargan shook his head. ¡°I¡­can¡¯t be sure. But if I had to make a guess, this would be the ruins of Eldareth. But Eldareth doesn¡¯t exist anymore.¡± "Eldareth?" Lila asked tenatively. ¡°It was an Ilvari Elvish city, truly ancient. As in, over two thousand years old ancient. It¡¯s said to be completely swallowed by the Darkwood, back before this place was even a forest.¡± ¡°Damn,¡± Justin said. ¡°There are Elves? You mean tall and pointed ears, Elves? And I¡¯m just now learning this? ¡± ¡°Yes. They were said to be humanlike. Known for being strong with magic and quite advanced, more so than even the current age. Of course, there hasn¡¯t been an Elf left in Serenthel in at least fifteen hundred years, and all of Eyrth in a thousand or more.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Justin felt a pang of sadness. ¡°So, they¡¯re all dead?¡± ¡°Yes. If this is really Eldareth, we¡¯ve definitely strayed too far to the west. It¡¯s said to be located in a hidden valley that sort of carves its way into the Umbers. The Orcish clans try to stay away from it. There was a big war been Elves and Orcs back in the day, and it''s said the the Elven spirits are especially violent toward those of my kind." Justin frowned. ¡°Can¡¯t we go around it? Or turn back?¡± Kargan shook his head. ¡°The trees are too thick to go around it. We¡¯d lose too much time. Besides, the city occupies a pass that cuts right through the Umbers. You see, the mountain range sort of veers east here instead of north and south for a small section. We''re in that part now, called the Serpent''s Bend. So, the fastest way would be to go through it. Unless we want to backtrack and see where we missed the turn.¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t miss any turn,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching the trail closely this entire time. I think the magic of the forest is playing tricks on us.¡± ¡°You¡¯re saying the road changed?¡± Kargan said. ¡°This is the same path I followed down from the mountains. And I definitely didn¡¯t run across this place.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s the same path, then why did it lead here?¡± Justin asked. "Can magic really switch the direction of the trail? Wouldn''t these Shield Stones prevent that?" Kargan grunted. ¡°They would have, assuming we stayed on the right path. I don''t know about you, but I haven''t seen a Shield Stone in miles." ¡°If we go back, it could change on us again,¡± Justin said. ¡°I think we should check this Vault at the very least. If we read the Description, we''re not actually committing to anything.¡± ¡°A Vault in a city like this one will be far beyond our party¡¯s abilities,¡± Kargan said. ¡°We might camp in front of it tonight, assuming it¡¯s low enough in level. But we¡¯d need to head back into the forest tomorrow and take our chances. The important thing is we need to make sure we keep pointing north, even if we have to go off trail.¡± ¡°You said the city is in a pass,¡± Lila said. ¡°What¡¯s on the other side?¡± ¡°The Northwood,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Much gentler terrain, to be sure. The path to Windfall would be fairly clear, admittedly.¡± ¡°Maybe we should check out the Vault first,¡± Lila said. ¡°Who knows? It might be doable.¡± Kargan sighed, clearly not liking this. ¡°It probably doesn¡¯t hurt to try.¡± As they approached what appeared to be the entrance to the city, a large archway covered in ancient runes, the System notification appeared before them:
Vault Discovered: The Fate of Eldareth Recommended Party Level: 8 Average Party Level: 4.667 Risk Level: Extremely Dangerous! Your party is well below the recommended level. Some challenges may be difficult, perhaps even fatal.
Description: The Ruins of Eldareth, once a flourishing Elvish city renowned for its grand architecture, now lie in desolate ruin. However, the city¡¯s ancient magic endures, offering Adventurers a rare glimpse into a glorious but often forgotten past. Over two millennia ago, during the twilight of the Age of Wonders, the Elven Kingdom of Ilvaria and the Orcish Confederation were embroiled in a brutal war over the fate of Serenthel. Despite the splendor of the past, it was a dark time for Ilvaria, especially as the war dragged on with no clear resolution. Your party must assume the role of a diplomatic delegation sent from the Orcish Confederation to offer terms of peace, with neither side gaining or losing ground or resources in the deal. The Vault is only cleared when the King Thalion and Queen Alaria agree to enter peace talks with the Orcish Confederation. This challenge is not solely political. It may also lead to physical confrontations if the party cannot convince both monarchs. It demands both sharp intelligence and a capable hand.
Rewards Upon Completion: ¡ªExperience: Scaled to party member level and individual contribution. ¡ªGuaranteed Bronze-Level Item: For each party member. ¡ªChance for a Silver-Level Item: For one party member. ¡ªTreasure: One golden crown, to be divided amongst the party.
Do you accept the Vault¡¯s challenge?
Kargan turned to Justin and Lila, his expression serious. ¡°This is it. If we go through, we¡¯re committing to this. There¡¯s no turning back from the moment you enter a Vault.¡± Justin took a deep breath, glancing at the foreboding ancient structures before them. ¡°Looks like we have little choice. Let¡¯s do this. Level 8 is less than anything we¡¯ve done so far.¡± ¡°Right now?" Lila asked incredulously. "I''m beyond exhausted, and we don¡¯t have Eldrin or Alistair to breeze through it anymore. And need I remind you, each of us is only Level 6 and a Charisma class?¡± ¡°Are those your friends?¡± Kargan asked curiously. Justin and Lila both nodded somberly. So far, they hadn¡¯t told Kargan anything about Alistair or Eldrin. Everything was still too fresh, and Justin hadn¡¯t even had time to process things. Justin broke the silence. ¡°Let¡¯s camp out in front of the entrance, then. At Level 8, this Vault isn¡¯t making monsters anytime soon. There must¡¯ve been another Vault in the forest doing that. We¡¯re probably safe to camp here as long as Kargan has his ward up.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± Kargan said. ¡°True enough. It¡¯s late. We should definitely take a rest while we have the opportunity. Plus, I have enough experience to unlock my Level 3 skill, which could prove vital.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ll do, then,¡± Lila said. ¡°We can make a better decision tomorrow morning.¡± "I''ll take the first watch," Kargan said. "We can''t count on the ward to completely protect us." "I can grab second," Justin said. "Wake me in a few hours." "I''ll take the last one, then," Lila said. As they settled down for the night, Kargan created his Ward of Aegis, the protective circle giving them a sense of security before the broken city gates. They ate a hasty dinner, each lost in their thoughts, contemplating the challenge ahead. The ancient city loomed silently before them, the greenish glow of the magical veil casting everything in a ghostly light. The air was cool and still, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of leaves or distant, unidentifiable noises from the forest. This Vault would prove a challenge to them for sure, especially with Kargan being at such a low level. Then again, from what Alistair and Eldrin were describing, it seemed all Vaults started at a low level and grew more powerful. As such, perhaps the Vault was still quite new. Over centuries, perhaps numerous Vaults had been cleared from these ruins dozens of times by various adventurers, the scenarios encountered within being different each time. They laid out their bedrolls near the entrance. Justin laid down and stared up at the starry sky. Lila lay on her side, her knives within reach, a determined look on her face. The night was quiet, the weight of the ancient city pressing down on them as Justin and Lila drifted off to sleep. 39. Before the Ruins The morning light filtered through the dense canopy of the Darkwood, casting an eerie glow on the ancient ruins of Eldareth. Justin stirred awake, feeling the chill of dawn and the cool earth beneath him. He glanced around to see Lila already awake, stoking the small campfire. Kargan was still asleep, snoring softly. For the first time since Silverton, Justin had no level up to process. He got up and stretched, feeling the tension in his muscles from the previous day¡¯s ordeal. The air was crisp, and the silence of the forest was unsettling. Though it was daytime, the dimness was downright eerie. He moved closer to the fire, where Lila handed him a piece of bread. ¡°Morning,¡± she said, her voice low. ¡°We¡¯re getting a little low on supplies, unfortunately.¡± ¡°Morning,¡± Justin replied, taking a bite. ¡°Well, once we get to Windfall, we¡¯ll dine like royalty.¡± He looked over at Kargan, who was still asleep. ¡°We should wake him up.¡± As if on cue, Kargan stirred, blinking groggily as he sat up. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Time to eat,¡± Justin said, handing him some food. ¡°Hope you like bread. It¡¯s all we¡¯ve got left.¡± Kargan nodded, taking the offered meal. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± As they ate, Kargan was quiet, lost in thought. Justin guessed he was probably choosing his Level 3 skill. After a few minutes, Kargan¡¯s short tusks stuck out a bit in what Justin assumed was an orcish smile. ¡°New skill,¡± he announced with pride. ¡°Vital Surge. It lets me use some of my Life Force to heal a party member.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Justin exclaimed. ¡°It¡¯ll definitely come in handy if we decide to explore the city.¡± ¡°Are we sure that¡¯s wise?¡± Lila asked. ¡°We¡¯ve had our share of close calls already.¡± Before they could discuss it further, a sudden rustling from the trees caught their attention. Justin stood up, his hand instinctively reaching for his cane. From the shadows emerged a figure¡ªhalf-man, half-horse. It was a centaur with a brown coat, holding a short bow designed for rapid firing, along with a quiver full of arrows at its side. Its pale face, striking and fierce, was framed by a mane of dark hair, and its eyes glowed with anger. Before Justin could say anything, the centaur was already drawing an arrow and letting it fly. Justin barely had time to react, raising his cane to deflect the projectile. Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has shielded this attack! Lila was already moving, her knives at the ready, while Kargan quickly cast Ward of Aegis. The arrows kept coming, pelting the barrier constantly. It wasn¡¯t long before the ward petered out entirely. The centaur moved with astonishing speed and precision. Kargan moved quickly to recast the barrier, but in the interim, an arrow flew right toward the group and lodged right into Lila¡¯s shoulder, causing her to scream in pain. ¡°Get behind me!¡± Kargan roared, abandoning the creation of his ward, which was taking too long. As the orc stepped between Lila and the centaur, and Justin moved behind him, Kargan cast Sacrificial Armor, surrounding himself in a blue barrier. Even as arrows were knocked back by his magical shell, Kargan turned to Lila and roared with pain as he cast magic anew. A flash of blue light surrounded her, and the arrow slipped from the wound as the flesh beneath knitted together, leaving nothing but the blood that had stained her shirt. Her eyes widened at the sight. Kargan¡¯s face was sweating blood, even as he turned to face the centaur, staff in hand. His magical armor was already weakening from the continuous barrage of arrows. Justin felt worse than useless. There was no way that centaur would let him even get close to attack with his staff. ¡°I can¡¯t keep this up forever,¡± Kargan said, his voice strained. ¡°We need to think of something.¡± Justin thought of his own skills. Poison Barb might work, but did the centaur even speak the same language as him? Dandy¡¯s Swagger would provide a small morale and confidence boost, but it was questionable how useful that was. There was Dazzling Display, of course, but if Justin used it now, it wouldn¡¯t be available again until tomorrow, and he might need the move for the Vault. In the end, Justin activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger, strutting forward and twirling his cane. A yellow aura surrounded him, infusing itself into his allies. An unbridled, cocky confidence filled him. Kargan glanced at him. ¡°What on Eyrth are you doing, Socialite? Now¡¯s not the time for dancing!¡± But he¡¯d gotten the centaur¡¯s attention, which had apparently taken the strutting dance as a threat. Justin decided now was the perfect time to lob a Poison Barb. His Charisma was edified to 21 while the centaur had taken a -2 Charisma malus. ¡°Nice shooting! Did you train with the village idiot, or are you just naturally this bad?¡± The centaur apparently understood the message all too well, its cheeks flushing with anger. It began firing only at Justin, who did his best to dance out of the way. Kargan intervened, taking the hits with a newly conjured Sacrificial Armor, and was already casting a new Ward of Aegis. From the orc¡¯s efforts, his Life Force had to be getting low. ¡°Now, Lila!¡± Justin shouted. Lila seized the opportunity, throwing her knives with deadly accuracy. The centaur stumbled, three of her six knives hitting right in its flank, causing it to rear up on its hind legs. It backed away into the trees, and at first, Justin thought it was retreating. But then, two more centaurs burst from the underbrush¡ªone with a sword and shield, the other with another bow. ¡°This¡­is bad,¡± Justin muttered. Kargan was panting for breath, the toll of so many spells clearly slowing him down. The new centaurs wasted no time in joining the attack, the sword-wielding one charging toward the outside of the ward while the two archers continued to rain arrows at them. The new ward wouldn¡¯t last much longer.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Kargan gritted his teeth, already preparing a new ward in anticipation of losing the current one. ¡°I can¡¯t keep this up. We need to retreat into the Vault!¡± Just as they were about to make a break for it, a pained scream echoed through the forest. Justin turned to see the archer centaur falter and fall to its knees, an arrow embedded just below its left arm. Two more arrows were buried in its side. From the trees, Eldrin emerged, bow in hand, his face set in a stern expression. The sight of their friend arriving in the nick of time filled Justin with a surge of relief and hope just as he had never known. ¡°Eldrin!¡± Lila shouted. Eldrin, with practiced precision, quickly shifted his aim to the remaining centaur archer, which was already backing away into the Darkwood. Eldrin fired in rapid succession, bringing the second beast down. The centaur swordsman, still attacking Kargan¡¯s new Ward of Aegis, suddenly switched tactics and charged at the Ranger. Eldrin had time to shoot another arrow before diving into some underbrush, barely avoiding the creature¡¯s charge. The Ranger needed help, even if it was only a distraction. ¡°Now!¡± Justin yelled. They ran forward to engage. The centaur, noting it was outnumbered and wounded, cut its losses and fled into the Darkwood, screaming furiously while beating at its shield. Maybe it was calling for reinforcements. Eldrin watched the centaur¡¯s retreat, not breaking his defensive stance until he was sure it was gone. Then, he put his bow on his back and approached the trio, his eyes noting Kargan¡¯s presence. ¡°What in the gods¡¯ names are you doing here?¡± he demanded, though his tone held more relief than anger. ¡°The Darkwood, of all places?¡± Justin, still catching his breath, managed a tired smile. ¡°Nice to see you too, Eldrin.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll be back with more,¡± the Ranger said. ¡°I hope that Vault there isn¡¯t too high a level.¡± ¡°It was Level 8 last night,¡± Justin said. ¡°Though we haven¡¯t had the chance to check it this morning. Where did you go?¡± Eldrin ignored the question for now. ¡°All of you are lucky to be alive. It¡¯s my fault, I suppose, for not warning you about the Darkwood.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll say,¡± Lila said. ¡°How did you find us so easily?¡± ¡°Shadowflight. And you left a trail that would put a drunken elephant to shame.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Justin said. ¡°Any news of Gareth?¡± Eldrin gave a coy smile. ¡°Let¡¯s just say they won¡¯t be a problem.¡± Lila¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You killed them?¡± ¡°No, of course not. I led them south along the Marin. They¡¯ve probably figured it out the ruse by now, and when do they, they¡¯ll probably head for Darkstream Crossing. From there, they¡¯ll have to spread themselves thin trying to figure out where you¡¯re going. Point being, we should be safe to head to Windfall. That¡¯s the closest city of note.¡± ¡°That was our plan,¡± Justin said. ¡°We should¡¯ve gone to Darkstream Crossing instead.¡± ¡°Aye, but there¡¯s no use lamenting the path not taken. Our new goal is Windfall, and from there, getting the rest of the way to Mont Elea.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what we figured,¡± Justin said. ¡°Apparently, this city is the fastest way through.¡± ¡°Aye,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°If this Vault is still Level 8, it¡¯s doable for our party. However, without Alistair, we¡¯ll need to be on our toes. I¡¯d take this over the Darkwood and centaur ambushes any day. Nasty, brutish creatures.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll be back any moment,¡± Kargan said. At this voice, Eldrin regarded him, putting out a hand in greeting. ¡°Eldrin Thornwood.¡± ¡°Kargan Durzag,¡± he said, taking the hand cautiously. ¡°Clan?¡± Kargan was silent. ¡°It¡¯s¡­complicated.¡± ¡°A Blood Warden,¡± Eldrin said with respect. ¡°That¡¯s quite a rare class.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re a Ranger, unless I miss my guess. I¡¯m just here for a time. Until Windfall.¡± The sounds of movement and distant war cries from the forest showed their time was pressing. ¡°About time we entered that Vault,¡± Justin said. ¡°Mind taking over the Party before we do, Eldrin?¡± ¡°Aye. Let¡¯s approach.¡± Justin invited Eldrin to the party and mentally offered him the role of Party Leader. Eldrin has joined the Party and assumed the role of Party Leader. As they walked toward the Vault, Justin set his focus on Eldrin¡¯s character, noticing that he¡¯d earned a level up and a new skill:
Name: Eldrin Thornwood Class: Ranger Level: 11
Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 17 (16+1) Endurance: 12 Intellect: 12 Perception: 10 Charisma: 12 (11+1)
Skills: (Class Skill) Ranger¡¯s Intuition: Senses imminent danger and can inspect character classes of equal or lower level, even when not in a Party. (Level 1) Eagle Sight (Item Upgrade): Boosted accuracy with ranged weapons and heightened observational awareness. (Level 2) Nature¡¯s Cloak: Enhanced stealth in natural environments. (Level 3) Animal Bond: Connect deeply with a wild creature, typically a falcon. (Level 5) Pathfinder¡¯s Pace: Navigate through rough terrain with ease, covering tracks. (Level 7) Alchemist¡¯s Touch: Amplified potency of crafted potions, antidotes, and poisons. (Level 10) Guerilla Expertise: Improved first strikes when ambushing, ensuring high accuracy and damage. (Level 11) Falcon¡¯s Mark: Coordinate with your bonded falcon to ensure a perfectly accurate shot that pierces armor.
Equipment: Weapon: Bow of Eagle Sight: +1 boost to Coordination. Upgrades Eagle Eye skill to Eagle Sight, allowing you to see at great distances when aiming. Clothing: Ranger¡¯s cloak and pants. Footwear: Boots of Silent Steps: Make no sound when walking, no matter what you find underfoot.
Justin closed Eldrin¡¯s character sheet. ¡°That Falcon¡¯s Mark looks extremely useful!¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t had the chance to test it out yet,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I¡¯m sure I will soon.¡± His eyes turned to the Vault. ¡°Let¡¯s approach.¡± Even as the sounds from the forest increased, Kargan cast a new Ward of Aegis, having mostly recovered from his wounds. It would buy them a bit more time to review the Vault description in case arrows came flying at them. When they were within a few paces of the city¡¯s open gate, Justin received the information.
Vault Discovered: The Fate of Eldareth Recommended Party Level: 8 Average Party Level: 6.5 Risk Level: Dangerous! Your party is below the recommended level. Proceed with extreme caution.
Description: The Ruins of Eldareth, once a flourishing Elvish city renowned for its grand architecture, now lie in desolate ruin. However, the city¡¯s ancient magic endures, offering Adventurers a rare glimpse into a glorious but often forgotten past. Over two millennia ago, during the twilight of the Age of Wonders, the Elven Kingdom of Ilvaria and the Orcish Confederation were embroiled in a brutal war over the fate of Serenthel. Despite the splendor of the past, it was a dark time for Ilvaria, whose people desperately hungered for peace. Your party must assume the role of a neutral diplomatic delegation, sent from the Orcish Confederation to negotiate terms of peace. The Vault is only cleared when the peace agreement is accepted by the King and Queen of Ilvaria. This challenge is not solely political but may also lead to physical confrontations. It demands both sharp intelligence and a capable hand.
Rewards Upon Completion: ¡ªExperience: Scaled to party member level and individual contribution. ¡ªGuaranteed Bronze-Level Item: For each party member. ¡ªChance for a Silver-Level Item: For one party member. ¡ªTreasure: One gold crown, to be divided amongst the party. Do you accept the Vault¡¯s challenge?
Justin immediately gave his mental assent. With Eldrin leading the party, there was no reason to delay in his mind. Kargan, however, seemed to hesitate. ¡°It¡¯ll be all right,¡± Lila said reassuringly. ¡°You¡¯re more than capable.¡± Kargan sighed. ¡°No choice, huh?¡± ¡°Unless you wish to fight an entire Centaur herd,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°No. That, I do not.¡± A moment later, Kargan nodded. You have accepted the Challenge of The Ruins of Eldareth. May your courage be your guide and your resolve your shield. Good luck, Brave Adventurers! Language stack had been added for the duration of this Vault: Ancient Ilvari. With that, the party entered under the broken gates of the city as one. 40. Into Eldareth As soon as they passed through the green veil of magic, the city was no longer in its ruinous state but appeared to be at the height of its power. They stood on a wide boulevard paved in pure white marble, the median lined with luminescent trees that shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow. Tall, curving buildings rose on either side, none shorter than five stories, with many as high as ten. The streets were filled with tall figures in flowing, vibrant robes, and¡ªJustin noticed¡ªpointed ears. Their skin tones ranged from pale silver to deep emerald, and their eyes glowed faintly, hinting at their innate magical abilities. The sky was pure blue, the weather warm, even balmy. Kargan looked around, eyes wide. ¡°I never dreamed I would see an Elf in all my days.¡± ¡°They¡¯re not real,¡± Lila said. ¡°Yes, but they might as well be,¡± Kargan replied. ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said. ¡°What¡¯s the plan? We¡¯re supposed to be a delegation from the Orcish Confederation, so we need to find the King and Queen. How can we do that?¡± As they stepped forward into the city, Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice that the Elves were shirking back from them. He realized it wasn¡¯t he, Eldrin, and Lila they were afraid of, but Kargan. That made sense, considering they were at war with the Orcs. It didn¡¯t take too long for two guards to approach. They wore green, natural-looking armor that seemed to be woven from living vines and leaves, and they carried staves that glowed with a faint inner light. Each had silver skin, with silver hair hanging down to their waists. ¡°There you are!¡± the leader said. ¡°They told us to be on the lookout for the delegation, but that you¡¯ve snuck right past the walls doesn¡¯t bode well for the Gate Wardens.¡± To Justin¡¯s shock, the words came out in the language that must have been Ancient Ilvari. It sounded melodic and slurring, but he understood every word. He was even more surprised when Eldrin responded in the same language. ¡°Indeed, we are representatives of the Orcish Confederation. Please take us to the King and Queen. There is no time to waste.¡± ¡°Just the four of you?¡± the other guard asked skeptically. ¡°And our enemies would insult us to send an Orc! The delegation was to be entirely neutral.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not from the Confederation,¡± Kargan put in. ¡°I see,¡± the guard said. ¡°Well, maybe so. It would seem you¡¯re a mage, and the Confederation doesn¡¯t look too kindly on them.¡± Justin cleared his throat. ¡°The Confederation wishes to show its good faith, knowing the power of the Ilvari mages. It has been a long and terrible war, and they are eager to sue for peace.¡± The first guard scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ll say, especially after how badly we beat them at the Battle of Eryndor!¡± ¡°Please,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Lead us to the Palace.¡± ¡°We will do so at once.¡± Within a minute, a contingent of Elvish guards in similar natural armor, all bearing staves, had boxed them in and were escorting them up the main thoroughfare. The city was far larger than anything Justin had seen so far in Eyrth. This was clearly once an important city. The towers rose like skyscrapers, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings, even connecting to each other in graceful, arched bridges. Blending in with the buildings were beautiful trees, with wide and graceful limbs. Passers-by watched them with distrust, their gazes lingering especially long on Kargan. Justin¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he saw something that he could only describe as a bipedal, armored dinosaur, with emerald-green skin, being ridden on by an Elvish warrior. It was about the size of a horse, and from the lack of looks, it wasn¡¯t a strange sight. At Justin¡¯s look of confusion, Eldrin leaned over, speaking in Aranthian while also watching the creature. ¡°That¡¯s a Thera. This kind has been extinct in Serenthel as long as the Elves.¡± Justin had to wonder. If society had been this advanced two thousand years ago, what had caused it to¡­well, stop being so advanced? War? Plague? Random meteor strike? Yet more questions he didn¡¯t have the answer to. At last, they rounded a bend and found themselves before a massive palace that seemed to be a series of massive, interconnected trees, with branches and leaves gleaming silver and similarly silver bark shining under the resplendent sun. Its canopy spread wide, falling over the stones of the plaza they stood on. The guards led them up a set of marble steps, right through the open entrance of the main tree, where the grandeur only increased. The halls were adorned with magical luminescence, casting everything in a soft, radiant glow. The walls were lined with tapestries depicting scenes of Elvish history, and statues of great Elven heroes stood in alcoves, their eyes watching the party as they passed. A magnificent fountain rose in the middle, depicting some great Elvish king on the back of a unicorn. Finally, they entered a grand hall. The space was vast, with high ceilings supported by columns that were in fact living trees with golden bark, their branches arching overhead to form a natural canopy. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of magical energy. They passed dozens of nobles dressed richly, and all Justin could think of was that these people¡ªif they could indeed be called people¡ªno longer existed and hadn¡¯t for two thousand years. More than that, their entire race had been wiped out by¡­something. Perhaps by this very war the Vault had tasked them to end. Within a moment, the guards had brought them before the King and Queen, both of whom sat on thrones made of intertwined vines and precious stones, their presence commanding and regal. The King¡¯s eyes, green as emerald, surveyed them with interest. He had long, silver hair that flowed down his back and a strong, dignified face. The Queen¡¯s eyes, the same hue of amber as Kargan¡¯s, held a mixture of curiosity and caution. She had dark, flowing hair and a serene yet powerful presence. Justin remembered their names from the Vault description: King Thalion and Queen Alaria. The hall was utterly silent as the monarchs looked down at them from their thrones. Justin had to remind himself this was only a Level 8 Vault, and that they were more than capable of handling whatever was thrown at them. At least, they should be in theory. At last, the King¡¯s voice broke the silence, deep and resonant. ¡°Speak.¡± Eldrin took a humble step forward, lowering his head. ¡°My King and Queen¡­¡± The Queen raised a bejeweled hand, instantly stopping him. ¡°No. I want to hear from him.¡± To Justin¡¯s surprise, she was looking right at him. Justin cleared his throat. ¡°Me, your Majesty?¡± ¡°You dare question me, Socialite? Where is your respect?¡± Justin recognized why she was singling him out. Somehow, she knew all their classes, and as the Socialite, she expected him to be the one to speak. And come to think of it, why shouldn¡¯t he? He had the highest Charisma Attribute of anyone in the party, which in theory, should allow him to think quickly on his feet. Eldrin seemed to recognize this, gracefully taking a step back. It was up to Justin now. He gave a winning smile, hardly even feeling the gazes of the Elvish nobles upon him. In fact, it seemed the more eyes that were looking at him, the more confident he felt. This was not his normal personality. It was definitely something to do with his Charisma Attribute. ¡°Your Majesties,¡± he said, his voice clear and commanding. ¡°My name is Lord Justin of House Talemaker, and with me are my associates, Lord Eldrin, Lady Lila, and Lord Kargan. We have come on a mission of peace from the Orcish Confederation, eager to end the long and terrible war that has ravaged both nations and wider Serenthel.¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. The Queen¡¯s eyes narrowed as she looked at Kargan. ¡°An Orc mage in our midst is an unusual sight. Is this some idea of a joke by our enemies, Lord Justin?¡± Justin held her gaze steadily. ¡°It is no joke, Queen Alaria. It is only proof that it possible for an Orc¡ªthe dreaded enemy¡ªto come within the hallowed walls of Eldareth itself and conduct himself worthily.¡± To Kargan¡¯s credit, he stood straighter, having a noble bearing. He seemed to understand that this was all an act. Justin continued. ¡°We desire to end the bloodshed and find a path to peace. We understand the pain this war has caused, but we believe that through diplomacy and mutual respect, we can forge a new and brighter future for both sides.¡± The court murmured among themselves, their suspicion clear. Despite Justin¡¯s eloquence, Kargan¡¯s presence seemed to cast a shadow over their intentions. He wondered if that was by the Vault¡¯s design, or whether things would have been easier without the Orc in their party. King Thalion raised a hand to silence the court. ¡°Of course, peace is desired by all. But when so many have died, and the borders remain the same as they ever were, the sacrifice of tens of thousands of Elves will have availed nothing. We cannot accept peace unless we receive something in compensation.¡± Justin wished he could give something to the Elves, but the Vault description was clear. No land or resources could change sides in the peace deal. Justin¡¯s face became solemn. ¡°Peace is better than the alternative, my King.¡± ¡°What alternative?¡± Justin paused, weighing his words. Either what he said was a significant risk, or it would end up effectively making his point. ¡°It¡¯s been said that every empire falls as the ages turn. But when historians look back on the ruins of the past, they point to the reasons this or that kingdom fell, and what might have been done to prevent it. Sometimes, larger societal shifts are to blame, under the control of no single being in all of Eyrth, but a zeitgeist all moving in the same direction that can hardly be averted.¡± Zeitgeist. Yes, the Charisma Attribute was definitely doing something to his words. And much to Justin¡¯s surprise, everyone was listening closely. ¡°At other times,¡± Justin continued, ¡°one can point to a single action, a single ruler, who set the course of future events in such a way that collapse became inevitable. A single decision, or lack thereof, can act as a trapdoor through which a kingdom crashes and burns.¡± The King smiled. ¡°And you would say that I¡¯m that King, Lord Justin?¡± ¡°The powerful often cannot see what is apparent to all those who do not hold power. The humble farmer, whose house has burned, whose family has been killed, has already lost his kingdom. Multiply that by a hundred times¡ªa thousand, or even more¡ªthen you discover that a Kingdom does not derive its power from its rulers, but from the ruled. Make no mistake. If this war is allowed to continue, and both sides waste themselves on each other, either the entire continent devolves into anarchy, or space is made for a third player to enter and eat the carcasses of what remains.¡± The hall was incredibly silent following these words. His companions were looking at him strangely, maybe feeling his speech felt out of character. But perhaps it wasn¡¯t out of character. Perhaps he was simply stepping into his role for the first time. ¡°Your words are well spoken, Lord Justin,¡± King Thalion said at last. ¡°Of course, the danger of running out of resources and soldiers is real. But words alone are not enough to prove your sincerity, or the sincerity of the Orcish Confederation. In these times of war, we cannot afford to trust so easily.¡± The Queen looked at the King. ¡°But Lord Justin¡¯s words are as good as a prophecy. The Ilvari Elves are mighty indeed, but there are certain truths that even our people cannot escape. It might be said one day, ¡®Here once ruled the Ilvari; their cities were powerful, their magic mighty, and their craft great. And yet, they are nothing more than a memory, because they didn¡¯t know how to make peace with their enemies.¡¯¡± The King¡¯s face firmed. It was clear they didn¡¯t see eye-to-eye on this. ¡°That may be true,¡± the King said at last. ¡°But if we were the first to cast aside our staves, it would expose our necks to the Orcish enemy. It¡¯s only been fifty years since they even learned to write. Unlike our people, they do not abide by treaties and laws. Their word is only good for a generation until the next forgets it and takes up the hammers and axes of their fathers.¡± ¡°The Orcish Confederation is sincere in its offer of peace,¡± Justin said. ¡°In the halls of their Clan Elders, they recognize the need for change in their society.¡± ¡°I imagine they do,¡± King Thalion said. ¡°We dealt them a mighty blow at Eryndor. A blow for which we deserve compensation.¡± ¡°Or,¡± Queen Alaria said, ¡°in our hubris, we stretch our hand too far and find ourselves with a string of losses that erases all of our gains. The war was faring poorly before our timely victory, my King. It might be best to take the peace while we can.¡± Justin could see that his words had convinced the Queen already. The King was the main holdout. And yet, Justin knew he had pushed enough already. Anymore and the King might become even more stubborn. His wife, after all, had already gone against him in front of the entire court. At last, King Thalion sighed. ¡°I cannot trust you, Lord Justin¡ªor more accurately, the ones you represent. We¡¯ve made peace in the time of my father, and still, they come raiding down from their mountain halls. Why should we ever trust them?¡± ¡°My King,¡± Queen Alaria said. ¡°You must lay down your pride. We have already lost so many young soldiers. How can our kingdom hope to recover if we lose even more?¡± The tension between the two only seemed to increase. Justin was wracking his mind for something to say to save the situation when the silence was broken by an unknown voice resounding throughout the hall. ¡°Why not let the gods decide?¡± A warrior stepped forward from the shadows, tall and formidable, clad in silver armor that gleamed like the moon. His eyes were cold and calculating, fiercely blue, and his skin was the same color as his armor. ¡°Lord Seraphael,¡± the King said, a smile tugging at his lips. ¡°You would challenge this envoy that has come in peace by laws centuries old?¡± Justin frowned. ¡°If this is some trial by combat, we aren¡¯t interested.¡± ¡°And yet,¡± Lord Seraphael said, ¡°the King and Queen are at an impasse. In times of old, if the monarchs could not agree on a matter, it was left to the gods to decide.¡± He turned to the King and Queen. ¡°With your permission, your Majesties?¡± The King nodded regally, while the Queen waited a moment, clearly not liking this. Yet she also nodded. Lord Seraphael smiled, the picture of confidence as he turned to face the party. ¡°I am Seraphael Thalarion, of the very Eryndor that has one the great victory a fortnight past. My land has suffered greatly at the hands of the Orcs, and I would die long before I ever made peace with the overgrown goblins.¡± Kargan¡¯s short tusks protruded further at that, but he kept silent, even as his amber eyes burned in anger. Lord Seraphael gave a mocking smile as he looked down on Kargan. ¡°That you bring one of these savages into our hallowed halls is the greatest of insults!¡± Kargan was about to speak, but Justin raised his hand. Justin smiled. ¡°Really? I¡¯d have thought the greatest insult would be your complete lack of manners. If anyone is behaving with savagery, it¡¯s not Lord Kargan, but you, Seraphael. But I suppose one can¡¯t expect much from someone who compensates with such¡­ shining armor.¡± A couple of nobles tittered in the background, but most seemed interested in how Seraphael would react. Clearly, the man had a reputation for violence. Seraphael puffed out his chest. ¡°Trust me, my dear Socialite, I shall not be the one found lacking. With the permission of the good King and Queen, I say we settle this in the arena. Me, against the four of you.¡± Justin activated his Dandy¡¯s Swagger, strutting forward with exaggerated grace, puffing out his chest mockingly while twirling his cane. His movements were fluid and taunting, a gross exaggeration of Seraphael himself. Gasps of alarm echoed through the hall, though some laughed nervously. Seraphael¡¯s expression turned to one of disgust and anger. Justin followed it up with a Poison Barb. ¡°Well, my good Seraphael, if your combat skills are as sharp as your wit, then we have nothing to fear.¡± Seraphael became momentarily stunned, his face red as he fought for words to speak. A couple of nobles gasped in the background. ¡°That settles it,¡± Seraphael said, finally recovering. ¡°By the good grace of the King and Queen, this will be no simple contest, but a fight to the death. The four of you against me and my Thera, with the Goddess Lathalon herself as witness! I can see by those implements you call weapons that you are warriors of great renown.¡± His voice was dripping with sarcasm. ¡°If you can prove your strength and resolve by spilling my life¡¯s blood, the bravest and most powerful warrior in the Kingdom, then I swear by the Good Goddess herself that the Ilvari Elves will enter peace talks with the Orcish Confederation.¡± Eldrin, Lila, and Kargan looked at Justin. The Ranger nodded, and somehow, Justin knew that was part of the Vault¡¯s challenge. While he had failed to convince both the King and Queen, there was still a way to complete the Vault. To do that, they would have to face this warrior. It was four against one. Two, if they counted the Elvish warrior¡¯s Thera mount. Justin looked at the King and Queen. ¡°Do we have your word that you¡¯ll honor the terms given by¡­remind me again¡­your most powerful warrior?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± the King said, somewhat miffed. ¡°No Elf can make such a vow and live to break it.¡± ¡°Then we accept your challenge, Seraphael. Upon our victory, the Ilvari Elves will gain two gifts: peace with the Orcs and the absence of one fool. I must admit, it¡¯s difficult to say which is the greater blessing.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± Seraphael said, his voice one of forced calm. ¡°We will see how empty banter avails you on the battleground, Socialite. I can¡¯t wait to crush you beneath the claws of my Thera.¡± The courtroom broke into a flurry of whispers. Justin could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. The Queen¡¯s gaze softened slightly as she looked at the party. ¡°May the Goddess be with the winner.¡± ¡°The trial will begin in one hour in the courtyard arena,¡± the King declared. ¡°You had best prepare yourselves; Seraphael is indeed my strongest warrior.¡± In the next moment, Justin and the rest were escorted out of the throne room. His mind raced as they walked, his heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and anxiety. He wondered what else he could have said to convince the King before things came to blows, but it was too late for that. He just had to believe that the four of them had what it took. 41. Trial by Combat Within the hour, Justin, Eldrin, Kargan, and Lila were gathered in a circular arena within the palace. The ring was vast and imposing, with high stone walls encircling a sandy floor. The seats around the perimeter were packed with Elven nobles, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain. Ornate banners hung from the walls, depicting a silver tree on a field of gold. The sunlight streamed down through the open roof, casting a golden glow over the combatants. So far, their opponent had yet to show up. ¡°Plan?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Well, you did a good job of riling him up,¡± Lila said. ¡°It might make him overly aggressive,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Either way, we¡¯ll need someone to tank the hits. I volunteer. Mine is the only tank class.¡± ¡°You are too low level for that,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°You might survive for a while, but the Vault would not make this one versus four unless Seraphael proved a fair challenge. It would make more sense if you functioned as a healer.¡± ¡°Hmm, you might have a point there,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Well, what¡¯s your plan, then?¡± ¡°I will take on the role of tank, fighting with my sword. My higher level and evasiveness will prove key. You will keep me healed with your Vital Surge, and if possible, maintain your Ward of Aegis to improve my defense and the power of your healing. As long as I can draw his attention and keep him focused on me, we should be able to beat him. I¡¯ll do everything I can to bring down his Thera. Once he loses that, he loses his advantage.¡± ¡°I could use my Ward of Aegis,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Maybe bait him into charging us, then set up the ward quickly. Should knock him back, or at least stagger him a bit.¡± ¡°Hey, that¡¯s a good idea!¡± Lila said. ¡°But will it work on someone as strong as Seraphael?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to see,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It¡¯s certainly safer than me trying to take on both the beast and its rider. Assuming this works, focus everything on Seraphael. He¡¯s going to be the weaker of the two.¡± ¡°Either way, that monster¡¯s going to be quick,¡± Justin said. ¡°What if it goes around you and attacks us directly, Eldrin?¡± ¡°In that case, Kargan is the second line of defense. Lila can stay behind him and throw her knives with ease.¡± ¡°What about me?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin thought for a moment. ¡°You can join the melee if you judge it safe. While fighting is not your forte, you are Level 6 now, and have unlocked Improved Cane Competency. Just try to stay back if Seraphael focuses on you. And of course, your Dazzling Display and Dandy¡¯s Swagger could prove pivotal to distract the enemy. And if you can stun him with your Poison Barb, all the better.¡± ¡°Sounds like a plan,¡± Justin said. ¡°It¡¯s easy to fluster a blowhard like Seraphael.¡± ¡°That can be a good thing or a bad thing,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Either way, your skills have proved pivotal in every Vault so far. Just play it safe. I don¡¯t want you risking yourself too much. While this Vault is only Level 8, we shouldn¡¯t let that make us too confident.¡± ¡°Eldrin,¡± Kargan said. ¡°If we need to switch out the tank role, there¡¯s no shame in it. That bow of yours could probably do even more damage than your sword.¡± ¡°Sensible,¡± the Ranger said. ¡°If I need to swap positions, I¡¯ll let you know.¡± With the plan set, they continued to wait for their opponent¡¯s arrival. At last, the iron gate at the edge of the arena raised foot by foot, and out came Seraphael atop his Thera, which was covered in silver armor. It loped gracefully to its position on the other side of the arena. It was also quite larger than the one Justin had seen in the streets, probably bred for battle. Seraphael twirled his staff, his silver hair and armor making it difficult to tell where his skin began and armor ended. He gave a cocky, self-assured smile, as if this trial were already decided. The crowd erupted in approval at Seraphael¡¯s entrance, their cheers and applause echoing through the arena. Nobles shouted his name, their faces alight with admiration. It didn¡¯t seem to matter what he was fighting for. Justin could only assume that the majority not only supported their champion but wanted continued war with the Orcish Federation. ¡°I want to wipe that stupid smile from his face,¡± Lila said, twirling her knives. The announcer, a tall Elf, stepped on top of a podium over the gate Seraphael had emerged from. His robes were deep green, embroidered with silver thread, and his presence commanded the attention of the crowd. His voice was like rolling thunder. ¡°Welcome, noble spectators, to this rare trial by combat! Today, we witness a challenge of great significance. On one side, we have Seraphael Thalarion of House Eryndor, a warrior of unparalleled bravery, whose deeds in battle have become legend. His skill with the staff is unmatched, and his courage knows no bounds. He rides his mighty Thera, Aravath, a beast of formidable strength and speed.¡± At the mention of its name, the Thera opened its wide mouth, giving a beastly scream that revealed rows of needle-pointed teeth. Justin felt the emanation in his bones. He tried not to wet himself as he had with the other Vault trial. But in case he did, well, that was what the Ring of Hygiene was for. The crowd erupted in cheers, their adoration for Seraphael and his mount clear. ¡°And on the other side,¡± the announcer continued, his voice dropping slightly, ¡°we have a delegation of Mysterious Strangers from the Orcish Confederation. They stand before us in defiance, hoping to prove the sincerity of the dastardly Orcish Confederation. If they win, the Ilvari Elves have agreed, under the eyes of the Goddess Lathalon herself, to enter peace talks with the Orcish Confederation. If Seraphael wins, the war will continue until the last breath is drawn. Anything goes in this fight. May Lathalon watch over the valiant!¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The crowd¡¯s reaction was mixed. Some booed, others remained silent, and a few, intrigued by the prospect, watched with keen interest. The announcer lowered his hand, signaling the start of the battle. Seraphael wasted no time, immediately kicking his beast into a charge, twirling his staff. Kargan gave a guttural yell, creating a Ward of Aegis that powered on just in time to deflect the creature¡¯s assault. The beast gave a pained scream as it was thrown back by the ward, along with Seraphael, who went flying in the air. Justin¡¯s eyes widened. Damn, that was easy. ¡°Charge!¡± Eldrin called. Justin didn¡¯t immediately follow in Eldrin¡¯s footsteps, instead activating his Dandy¡¯s Swagger, performing a little jig and cane twirl. Some in the crowd laughed, others jeered, thinking he was insulting the Elf Warrior, but he didn¡¯t care. What mattered was that he was infused with confidence, giving him the bravery to charge forward. Already, Lila was tossing her knives at the beast, which was blocking her view of Seraphael. Its hide and armor were so thick that the knives simply clattered off. Seraphael clambered up from the dusty ground, running to mount his Thera again, which had intercepted Eldrin before he could reach the Elf. Unable to get around the beast, Eldrin started attacking it with fury. Seraphael was approaching from the side for a flanking attack, and Justin rushed to meet him before he could catch Eldrin unawares. The Elf was none the wiser about Justin¡¯s approach, apparently still rattled from his fall. Edified by his Charisma bonus, and Seraphael still under a Charisma malus from Dandy¡¯s Swagger, Justin hurled his first Poison Barb as he moved in. ¡°Getting flanked isn¡¯t part of your strategy, I take it? So much for the best warrior in the city!¡± Seraphael froze in his tracks. It was enough of a distraction for Lila to throw a fresh round of knives at him. Five in a row all clattered off his armor, but the sixth found purchase in his right thigh, embedding itself in the silvery skin where there was a gap in his armor. Such was the nature of Justin¡¯s stun that the Elf couldn¡¯t even scream. Poison Barb Refreshed. Justin began his attack, twirling his cane and giving the Elf Warrior a few good thwacks. He was about to give him a solid lump on the skull when something charged into him from behind and searing hot pain ignited his side. Justin¡¯s vision immediately darkened, and when the pain hit him, it was extreme. He felt himself thrown, arcing above the dirt of the arena and landing with a hard thud. His side was wet, pouring out blood. Immediately, a refreshing coolness surrounded him, and it was as if his wound were frozen solid. He scurried to get up and defend himself, but the Thera was already focusing on Eldrin, while Seraphael was limping along to aid in his mount¡¯s attack. Already, the fight was bloody and not going according to plan. Justin, still reeling from the pain, at least had his wounds knitted together. He hobbled forward, once again going on the offensive. He wondered if Dazzling Display would do any good here, but right now, no one was in immediate danger, and it would only place all the focus on him when he needed a break. He¡¯d use the skill when the time was right. Justin ran right through the perimeter of Kargan¡¯s newly cast Ward of Aegis and felt himself refreshed and edified by it. Both Seraphael and his mount were fighting within the bounds of the ward fiercely. Justin charged at the Thera, stabbing deep into the dinosaur¡¯s exposed flank, which was fleshier than its tough exterior. The creature gave a high shriek, wheeling around and swiping with its armored tail. Justin was hit so hard that he immediately went flying back again. He landed hard on his side, and once again felt himself surrounded by refreshing coolness. He scrambled up to see that Kargan was struggling, his body coated with blood from his healing exertions. But both Seraphael and his mount were focusing on Eldrin again, who was doing all he could to hold off both with his longsword and limberness. The Ranger had already taken some hits, and Justin knew he couldn¡¯t keep it up forever, nor Kargan his healing. It was at this moment that Lila started singing, even while throwing more knives, using her Bardic Inspiration ability. Her voice rose above the din of battle, clear and melodious, weaving a song that seemed to dance in the air. The lyrics, which Justin couldn¡¯t even catch in the chaos, were swift and light, urging quickness and grace. Justin felt himself more limber, and he realized she was edifying the party¡¯s Coordination Attribute by +4. This gave him a breath of fresh air, enough to have another go at it. Instead of attacking the Thera, Justin instead went for its rider. He lobbed another insult, hoping that his Charisma was high enough to make the stun stick. ¡°Nice moves! Did you learn them from a children¡¯s puppet show?¡± Seraphael¡¯s face contorted with fury, the words cutting deep into his pride. Eldrin seized the moment, stabbing the Elf Warrior right through a gap in his armor. Seraphael¡¯s eyes went wide as he sunk to his knees, and Justin followed it up with a series of quick strikes with his cane, ending with slicing the Elf¡¯s neck. The crowd gasped in shock and awe, never having expected their champion to fall so soon. It was at this point that Justin activated his Dazzling Display, knowing that he needed some way to distract Seraphael¡¯s Thera, which would no doubt become enraged by its master¡¯s death. When the legendary actor Russell Crowe entered Justin¡¯s mind, he wasn¡¯t even surprised. He simply accepted it, taking on the actor¡¯s aspect, grabbing the fallen Elf Warrior¡¯s staff and throwing it into the surprised crowd, just below where both King and Queen were sitting. ¡°Are you not entertained?¡± he shouted. The whole stadium seemed to go still, sucked into the performance. All but Justin¡¯s companions, who continued to assault the Thera, which was also watching Justin, unable to tear its gaze away, even as it was getting attacked. ¡°Are you not entertained? Is this not why you¡¯re here?¡± The Dazzling Display ended, and time itself seemed to resume. The Thera roared, attacking with renewed vigor, going straight for Justin. ¡°Eeek!¡± Justin dove to the side, in time for Kargan to approach with a blue shield of Sacrificial Armor. The beast, however, was still targeting Justin, who was running for all he was worth. The Thera¡¯s jaws extended, and Justin performed an adroit dodge just as its sharp teeth clamped together. Without the Coordination buff from Lila¡¯s song, he doubted he could have avoided the attack. He slid behind Kargan, who tanked the hits of the Thera¡¯s jaws and claws. Eldrin began unleashing arrow after arrow, almost all landing true in the exposed gaps of the beast¡¯s armor. By now, the creature was a bloody mess, and slowing down. Now was the time to drive the nail into the coffin. The party came together, surrounding the beast. With coordinated strikes, and it was only a matter of time before it dropped to the dust. With a final stabbing of his longsword right below its exposed neck, Eldrin ended the beast once and for all. As the party backed away, the crowd erupted into a mix of shock, cheers, jeers, and boos, witnessing what they perceived as an incredible upset. The announcer¡¯s surprise was obvious as his announcement sounded over the entire arena. ¡°It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over, the fight is over! The Mysterious Strangers of the Orcish Delegation have won!¡± Justin looked into the stands in a daze, battered but not beaten. A wall of sound beat against him. Many in the crowd had been won over to their side from his Dazzling Display. Even now, they were chanting, ¡°Strangers! Strangers! Strangers!¡±, until the cry took the whole arena by storm. Was this what victory felt like? Whatever the case, it was time to claim their just rewards. 42. Arena Loot Drop They stood on the arena floor for a few minutes before the gate opened, through which the Elven King and Queen entered. They approached and King Thalion and Queen Alaria both stood, watching the party with respect, the noise of the crowd ebbing to allow him to speak. ¡°This result was¡­unexpected. But I stand by my vow made before the entire court and the Goddess Lathalon herself. We will enter peace talks with the Orcish Confederation.¡± It was at that moment that the magic of the Vault faded, revealing the ruins of the surrounding city. The once grand arena was now a desolate space overgrown with trees, its stone structures crumbling and covered in moss and vines. Yet the King and Queen, now ethereal ghosts, remained before the party, their regal forms shimmering in the late morning light. Queen Alaria smiled. ¡°Thank you, Brave Warriors, for saving our kingdom from certain doom. In truth, of course, this pointless war extended for another generation, until the Verdant Plague put an end to the fighting on both sides, beginning a Dark Age that would not lift from the continent for another five hundred years. And it was during this time that the Elves¡¯ numbers were reduced to only a few scattered clans, which in the end, were hunted down by the Necromancer-Lords of the Shadow Empire.¡± The ghostly King Thalion stepped forward, his spectral presence imposing and dignified. ¡°You have proven your worth and valor, Brave Adventurers. Though our time has long passed, we honor the promises made within the Vault. For your courage and skill, you each shall receive a just reward: One Bronze-Level Item for each Party Member, and One Silver-Level Item for the Party Member deemed most worthy.¡± Queen Alaria, her form radiant and serene, extended her hand. Within them materialized a pair of elegant boots, with a golden embroidery of vines. The Queen smiled kindly and looked at Justin. ¡°These boots were once given to our ambassadors. Normally, they would be given to someone of the Diplomat Class, but their benefits can be enjoyed by anyone with a Charisma Core. Your Charisma and presence were enough to sway me, if not my husband. While wearing them, they will grant you +1 to Endurance and will always remain dry, no matter the weather.¡± As the boots floated toward Justin, he inspected them. The Endurance boost would be welcome, making travel and pure survival all the easier. At first, he thought the enchantment that kept them dry was useless, since he already had the Ring of Hygiene. But as he thought about it, he realized they actually were still useful, because the enchantment would always keep the boots dry, and not merely once a day. ¡°Thank you, Queen Alaria.¡± Justin gave a respectful bow. She nodded regally. With another wave of her hand, the Queen produced a beautifully crafted lute, its strings glowing faintly, the color sun yellow. It gave off a warm aura. Lila¡¯s eyes widened at the sight. ¡°This is the Lute of the Sun,¡± Queen Alaria said. ¡°For Lila Fairwind the Bard, it will give a second use Bardic inspiration so long as the sun is up. This is your gift, for your song, As Fast as Sunlight, gave your party speed and grace to evade the attacks of Seraphael and his deadly Thera.¡± As the lute floated toward Lila, it traced a delicate golden trail in the shadow of the trees. Her eyes widened as she gave it a bright testing strum. It was perfectly in tune. ¡°Thank you, your Majesty.¡± Next, the Queen produced a pair of finely crafted gloves, their material both sturdy and supple. ¡°And for Eldrin the Ranger, these are the Ilvari Gloves of Alchemy. They will increase the potency of your crafted potions and poisons by 10%.¡± Eldrin received them, wasting no time in donning the enchanted gloves. ¡°I thank you, Queen Alaria.¡± And for the final Bronze-Level item, Queen Alaria summoned an amulet fashioned from a dark, polished stone set in a silver frame, with intricate Elven runes etched along the edges. ¡°This is the Blood Warden¡¯s Seal. Its enchantment will automatically reabsorb the blood you expel while casting Blood Magic, slightly increasing your Life Force regeneration. You will also not have to worry about blood staining your clothing, so long as you wear it.¡± Kargan¡¯s amber eyes widened as the amulet floated toward him. He immediately wore it. ¡°Thank you, Queen Alaria.¡± Finally, the ghostly King Thalion came out of his silence, looking at Kargan. Justin must have missed it, but at some point, he must have created the majestic, wooden staff adorned with glowing Elven runes. ¡°Kargan Durzag, you landed pivotal healing spells while bravely defending your companions and were at points near death itself for the amount of Life Force you channeled. Your performance far exceeded that which should be expected of a Level 3 Blood Warden. As such, the Vault has determined you most worthy of the Silver-Level Item. This is the Staff of Aegis. It will automatically cast the Ward of Aegis at the start of any conflict, without you having to spend any Life Force. It also grants you +2 to Endurance.¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. The staff floated toward Kargan, and he accepted it. ¡°King Thalion. You humble me. My thanks.¡± ¡°And of course, there is the prize money for winning the fight itself. One golden crown, to be split amongst the party.¡± 25 Silver Marks have been added to your inventory! You now have 3 Golden Crowns, 36 Silver Marks, and 24 Copper Pieces. The King and Queen looked at the party with a mix of pride and sorrow. It was the latter who spoke. ¡°May these enchanted items serve you well in your future endeavors. Know that the spirits of Eldareth will always remember your deeds here today.¡± With that, the ghostly monarchs faded, their forms becoming more translucent with each passing second. The surrounding air grew cooler, and the remnants of the monarchs¡¯ presence left an eerie, yet tranquil silence in the once bustling arena.
The Vault honors your triumph. Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds. The Trial of the Vault is complete! Experience Gained: 350
Birdsong once again warbled through the trees, while the green veil of magic still spread overhead. It would protect them for a while, long enough, hopefully, to escape the ruins of the city through the north gate. The party looked at each other, their new items in hand, feeling both the weight and the honor of their victory. Eldrin looked at Justin, a rare smile crossing his usually stoic face. ¡°Not bad for a Socialite,¡± he said, clapping Justin on the back. ¡°Not bad at all,¡± Justin replied, a confident grin spreading across his face. Kargan was examining his new staff, something that would be of benefit not just to him, but whatever party he found himself a part of in the future. On top of that, he¡¯d gained a new amulet that would increase his Life Force regeneration while keeping the blood from staining his clothing. Lila was examining her new lute, plucking a merry tune. Eldrin watched, a smile on his face. ¡°An enchanting melody.¡± Lila gave a playful bow. ¡°I look forward to using this. Getting a lute has long been on my list, but money has always been tight. This¡¯ll cheer the party¡¯s spirits on long marches. Once we get back to safer lands, of course.¡± Justin was already putting on his new boots while casting aside the old ones. The old boots were of the common variety, gifted to him by Alistair long ago on his first night in Eyrth. He almost didn¡¯t want to leave them behind because of that, but they were extra weight, and the Paladin would have understood. They were beyond all saving, anyway. Do you wish to bind the Invari Ambassador Boots to your core? Justin gave his assent and immediately felt the benefit of the Endurance enchantment. They would be perfect for long marches. Justin quickly summoned his character sheet:
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 6 Experience to Level 7: 989/720 (Level-up Available!)
Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 11 (10 +1) Endurance: 12 (10 +2) Intellect: 10 Perception: 11 (10 +1) Charisma: 19 (17 +2)
Equipment: Cane of Valoria: +1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill ¡°Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff.¡± The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications. The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Nullified: Death Affinity Detected. Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance. Enchantment of Dry Stride. The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: + 1 to Endurance and Coordination. Enchantment of Featherweight.
Justin closed his sheet, finding that everyone seemed to be ready to continue the march north. ¡°We must pass through the rest of the ruins, heading due north,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°From there, we¡¯ll come out into the western extent of the Northwood, a far gentler forest than the Darkwood. From there, we can either hang west northwest and resupply in Greenhollow, or head straight north, living off the land.¡± ¡°Which will be faster?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It depends on the hunting,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But pushing directly for Windfall will probably be faster.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do that, then,¡± Lila said. ¡°We can¡¯t risk Gareth getting there first.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°With Pathfinder¡¯s Pace, we¡¯re likely to make it there in three days of hard walking.¡± Kargan nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s move, then.¡± As they walked through the forested ruins, Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice how much easier it was to move. The underbrush almost seemed to melt out of Eldrin¡¯s way as they proceeded forward. He¡¯d missed his Pathfinder¡¯s Pace. Justin walked beside Kargan. ¡°Congrats on the new gear.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± he said gruffly. ¡°You too on those boots.¡± ¡°You earned it,¡± Justin said. ¡°I¡¯m glad we found you in that tower. It would have turned out differently otherwise.¡± Kargan nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s just keep our eyes on the goal, Socialite. You¡¯ve surprised me, too. That thing you did where you got the Thera¡¯s attention¡­that was Dazzling Display, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Justin nodded. ¡°It was.¡± ¡°Without that, that creature might have overwhelmed us.¡± He looked at his staff doubtfully. ¡°Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have been the one to earn this.¡± ¡°Far from it, Kargan,¡± Justin said. At that point, he almost told him about the Amulet of Equilibrium, but thankfully, he thought better of it. While Kargan was probably trustworthy, it just wasn¡¯t worth the risk. Things were looking up again. The Vault was cleared, the Darkwood left behind, and Eldrin was back in the party, leading them resolutely north. And when Justin slept next, he¡¯d get to process his next level up. For the first time since Level 3, he¡¯d get to pick a new skill to shape his destiny. The only thing that was missing was Alistair. Somehow, they¡¯d have to learn to manage without him. The thought was unimaginable. Justin still couldn¡¯t believe the Paladin was gone. It was only proof of just how dangerous their enemies were, and how important it was to stay ahead of them. The party marched north through the ruined city in silence, each lost in his or her own thoughts. Within the next hour, they had reached the ruined north gate, exiting into the Northwood beyond. 43. Truths Unveiled The woods north of the ruins of Eldareth were much kinder than the Darkwood. Gently rolling hills met them, with tall pines and spruce, as they headed north under the guidance of Eldrin and his Pathfinder¡¯s Pace. The Umber Range remained to their left, and any streams they came across were shallow. Justin had no issue keeping his feet dry with his new Ilvari boots. All in all, things were looking up. Shadowflight returned with news around midmorning. Eldrin related the bird¡¯s message. ¡°Gareth and the rest have figured out the ruse. They are heading northeast, toward Darkstream Crossing. They should make it in a day. From there, they¡¯ll probably travel northeast on the Plainsway. After that, only the gods know.¡± ¡°How long will it take them to get to Windfall?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Five days from now at the earliest,¡± Eldrin answered. ¡°Thankfully, they don¡¯t know that¡¯s where we¡¯re headed. On the Plainsway, they¡¯ll have no opportunity to turn west until they come to the Northway. We should be two days ahead of them by the time we arrive.¡± ¡°Enough time for a well-earned rest and resupply,¡± Justin said. ¡°And maybe some shopping,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ll allow one night at most, to be on the safe side,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Unfortunately, we can¡¯t go east on the Northway without risking running into them.¡± ¡°So, we need to head off the trail again,¡± Lila said. ¡°Well, we¡¯re used to that by now.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°There are back roads we can take north of Windfall, but that would take us into the foothills of the Seraphim Range. It¡¯ll be cold, of course, and there will be some nasty creatures up there.¡± ¡°Nasty creatures,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Glad I¡¯ll be gone by then.¡± ¡°Might put our coin to work and fill out some missing gear,¡± Eldrin continued. ¡°Windfall is a grand city, famed for its markets. I suspect we can¡¯t find much better except in Belmora or Eribar.¡± ¡°Eribar?¡± Justin asked. ¡°The capital of Daeloria,¡± Lila answered. Then, to Kargan, she said, ¡°Careful what you say. I was hired on as a guard, and I still haven¡¯t found a way for me to gracefully extricate myself from this situation.¡± Kargan grunted. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll admit. That Vault was quite profitable. But I¡¯m going to need to earn a lot more to make this worth it.¡± ¡°So,¡± Justin said, trying to get the conversation back on track, ¡°I guess the plan is to cut east using these back roads before coming back down to the Northway?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the idea,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ll have to go at least two solid weeks before risking the Northway. It¡¯s hard to say what Gareth¡¯s next move will be. Either he spreads his men out to find us, or he simply heads toward Mont Elea, setting up somewhere on the Gulfway to intercept us. The latter would be simpler but require more patience on his part.¡± ¡°It would make more sense to head straight there, then,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Avoid Windfall and keep our lead.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s an option. But that would bring us quite close to him, since he¡¯s already farther east. I¡¯d rather not run the risk. His skills are far beyond any of us can deal with.¡± ¡°Why not head to Draegor¡¯s Keep?¡± Lila asked. ¡°It¡¯s a port, and we have the money to hire someone to ferry us down to Mont Elea. That would keep us off the Gulfway.¡± ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± Eldrin said, ¡°but we¡¯re risking the foul weather of the Seraphic Sea. The wind blowing down from the mountains can be treacherous as the season turns cold.¡± ¡°We can play it by ear, too,¡± Justin said. ¡°No need to decide right now.¡± He remembered Lila saying she was going to stop at Draegor¡¯s Keep. From there, it would just be him and Eldrin. But that was still a while away, so he wasn¡¯t too worried. What he was worried about was what happened after Mont Elea. It was still weeks away, months even. Once he got the Death Mark removed, then what? Would the Baron really leave him alone then? Somehow, he doubted it. Justin tried not to think about things too much, but it was impossible for questions not to form in his mind. They ate a light lunch, since they were getting low on food, before continuing north. Around early afternoon, Eldrin motioned them down at the top of a hill. At first, Justin thought there was something wrong, until at the bottom of the incline, he spied a large wild boar rooting around in the underbrush. The creature was sizable. Eldrin took his time, his movements deliberate and quiet as he nocked an arrow. It wasn¡¯t an easy shot, but Justin was confident he would get it, especially when Shadowflight fluttered down in a nearby tree. The Ranger would certainly use his new skill, Falcon¡¯s Mark, to ensure a perfect hit. With a steady hand and keen eye, Eldrin released the arrow, striking the boar cleanly behind the shoulder, piercing its heart. The animal fell swiftly, ensuring it didn¡¯t suffer too much. ¡°Nice shot,¡± Lila said, impressed. ¡°We¡¯ll set up camp near our kill,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It¡¯ll take the better part of the day to prepare the meat.¡± It took them fifteen minutes to actually reach the fallen boar and another two hours to butcher and prepare the meat. First, Eldrin used his knife to bleed the boar, ensuring the meat would not spoil quickly. Next, he carefully skinned the animal, removing the hide in one piece to sell in town later. He then gutted the boar, removing the entrails and setting aside the liver and heart for cooking. Once the boar was fully dressed, they cut the meat into manageable pieces, separating the loins, ribs, and haunches. The task was laborious, but the reward was worth it; they were down to some stale bread and perhaps one meal of oatmeal, so the meat would be welcome sustenance, providing enough to feed their party for a week if not more, with extra to smoke and preserve for later. They set up a makeshift fire pit using stones they found nearby and gathered dry wood and kindling from the forest floor. Eldrin had a steady flame going within minutes. They crafted a spit from sturdy branches, skewering the larger pieces of meat and positioning them over the fire. As the meat cooked, they turned the spit slowly, ensuring even roasting. The sizzle of the pork and the aroma of roasting meat were tantalizing. For the smaller cuts, they fashioned a grill from green branches, placing it over the fire and laying the ribs and loins on top. The meat cooked to a golden brown, the fat dripping into the flames and creating bursts of savory smoke. Eldrin seasoned the liver and heart with salt and herbs from his pack, then wrapped them in large leaves and placed them directly in the embers to cook. The liver and heart would be ready first, providing a quick, nutritious meal while the rest of the meat roasted to perfection. By twilight, Kargan had cast his Ward of Aegis and everyone had a full belly. They wrapped the remaining meat, about twenty-five pounds worth per person, in cloth and secured it with rope, using Eldrin¡¯s salt to preserve it. The weather was also quite cool, which would ensure the meat stayed fresh. As Kargan and Lila settled down to sleep, Justin and Eldrin stayed awake. It was his first real reprieve in a while. The Ranger was smoking a pipe thoughtfully, staring into the flames. Justin would have slept, but too many questions were bouncing around his mind. Questions for which only Eldrin had the answer. ¡°Eldrin, can we talk a bit? Away from the camp.¡± The Ranger looked up. ¡°Sure thing, lad.¡± They stepped away from the fire, a suitable distance away but still in sight. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Eldrin asked. Justin gathered his thoughts. ¡°I have questions. I know I wasn¡¯t supposed to be listening at the door at the inn, but the point is, I did, and I heard some things. Things I¡¯d like an answer to.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°You¡¯re wanting to know what the Baron saw in you, no doubt.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Yes. It seems extreme to go through all this trouble over a low-level Socialite. Why did he set the Death Mark on me in the first place? Did Alistair tell you anything?¡± ¡°He told me what he cared to tell me,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I¡¯ve deduced a fair bit on my own. We were going to tell you when the time was right.¡± ¡°The time is right now, Eldrin. I deserve to know.¡± The Ranger let out a smoke ring, watching it dissipate into the frigid night. ¡°I expect you do.¡± Justin waited patiently. He knew Eldrin wasn¡¯t hesitating. He was just trying to figure out the best way to deliver the information. ¡°As for why he placed that Death Mark on you, Alistair and I agreed that he probably didn¡¯t know what he had,¡± Eldrin said carefully. ¡°He saw you were isolated and alone, and no one would go looking for you. Plus, you have something of a rare class. That can be useful to a man like Valdrik. You told me he was a Socialite himself before taking on the Lexicant class.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Justin frowned in thought. ¡°He assumed I was nobility. I made up some name.¡± ¡°He¡¯s probably heard of every major and minor house in Aranthia,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°If he didn¡¯t recognize yours, he saw through the fabrication. He simply saw an opportunity and jumped on it.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t he just keep me in his mansion, then?¡± ¡°That¡¯s simple enough. You were turning in a job for the post office. The office would see the parcel was accepted, but the courier never came for payment, and that wouldn¡¯t be updated in the Universal Ledger. That¡¯d be suspicious.¡± ¡°Makes sense,¡± Justin said. ¡°You said he didn¡¯t know what I had. But I had nothing. I was Level 1 at the time with just a few silvers in my pocket.¡± ¡°You had something,¡± Eldrin said darkly. ¡°From the moment you left his mansion, he was keeping a close watch on you. One of his men was certainly there that night at the Moonlit Alehouse, listening to every word we said. My greatest failure was not noticing it; I was too deep into my drinks. No doubt, that spy was learning everything he could, and when the Mark was mature, he was probably going to be your murderer.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened. Of course, that made sense. It was simply chilling to think about. ¡°The Baron was forced to move faster when Alistair got involved,¡± Eldrin continued. ¡°That¡¯s another thing,¡± Justin said. ¡°When Gareth saw Alistair in the inn, it seemed he knew him. You know anything about that?¡± ¡°They trained together at Mont Elea, two decades past,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°They were friends, once. Gareth, as you can tell, took a different path. I can¡¯t speak to the reasons.¡± ¡°Huh,¡± Justin said. ¡°That sounds like a story.¡± ¡°Aye, it does. But you were asking about what you had. Well, you said it yourself at the Alehouse, loud enough for half the tables to hear.¡± ¡°The Prismatic Core,¡± Justin said in realization. The Ranger nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. They¡¯re rare¡ªbeyond rare. You don¡¯t know what a person will do to get their hands on one. You see, unlike other class cores, which disappear when someone dies, Prismatic Cores simply become unbound, available for anyone to use again. At some point, after changing hands a few times, they run out of power and disappear. Even so, if people figure out you have one, you¡¯re going to be hunted down if you the wrong types find out.¡± Justin felt the blood drain from his face. ¡°I was an idiot.¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°You were also a little drunk, and you didn¡¯t know better. Then Alistair got involved. That¡¯s why the Baron made his move despite the risk to himself. Of course, if he kills you, you¡¯ll be enthralled by him. But my thinking is he¡¯d rather destroy you entirely to get access to your Prismatic Core.¡± Justin suppressed a shudder. ¡°How much is a Prismatic Core worth? From what little I understand, it gives you a Core Attribute and a class. How does it work, exactly?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ll answer the easy one first. There¡¯s no way to quantify how much a Prismatic Core is worth. For one, most people don¡¯t think they even exist. Such a thing is beyond price. It might be worth more than the entire Queendom of Aranthia to some.¡± ¡°Surely it can¡¯t be that valuable?¡± ¡°It can be,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It gives anyone an extra Core Attribute and class. Try to think of the implications of that, lad.¡± Justin thought about it. He didn¡¯t think he was stupid, but he was coming up short. ¡°I can only think of what it did for me. I had no Core Attribute or class to begin with. The Prismatic Core gave me both.¡± ¡°Yours is a special case. I assume you¡¯ll get a second Core Attribute upon reaching Level 20, same as others. Or you might get nothing at all. You¡¯re not from here, so I can¡¯t say. What I can say is, every human on Eyrth is born with One of the Six.¡± ¡°I have to admit, I¡¯m still lost. I don¡¯t understand why the Baron would want my Prismatic Core. After all, he already has his advanced class, a Lexicant.¡± Justin thought it over a bit. ¡°Unless my Prismatic Core would give him another Core Attribute and class on top of what he already has.¡± From Eldrin¡¯s grim expression, Justin realized he¡¯d hit the mark. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯re trying to prevent. Normally, such a thing isn¡¯t possible. You get two Core Attributes, one at birth and one at Level 20. That¡¯s it. A Prismatic Core bypasses all that. It would allow Valdrik to take on a third Core Attribute and unlock a class even more powerful than the one he already possesses. An Ascendant Class.¡± ¡°Ascendant Class? What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°The most powerful possible tier of classes,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Only possible with a Prismatic Core and an Advanced Class. As for what they can do, I can¡¯t rightly say. That stuff isn¡¯t general knowledge and is the purview of Scholars, and I would imagine even their information is spotty. Four Prismatic Cores are said to pop up a year, and most go undiscovered. They only appear in Eyrth¡¯s most dangerous Vaults on either a solstice or an equinox. Only several people in all of history have actually been documented to have an Ascendant Class. One of them was the Shadow Emperor of the Shadow Empire, Belshar the Nightbringer. His Ascendant Class combined the Core of a Wizard, a Diplomat, and a Prismatic Core to create something called the Eternal Sovereign class.¡± ¡°Eternal Sovereign. Sounds powerful. And¡­evil.¡± ¡°Powerful enough for him to rule his empire for centuries, never gaining, until he was finally overthrown and destroyed.¡± ¡°What happened to his Prismatic Core?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s changed hands multiple times, from what I¡¯ve read about it, until its power was spent. But none of his successors could match what he did. As far as I know, there''s no living being with an Ascendant Class, and if they do, they¡¯re keeping quiet about it. High-level people will try to hunt for Prismatic Cores at the appointed times every year. Almost all of them will come away empty-handed or die trying.¡± ¡°But I found mine right in the middle of a field in the Wildwood Forest, right after coming to Eyrth,¡± Justin said, marveling. ¡°That¡¯s definitely not a high level Vault¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s beyond belief, lad,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Alistair said the gods had their hands in this, and now I believe it. I don¡¯t think you¡¯d be fibbing about this. Not with Baron Valdrik after you.¡± Justin sighed, his shoulders slumping. ¡°I won¡¯t be safe for the rest of my life, will I?¡± ¡°Well, your secret is safe with me and Lila. I have a keen eye for character, and she¡¯s a good one.¡± He paused thoughtfully. ¡°If I were you, though, I wouldn¡¯t tell anyone else. I doubt Valdrik is telling anyone, either. He¡¯ll want the prize for himself.¡± ¡°There¡¯s the one who overheard the conversation in the tavern.¡± Eldrin gave an ironic smile. ¡°That man is dead. I guarantee it.¡± Justin swallowed. The cold logic made sense. ¡°Do you think Gareth knows?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t say. My guess would be no, but anything¡¯s possible.¡± ¡°So, that leaves the Baron and possibly Gareth,¡± Justin said. ¡°But there¡¯s no way we can bring either of them down. I¡¯m just a Level 6 Socialite right now.¡± ¡°Well, we¡¯ll get there when we get there,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The goal right now is getting to Mont Elea and getting the High Priest of Arion to remove the Death Mark. From there¡­well, we¡¯ll just have to see. Maybe the Paladins can be convinced to go after Valdrik to avenge Alistair. Still, they¡¯re going to want to know what¡¯s so special about you. By the time we make it, we¡¯re going to need to have a story that can cut it. It¡¯s safe to say, never mention you have that core to anyone. I guarantee you¡¯ll regret it.¡± ¡°What would happen if I found another class core?¡± Justin said. ¡°Would it let me take an Advanced Class before Level 20?¡± ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Eldrin admitted. ¡°But I¡¯m not an expert. Legends and stories around Prismatic Cores say those who hold them carry the blessing of the Creator himself.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Eldrin shrugged. ¡°I can¡¯t say if it¡¯s true, of course. What I can say is we¡¯ve run across three Vaults and I don¡¯t think that¡¯s just a coincidence. Some might say it¡¯s the Creator¡¯s luck.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not luck!¡± Justin protested. ¡°We almost died every single time.¡± ¡°Think of it this way. Normally, the only person who¡¯d even have access to a Prismatic Core would be someone who wants access to advanced Vaults and treasures. The Prismatic Core would be a way of getting that. It¡¯s also said to influence the rarity and power of items you receive from Vaults, and even in the presentation of rare skills at level ups.¡± Justin thought it over. Yes, it would make sense. They had run across three Vaults, and even Alistair had mentioned that wasn¡¯t common. Then there had been the enchantment on his Cane of Valoria that had given him an ultra-rare one-time boost to his base Charisma. Gribble the Snow Goblin had mentioned the extreme rarity of that enchantment, to the point where he had sent some goons after him. Even Alistair mentioned that the Cane of Valoria, a Silver-Level weapon, had the properties of a Gold. None on its own was definitive proof in isolation, but altogether, it painted a picture. For the moment at least, Justin was more worried about Baron Valdrik. He was already incredibly powerful. It wasn¡¯t just his class, but the power and soldiers at his command. What was his game, anyway? ¡°What does Valdrik want?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Alistair mentioned he was a Necromancer. That¡¯s not a class, is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Eldrin confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s a Focus. You get one at Level 10.¡± ¡°Ah. Lila already explained that to me.¡± ¡°From what you told me, Valdrik started as a Socialite, then became a Lexicant later. The Necromancy Focus would not have been available to him as a Level 10 Socialite. But upon adopting the Advanced Class of Lexicant, he likely reset his Focus and took on Necromancy, which he would have been able to do.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°As for what Valdrik wants, I only know what Alistair has said. Of course, he isn¡¯t just the Baron of Silverton. He has bigger plans, but right now, we don¡¯t know what those plans are. Alistair came to Silverton to find out where the bodies were going, and it all pointed back to the Baron. The Baron getting his hands on your Prismatic Core is just about the worst thing that could happen. The last thing we want is to face a tyrant with that kind of power.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s what he wants? Power?¡± ¡°What else could it be? The more thralls he has, the more experience he gets. That was how the Shadow Emperor got his start back in the day, and it¡¯s why all power mad fools are drawn to Necromancy. The trouble with budding Necromancers is getting caught too early. That¡¯s what we have the Templars of Arion for, and they are quite effective at rooting out Death Magic practitioners. But if you don¡¯t catch the Necromancer in time, it can get bad, really fast.¡± ¡°How bad?¡± ¡°Well, the strongest Necromancer of all time started the Shadow Empire. Turns out, it¡¯s easy to conquer all your neighbors and create an empire spanning two continents when you have access to an Ascendant Class and can easily recycle dead soldiers, even if they don¡¯t fight as effectively as the living. Not to say Valdrik will be like that, but with Alistair dead, me, you, and Lila who can deliver the news to people who matter. That¡¯s why I¡¯m risking my neck for no guaranteed payout.¡± At last, Justin felt as if he understood Eldrin¡¯s motivations better. He was a good man, but helping Justin was also in his best interest. It seemed he truly believed every word he¡¯d spoken. That terrified Justin, but there was nothing else he could do. He was stuck in this world with no way out. So there was nothing left but to see it through. ¡°Thanks for everything,¡± Justin managed. ¡°It¡¯s¡­a lot.¡± ¡°Aye, that it is. But for all the doom and gloom, remember that not everything is about levels, skills, and classes. There are the choices you make. You become those choices. Every day, we face decisions, and those decisions shape us. Always do the right thing so long as it¡¯s in your power. Attribute boosts aren¡¯t everything; your own strengths do matter, and Attributes only work as a modifier to what¡¯s already within. If you work hard, you can punch above your weight.¡± ¡°You say do the right thing. But what if there is no right answer?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a possibility. In cases like that, all you have to do is one thing.¡± Justin waited. ¡°Don¡¯t pick the wrong answer.¡± Justin nodded, the weight of their situation settling heavily on his shoulders. ¡°Thanks for telling me, Eldrin. I needed to know.¡± The Ranger clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°We¡¯re in this together, lad. Now, let¡¯s get some rest. Tomorrow¡¯s another long day.¡± As they returned to the fire, Justin¡¯s mind buzzed with the new information. The road ahead was dangerous, but at least now he better understood the stakes. And he understood why Alistair and Eldrin had hidden it for so long. It was a lot to absorb. He felt motivated, as he never had before. It was a reason to get stronger. Maybe he was a Socialite, but tomorrow was a new dawn and a new level up. Level 7 might not be much, and Socialite might be a maligned class. But all the same, Justin resolved to become as strong as possible. As he settled down on his bedroll, the fire at his back, he reached for the Amulet of Equilibrium. Assuming he could keep boosting his Charisma and get the Baron¡¯s Death Mark removed, the Amulet would do a lot of work on its own, boosting his other Attributes far beyond what they had a right to be. So far, it had only been about survival. And it was going to continue being about that for a long time. But one day, with luck, he¡¯d be strong enough to fight back. And he looked forward to seeing Baron Valdrik¡¯s face when that happened. 44. A Rare Skill When Justin stirred awake to the smell of pine and the sound of birdsong, a System notification promptly appeared before his eyes. You have reached Level 7. You are becoming more competent, but only beginning to realize just how much you don¡¯t know. Justin thought the description apt, given the revelations of the previous night. But a part of him wondered whether the System was trying to tell him something else. Or was he reading too much into it? You have one Attribute Point to distribute. Justin immediately willed it into Charisma. Your Charisma Attribute is now: 18. Justin smiled. He knew exactly what came next, and it was long overdue. As a Level 7 Socialite, you have unlocked your fourth class skill. Choose wisely! There is no going back. He hadn¡¯t gotten to choose a new skill in four entire levels. But once he saw the skills presented to him, his eyes widened. There weren¡¯t two skills, as expected. There were three. Justin perused all three new skills presented to him.
Graceful Dodge (Passive): Once per encounter, you can elegantly evade an attack or social slight that would have otherwise harmed you, avoiding damage or negative social effects. The chance of success is directly influenced by your Charisma and Coordination Attributes. Cannot trigger against unavoidable attacks.
Debonair Demeanor (Active): Once per day, you can exude an air of sophistication, significantly boosting your Charisma by +10 for one minute per level in your base Charisma Attribute.
Add Injury to Insult (Rare, Passive): Deal double damage to any enemy stunned or staggered by your Poison Barb.
Justin¡¯s mind raced as he considered his options. Though it was tempting to lock in the rare skill, which on its face seemed far more powerful than the others, he forced himself to give each skill a fair comparison. Graceful Dodge seemed like a versatile defensive skill. On paper, it was even better than Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff. It had the chance of proccing once per encounter instead of once per day. The higher his Charisma and Coordination Attributes, the greater the likelihood of it triggering. It also applied to social attacks, while Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff did not. That its success was influenced by his Charisma made it even more appealing since his Charisma was going to be higher than almost anyone. And unlike Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff, the success of Graceful Dodge wasn¡¯t tied to the other character¡¯s level. But for all this, there were drawbacks. Just how much did the Coordination Attribute come into play when proccing the skill? His Coordination was laughably low. Did it use Coordination when dodging physical attacks and Charisma when dodging social attacks? Or an average of both Attributes which was then applied to both physical and ¡°social¡± dodges? It wasn¡¯t exactly clear from the skill description. There was also the limitation that it wouldn¡¯t work against unavoidable attacks. In a truly dire situation, that might not be enough, but the skill would still be nice to have for everyday situations. However, Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff was stronger in one key way: it absolutely guaranteed Justin would block the first physical attack of the day, as long as the one doing the attacking was Level 12 or lower. He wasn¡¯t sure if this world had so-called ¡°Attribute checks¡± or ¡°saving throws¡± to determine these sorts of things, but if it did, they seemed to run in the background with no way to access the information. This made the skill a little less attractive compared to the others. However, the skill¡¯s saving grace was that it procced once per encounter, and each day had a lot of encounters, whether that was clearing out a Vault or navigating social situations. As for Debonair Demeanor, it was incredibly attractive and far simpler to understand. Increasing his Charisma by 10 for several minutes could turn even the most stubborn adversary into a compliant ally. Negotiations, social gatherings, and even persuading enemies to back down would be child¡¯s play. With a base Charisma of 18, the boost would last for eighteen minutes, and the duration would increase as he raised his Charisma Attribute even more. But then, it was temporary and could only be used once per day, perhaps highlighting its power. Of course, Justin saw the potential of it being a warming-up move for his other skills that used Charisma. Poison Barb, Dandy¡¯s Swagger, and Dazzling Display especially benefit from a +10 to Charisma. There would be very few people, and even monsters, on Eyrth that could resist that. If his calculations were correct, when considering all his buffs and equipment, he could get his Charisma boosted to 32 during the duration of the skill. Then he considered the third option, Add Injury to Insult. That the skill was classified as rare immediately caught his attention. In a world where most of his abilities focused on social prowess rather than direct combat, a skill that could bolster his offensive capabilities was a game-changer. Add Injury to Insult was straightforward but powerful. As his Charisma continued to outpace that of other characters and even monsters, his Poison Barb skill would only grow more potent. This synergy was crucial¡ªwhile he lacked investment in his Power Attribute, which was traditionally tied to physical strength, this skill could bridge that gap by allowing him to leverage his social skills in combat situations. It was a rare opportunity to enhance his combat effectiveness without compromising his character¡¯s social strengths. The versatility of the skill was another significant advantage. It wasn¡¯t limited to just stunned enemies; it also affected those who were staggered. While the System¡¯s exact definition of ¡°staggered¡± was unclear, Justin had noticed that his Poison Barb often caused enemies to falter or hesitate, even if it didn¡¯t fully stun them. If that counted as ¡°staggering,¡± it meant he¡¯d have multiple chances to deal double damage in quick succession, turning a narrow window of opportunity into a decisive strike. The potential for this skill to chain with itself was enticing. If he could consistently land Poison Barb stuns for three or more seconds, he¡¯d be able to refresh the cooldown and repeat the process. This would create a devastating cycle where his enemies were repeatedly debilitated and struck down, all while he maintained his focus on what he did best¡ªwielding words as weapons. Add Injury to Insult wasn¡¯t just a combat skill; it synergized seamlessly with his existing abilities, making it an ideal fit for his build. It offered a unique way to convert his social dominance into tangible physical power, ensuring he could hold his own even when words alone weren¡¯t enough. That it was passive was the icing on the cake¡ªno cooldowns, no complicated activation. All he had to do was create the conditions for the skill to work, and given his knack for using Poison Barb, creating those conditions wouldn¡¯t be difficult. The skill¡¯s utility was likely to remain steadfast, even as his character continued to level up, ensuring it would be a valuable asset for the long haul. The only drawback he could identify was that it wouldn¡¯t be useful against enemies with high resistance to Charisma or immunities to stuns and staggers. But then again, how often would he encounter that kind of enemy at such a low level? By the time he faced those challenges, his character would have likely bridged the gap with new skills or gear to offset those weaknesses. For now, Add Injury to Insult seemed like the perfect way to leverage his strengths and capitalize on his growing Charisma. Though Justin already knew his choice, he forced himself to weigh the pros and cons and not let the ¡°rare¡± modifier influence him. Graceful Dodge offered versatility but had limitations. Debonair Demeanor provided a temporary, albeit significant, boost, and had great synergy with his other skills. But Add Injury to Insult ¡­it promised constant utility in almost every combat situation he¡¯d be in. The choice was simple, though Justin mourned losing out on Debonair Demeanor. Seeing a Dazzling Display under its effect would likely be extremely powerful, but Add Injury to Insult was everything he needed right now to balance out his build. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. With a mental click, he confirmed his selection. You have chosen: Add Injury to Insult A warm sensation washed over him as the skill was integrated into his being. With the knowledge, he felt a newfound sense of confidence and resolve. He smiled as he realized he wouldn¡¯t be completely useless in battles anymore. As with every level up, Justin summoned his character sheet to check how much experience he needed to reach the next level:
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 7 Experience to Level 8: 269/940
Attributes: Power: 10 Coordination: 11 (10 +1) Endurance: 12 (10 +2) Intellect: 10 Perception: 11 (10 +1) Charisma: 20 (18 +2)
Justin came out of his concentration to find that someone had already served him some pork, while most of the camp was packed up. ¡°There you are,¡± Lila said. ¡°You were just staring off into space for a good thirty minutes.¡± Justin frowned, already digging into his meal. ¡°Was it really that long?¡± ¡°Oh, yeah. My Level 7 skill was an easy one to decide.¡± ¡°What¡¯d you pick?¡± Justin asked curiously. ¡°The Song of Elyndra: Sing a secret song to Elyndra, Goddess of Coordination, increasing your Party¡¯s movement and attack speed by 20% for two minutes. The song also benefits allies within twenty feet.¡± ¡°Hey, that sounds like it would come in handy. Does it have a cooldown?¡± ¡°Twenty minutes,¡± Lila said. ¡°So, it¡¯ll still be useful for Vaults that last longer than that. Plus, when I use the song, I basically get a 40% increase in attack speed because of my ring.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to be on the other side of that,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯s another question I¡¯ve been meaning to ask. I know about Arion, God of Power, and I guess Elyndra, Goddess of Coordination. What are the gods of the other Attributes?¡± Kargan looked at him strangely. The orc still didn¡¯t know Justin¡¯s history, or lack thereof, in this world. Justin really needed to be more careful with what he said. Lila answered. ¡°There¡¯s Thalora, Goddess of Endurance. Vesperis, God of Intellect. Lioran, God of Perception. And finally, Zephyra, Goddess of Charisma.¡± ¡°I see. It seems like Arion is the most worshipped, though.¡± ¡°In this part of the world, yes. But go south and you¡¯ll find that Vesperis and Zephyra are more popular. In my country, Lioran is highly favored, while in the southwest of Aranthia, Thalora is the most popular. However, all are part of the Pantheon of the Church of Light, equally esteemed for what they provide.¡± ¡°What about the Creator?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Is he above all of them?¡± Lila seemed hesitant to discuss this, lowering her voice when doing so. ¡°Yes. I guess you could say he is the highest deity of all, on a higher plane than the Six. The Six are who you talk to when you want something. The Creator is just not someone you talk to, you know? He¡¯s too important for average people like you and me.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. He supposed it was like Catholics praying to Mary as an intermediary, or perhaps a saint. The concept wasn¡¯t wholly unfamiliar to him. ¡°What about your new skill?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I forgot to ask.¡± ¡°Well,¡± Justin said, with a smile, ¡°it¡¯s rare.¡± Lila¡¯s eyes widened, and even Eldrin and Kargan¡¯s ears seemed to perk at that. ¡°Rare?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Tell me!¡± ¡°It¡¯s called Add Injury to Insult. I deal double damage when I stun or stagger an enemy with Poison Barb.¡± ¡°Whoa,¡± Lila said. ¡°Is it a once-a-day thing?¡± ¡°No. Passive.¡± ¡°No way!¡± Her eyes seemed to consider the possibilities. ¡°Imagine, you¡¯re going to hit twice as a hard now. I didn¡¯t think Socialite was a damage dealing class, but with that skill alone, you can be.¡± Kargan grunted approvingly. ¡°That¡¯s a game-changer, Justin. With that kind of skill, you¡¯ll be mowing down your enemies, provided you can reach them with your words and cane.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°You made a wise choice; it¡¯s hard to imagine a better skill being presented than that one.¡± Justin felt a swell of pride at their reactions. ¡°Thanks, everyone. I¡¯m not sure why I got it, but I feel a lot better about our chances now.¡± But as Justin thought of his and Eldrin¡¯s conversation from the previous night, maybe there was a reason he¡¯d gotten the skill. The Ranger had mentioned Prismatic Cores also increased the chances of being presented with Rare Skills. He could only hope he got other such advantages in the future. Justin joined the party in the morning preparations, which were almost done. ¡°We¡¯d better leave,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ve a long way to travel yet.¡± As they set out north, leaving no trace behind, the forest welcomed them with its natural beauty. The trees stood tall and proud, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. Sunlight danced through the branches, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Birds flitted from tree to tree, their songs creating a soothing symphony. ¡°This forest is so beautiful,¡± Lila remarked, her voice filled with wonder. ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe we were fighting for our lives yesterday.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the nature of our journey,¡± Eldrin replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings. ¡°One moment, we¡¯re in danger; the next, we¡¯re in a natural paradise. It¡¯s the balance of our world.¡± Justin took a deep breath, savoring the crisp, clean air. ¡°I could get used to this.¡± They walked in companionable silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts and the tranquility of the forest. They were heading north, toward Windfall, and for now, the journey was as important as the destination. Here, it seemed danger was far away, so Lila sang her new Song of Elyndra as they navigated a steep incline. Almost immediately, Justin felt his speed increase as if the Goddess Elyndra herself infused into his limbs. For two whole minutes, he pushed forward until they were at the top of the hill, with majestic views of the surrounding forest and the Umbers to the west. And to the north, for the first time, Justin could spy vast northern mountains in the distance. The peaks were jagged and towering, capped with snow that glistened in the sunlight. Wisps of clouds clung to the upper reaches, while lower down, dark green forests blanketed the slopes. Waterfalls cascaded down the mountainsides, their mist catching the light and creating rainbows. ¡°The Seraphim Range,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Aranthia¡¯s northern border, and the tallest mountains on this part of the continent. Windfall will be somewhere over there.¡± He pointed to the western arm of the mountain range, where they met the Umbers. ¡°Looks like a lot of elevation to gain,¡± Justin said. ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll be out of the Northwood soon. I¡¯m certain there is a village or two on the way in the foothills. Come. We need to keep moving.¡± The forest thinned out slightly, revealing the faint outline of an old, overgrown trail winding through the trees. Eldrin, unsurprisingly, was the first to spot it. He kneeled down, brushing aside some undergrowth to reveal a path that looked like it hadn¡¯t seen regular use in years. ¡°Look here,¡± Eldrin said, his voice thoughtful. ¡°Looks like an old trail.¡± Justin peered over his shoulder. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s safe to follow?¡± Lila glanced around, her eyes scanning the surrounding hills. ¡°It¡¯s this or continue bushwhacking. This trail could save us a lot of time and energy.¡± Kargan nodded, but his brow was furrowed. ¡°But what if it leads us into trouble? We don¡¯t know where it goes.¡± Eldrin inspected the trail, noting faint but recent footprints. ¡°Someone¡¯s used this path recently. It¡¯s overgrown but not completely abandoned. I think it¡¯s safe enough.¡± Justin looked at the others, seeing the mixture of curiosity and caution on their faces. ¡°All right, let¡¯s follow it. We should be careful, though.¡± As they walked along the trail, the signs of wildlife became more apparent. Deer tracks crisscrossed their path, and bird nests perched high in the trees. A fox den nestled among the roots of an old oak tree, its occupants peering out curiously before retreating into the shadows. ¡°Seems like this trail¡¯s a lifeline for the local wildlife,¡± Eldrin observed. ¡°We should be in good company.¡± The trail gradually led them to higher elevations, and soon they found themselves at a vantage point overlooking a vast valley. The scene before them was breathtaking: a river wound through the valley below, its waters sparkling in the midday sun. Along the banks of the river was a small village nestled among a stand of trees, filled with sturdy houses and thatched roofs, a water mill, and small surrounding fields growing winter wheat. ¡°Is this the Marin?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It is,¡± Eldrin confirmed. ¡°Much smaller this far north, even though we¡¯re only a hundred miles from Highcliff.¡± ¡°Can we go to that town?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I¡¯d kill for a warm bed to sleep in.¡± ¡°It should be safe enough,¡± Eldrin confirmed. ¡°I imagine it would be impossible for them to have sent anyone up into this isolated valley.¡± In the distance, the Seraphim Mountains rose majestically, their snow-capped peaks and blue glaciers glistening against the clear blue sky. Cascading waterfalls tumbled down the mountainsides, adding a dynamic beauty to the serene landscape. ¡°Wow,¡± Justin breathed, taking in the panoramic view. ¡°This is incredible.¡± If he had a button that would take him back to his old life, he might hesitate to press it, at least at the moment, just because of this vista. If every day could be like this rather than running for his life, he¡¯d see the appeal of staying here. ¡°It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve been up this way,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The Seraphims are one of the most beautiful sights in all Serenthel.¡± ¡°What¡¯s on the other side?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin shrugged. ¡°The Everwood Forest, and beyond that, the Frostplain, which is tundra. Very dangerous lands. Too much for even a Ranger like me, at least in most parts. Dire wolves, frost trolls, ice drakes, frost elementals, wraiths, frost giants. Far safer on this side. There is one large city, called Kaldrath, near the Ghostly Sea, but it¡¯s a long journey and not worth the effort.¡± They took in the scenery, the grandeur of the mountains filling Justin with a sense of awe and tranquility. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and the distant sound of rushing water. Kargan observed the mountains, but it seemed nothing new to him. It was certainly a common sight for him. ¡°We should get moving soon,¡± Eldrin said eventually. ¡°But let¡¯s take a few more minutes to enjoy this. Moments like these are rare.¡± The group nodded in agreement, savoring the serenity of the mountains for a little while longer before they would have to continue their journey down into the valley. 45. The Pine and Hearth By late afternoon, they had reached the small town on the Northern Marin. The day had turned quite cold, and Justin was sure it was below freezing. This was confirmed as a light snow fell. It only spoke of how quickly they had climbed in elevation over the previous two days. It was hard to guess this town¡¯s population, but Justin supposed it probably held about two or three hundred people. Farmers in the fields gave them friendly nods as they passed into the town¡¯s main drag, a dirt road lined with sturdy stone buildings with thatched roofs, all letting out gentle plumes of smoke. Justin saw the people bundled in warm clothing, their breaths visible in the crisp air. Men and women wore woolen cloaks and fur-lined hats, children scurried about with rosy cheeks, and elderly folk sat on porches, knitting or whittling wood, nodding to the travelers as they passed. Already, a layer of white was being added to the quaint town. Despite the cold, or perhaps enhanced by it, the town had a welcoming atmosphere. A few stores caught Justin¡¯s eye: a general store with a wooden sign swinging in the breeze, a blacksmith hammering away at his forge, a potion shop with colorful vials displayed in the window, a tailor, a butcher, and a watermill turning slowly by the river¡¯s edge. At the end of the town stood a two-story building, the only one in town, that had the look of an inn about it. Its stone walls were weathered but sturdy, while ivy crept up one side, adding a touch of rustic charm. The windows were framed with dark wooden shutters, and the thatched roof looked recently repaired, shedding light snow as it fell. Lanterns hung from the eaves, casting a warm glow. A sign above the door read ¡°The Pine and Hearth.¡± Indeed, on the inn¡¯s left side was a tall white pine tree, for which the inn was likely named. The inn looked inviting, with smoke curling from its two chimneys and the sound of laughter and the merry piping of a flute faintly audible from inside. Justin had never seen a more welcoming sight. Lila¡¯s steps were lighter, but Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice that Kargan looked unsure. Indeed, everyone in this town was likely to be human. Justin hoped the Orc wouldn¡¯t face prejudice. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Justin said. ¡°You¡¯re with us.¡± Kargan gave a slow nod but said nothing. Eldrin opened the sturdy front door, throwing it back. They were greeted by a rush of warm air and the comforting aroma of roasting meat and fresh bread. The common room was inviting, with wooden beams overhead and a large stone hearth crackling with a welcoming fire. Villagers and travelers alike filled the room, conversing while enjoying the bard¡¯s lively tunes from a corner. Wooden tables and chairs were scattered about, almost all occupied by groups. Justin was surprised by the nearly full common room, but perhaps that was because of the weather. A pretty barmaid with rosy cheeks and a warm smile wove between the tables, carrying trays laden with mugs of ale and plates of hearty food. The flickering light from the hearth and the lanterns created a dance of shadows, adding to the inn¡¯s cozy ambiance. Justin noticed a group of children huddled near the fire, listening intently as a white-haired man regaled them with a tale full of adventure and heroism. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and warmth, a stark contrast to the snowy world outside. As they headed for the counter, the innkeeper, a stout woman with graying hair pulled back into a tight bun and warm brown eyes, greeted them warmly. ¡°Welcome to the Pine and Hearth. With the festival, space is limited. It¡¯s forty coppers for the dorm. A silver and twenty if you want something larger.¡± ¡°Nothing in between the two?¡± Justin asked. ¡°We¡¯re out of our smaller rooms,¡± she replied with a sympathetic smile. ¡°We¡¯ve got two big ones left, while we still have a few cots in the dorms.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll take the two larger ones,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Are they next to each other?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the innkeeper said. ¡°They also have the option for a larger, private bath brought directly to your room. It¡¯s thirty coppers per room.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll take it,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Around ten this evening works for the bath.¡± ¡°Very good, sir. Will you be taking dinner this evening? If so, it¡¯ll be twenty coppers a head, and thirty if you¡¯d like drinks.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eldrin confirmed. The innkeeper, Justin had noted, had perfected the art of the upsell. The innkeeper gave him the total. ¡°It¡¯ll be four silvers, twenty coppers.¡± Eldrin slid over a fat, five-silver coin. ¡°Extra for your discretion.¡± ¡°Of course, sir.¡± She slid across two brass keys. ¡°You¡¯ll be in rooms 11 and 12, with a westward-facing view.¡± Justin did some quick mental calculation, giving Eldrin one silver and twenty-five coppers, as did Lila and Kargan. ¡°Let¡¯s drop our stuff off first,¡± Eldrin said. They headed up a narrow wooden staircase to the second floor. The corridor was dimly lit, the floor creaking at their passage. They found their rooms at the end of the hall. Inside, they were cozy and well-furnished, though simple. Each had a sizeable bed with thick quilts, a small writing desk, and a wooden chest for belongings. A small iron stove, already prepared with wood, promised to keep the rooms warm and cozy as the night turned colder. The windows looked out over the snow-covered town, offering a picturesque view of the white-dusted rooftops and the pine tree beside the inn. Eldrin placed his pack on the chest in one room and turned to the others. ¡°We should get situated and then head back down for dinner. It¡¯s been a long day, and we deserve a good meal.¡± ¡°So,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Who¡¯s with who?¡± ¡°You can stay with me,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I imagine it¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve felt a comfortable bed, and a Ranger is just as comfortable on the floor.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Let¡¯s go drop off our stuff, roomie,¡± Lila said to Justin. Justin and Lila did so, though out of habit, Justin kept his cane, as well as the trusty dagger Eldrin had given him long ago. ¡°Flip a coin for the bed?¡± She watched him strangely. ¡°There¡¯s room for both of us. It¡¯s not like that small one in Whispering Pines.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°Or would you rather sleep alone?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just sleeping together has certain¡­implications.¡± Lila laughed. ¡°Sometimes, I forget how modest you are. It¡¯s cute. As long as you don¡¯t snore or hog the quilts, we won¡¯t have any issues.¡± ¡°Well, if you¡¯re okay with it, I am, too.¡± ¡°Great. Let¡¯s head downstairs. I¡¯m starving.¡± With that settled, they headed back to the common room. Eldrin and Kargan were already waiting, sitting at a prime corner table not too near and not too far from the hearth. A glass window behind them had revealed an increase in snowfall and the rushing rapids of the River Marin. Justin and Lila settled in. The barmaid soon approached, a pretty woman about in her late thirties, her cheerful demeanor instantly putting even Kargan at ease. Her chestnut brown hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her bright blue eyes sparkled above a light dusting of freckles across her nose.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Welcome to The Pine and Hearth, travelers,¡± she greeted, her eyes lingering on Eldrin a moment longer than on the others. ¡°Here for the Autumn Festival, or just passing through?¡± ¡°Passing through,¡± Eldrin replied smoothly, his tone warm and charming. ¡°Though from the lovely ambiance, it feels like a grave misfortune to leave so soon.¡± The barmaid giggled like a girl twenty years younger. ¡°Yes, many come for the fresh mountain air. Even though it¡¯s gotten unseasonably cold, that hasn¡¯t stopped the people from coming in. What¡¯s your pleasure? Food, drinks, or both?¡± ¡°What¡¯s on the menu?¡± Eldrin asked, leaning forward slightly to give her his full attention. ¡°A hearty stew would do wonders for me.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve got a delicious venison stew, freshly baked bread with rosemary butter, roasted pheasant, spiced apple tarts, and a selection of sharp cheeses. For drinks, we have our famous honey mead, blackberry wine, and a strong ale brewed right here in town.¡± ¡°Just bring out everything you can. I¡¯ll try the mead.¡± ¡°Blackberry wine for me,¡± Lila said. ¡°Ale,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Same,¡± Justin said. The barmaid flashed a smile, her eyes taking in Eldrin most of all. ¡°Of course. You won¡¯t be disappointed with any of it. If you need anything at all, I¡¯m here. I¡¯ll be back with your meal shortly. I¡¯m Mira, by the way.¡± She gave a quick bob and headed for the kitchen, casting a glance over her shoulder. ¡°So, that¡¯s how a Ranger flirts,¡± Lila said playfully. Eldrin chuckled, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. ¡°Just being polite, Lila. Nothing more.¡± ¡°Polite?¡± Justin asked with a wink. ¡°She said anything at all, Eldrin.¡± Kargan remained silent, apparently uncomfortable with the conversation. It was hard for Justin to remember that he was just a teenager sometimes. Within a couple of minutes, Mira brought their drinks back, and Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice Eldrin¡¯s was in a larger mug than theirs, perhaps by a few ounces. ¡°Enjoy,¡± she said. Once she was gone, Lila gave Justin a knowing smile as Justin regarded Eldrin. ¡°Who knew Rangers had rizz?¡± Eldrin took a swig of his mead. ¡°Rizz?¡± ¡°It¡¯s what the kids from my lands call Charisma.¡± Eldrin took a swig of his mead and shrugged with a smile. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be a Ranger if I didn¡¯t know how to leave a mark.¡± Justin grinned, a teasing line coming to mind. ¡°Just make sure it¡¯s the right mark, Eldrin. We don¡¯t want her tracking us down later with a broken heart.¡± Lila joined in with a playful glint in her eye. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re already being chased by a Baron, but a woman scorned? Far more dangerous.¡± Even Kargan couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Eldrin, enjoying the banter, smiled and leaned back. ¡°If I leave a mark, it¡¯s because I know how to cover my tracks. No broken hearts, just fond memories.¡± The group shared a good laugh, the tension easing as they settled into the welcoming atmosphere of the common room. The crackling fire in the hearth added a cozy warmth, while the lively chatter of villagers and travelers filled the room with a comforting hum. For the first time in days, Justin felt himself truly relaxing. Lila¡¯s attention was drawn by the dartboard in the corner. ¡°Anyone fancy a round?¡± ¡°I¡¯m game,¡± Justin said. Kargan, however, seemed more interested in a dice game going on in the corner. He was already standing up to look. ¡°Enjoy yourselves,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I think I¡¯ll hold our table.¡± Justin followed Lila to the dartboard, watching as she picked up the darts and handed him the red ones. ¡°You know how to play, right?¡± He eyed the board, which seemed no different from his own world. ¡°First to zero wins, right?¡± Lila nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. ¡°I have to warn you, though¡ªI¡¯m pretty good.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? Well, I¡¯m not so terrible myself.¡± Her smile widened. ¡°How about we make it interesting with a little wager?¡± ¡°What were you thinking?¡± ¡°Ten silvers.¡± ¡°Whoa, what about honor and glory?¡± She laughed, her eyes sparkling. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Afraid to lose to a girl?¡± ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s just¡­you¡¯ve got skills that enhance your throwing. Hardly seems fair.¡± She pretended to consider it. ¡°All right, how about this? If I win, I get the spot closer to the stove. If you win, you get a kiss. Deal?¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Sounds like you win either way. You either get a kiss from a devilishly handsome guy like me, or you get the warmer spot.¡± She tilted her head, her smile playful. ¡°So, what¡¯ll it be? I promise it won¡¯t be just a peck on the cheek.¡± Mocking a wipe of sweat from his brow, Justin pretended to weigh his options. Truth be told, he liked it cool when he slept, so there wasn¡¯t much to lose. ¡°All right, you¡¯re on.¡± Unsurprisingly, it turned out Lila was the far superior darts player. They laughed and joked as they took turns, the friendly competition lifting their spirits. Kargan, meanwhile, was still watching the dice game, his curiosity piqued by the enthusiastic cheers of the players. He was already reaching for his coin pouch to place some bets. Justin glanced over at the bar and saw Eldrin chatting up Mira, the two of them sharing a quiet conversation. So much for guarding the table, though Justin supposed their drinks were doing a good enough job of that. The barmaid was batting her eyes and even leaning forward to enhance what was already quite abundant. Eldrin¡¯s demeanor was relaxed, his smile genuine as he listened to her talk. Mira¡¯s laughter rang out occasionally, and she seemed to enjoy his company as much as he was enjoying hers. He was telling her some amusing story or other. Clearly, Eldrin had a lot more experience in the ladies¡¯ department than him. After a few more minutes, Mira returned to their table, carrying trays laden with steaming bowls of venison stew, freshly baked bread, roasted pheasant, and spiced apple tarts. As everyone took up their chairs, she set the food down with a flourish, her eyes twinkling. ¡°Enjoy. If you need anything else, just let me know.¡± She gave Eldrin a special smile before heading back to the bar. The group dug into their meal, the delicious flavors and hearty portions a welcome treat after their long journey. The stew was savory, the bread warm and crusty, and the pheasant perfectly roasted. The spiced apple tarts provided a sweet finish, their flavors a delightful blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. Justin felt himself relax further after he¡¯d downed a couple of pints. Justin, edified by alcohol, mingled with some locals, learning the name of the town was, fittingly, Pinecrest, and Windfall was about a two-day journey north on the dirt road leading out of town. He learned Windfall was a large city of stone, built into the mountainside, filled with staircases and tunnels intermixed with the buildings themselves. It was a border city, guarding the Wind Pass between Aranthia and Daeloria. Justin regretted they wouldn¡¯t have more than a day to explore it. From the sound of things, it would be the largest city he¡¯d seen so far, Eldareth notwithstanding. The traveling bard continued to perform, adding to the lively atmosphere. Apparently, the Autumn Festival was a country-wide holiday in Aranthia, and not just in Silverton. Justin listened as Eldrin and Kargan discussed their plans for the next day¡¯s journey, while Lila hummed along with the bard¡¯s tune. As the night wore on, the common room emptied somewhat, and the fire in the hearth burned low. ¡°We should get some sleep,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Long day tomorrow.¡± Justin nodded, stifling a yawn. It was nice to relax after they¡¯d been through so much. ¡°Thanks for allowing this, Eldrin. We needed it.¡± The Ranger nodded. ¡°Well, rest is important. Just be careful what you say and who you speak to.¡± Justin nodded, but the warning made him second-guess every conversation he¡¯d had that evening. He didn¡¯t feel like he¡¯d revealed anything important, but maybe his questions about Windfall would be enough to raise suspicions should Gareth¡¯s company find themselves in this place. Certainly, their party would be remembered. Justin supposed Eldrin was counting on them staying ahead. Gareth coming here probably wasn¡¯t too likely if he was going on the Plainsway, as Eldrin supposed. Either way, Shadowflight would return tomorrow with more information on Gareth¡¯s whereabout. ¡°I¡¯m off to bed,¡± Kargan said. ¡°See you all in the morning.¡± ¡°Same here,¡± Lila added with a yawn. ¡°Time for a bath and then straight to sleep. Good night, everyone.¡± Both Lila and Kargan headed upstairs, leaving Justin and Eldrin alone in the common room. Eldrin took out his pipe, lighting it as the barmaid wiped down the counter, though it was already spotless. Justin hesitated, not wanting to intrude on whatever plans Eldrin might have, but also not wanting to walk in on Lila having a bath. He hoped the Ranger understood his need to linger a little longer. ¡°Well,¡± Eldrin said, exhaling a puff of smoke, ¡°Gods willing, it¡¯ll be a peaceful night for everyone.¡± Justin¡¯s gaze drifted to the barmaid. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re on your way to a relaxing evening. Lila¡¯s yet to give me that kind of look.¡± Eldrin chuckled. ¡°Patience, lad. A night¡¯s distraction is one thing, but the best things take time. The path to someone¡¯s heart isn¡¯t always straightforward. Lila cares about you¡ªyou¡¯ve seen that. Who knows? If you want it, this could be the start of something real.¡± ¡°She¡¯s hard to read,¡± Justin admitted. ¡°One minute, it seems like she¡¯s into me, and the next, she pulls back.¡± ¡°She¡¯s afraid,¡± Eldrin said, his tone wise. ¡°Show her you care, not just with words, but with actions. Be there for her, especially when it¡¯s tough. Trust grows in those small moments. A woman like Lila¡ªshe¡¯s worth the effort.¡± Justin nodded, taking Eldrin¡¯s words to heart. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Eldrin smiled, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and wisdom. ¡°Now, get some rest. Tomorrow¡¯s another adventure.¡± Justin watched as Eldrin approached the barmaid, his demeanor relaxed and confident. The Ranger had a way with people that went beyond mere Charisma¡ªit was a natural ease, a blend of experience and self-assuredness. Justin realized he still had much to learn. As the night deepened, the inn grew quieter, the crackling fire casting a warm glow over the room. Justin finished his drink and stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. Justin took in the snowfall, which was layered a good three or four inches by now. Hanging lanterns from the various town buildings added to the ambiance. He stepped from beneath the awning to get a better look at the street, when he noticed something from the corner of his eye. There, sheltering in the eave next to one of the inn¡¯s lanterns, was a bat. It wasn¡¯t any usual bat, but one that was a good two or even three times larger than a normal one, with fangs to match. And unlike any other bat Justin had seen, it seemed to have decent vision, for its black, beady eyes had locked right on him. Justin immediately got his staff out, but with a high screech, the bat fluttered off on leathern wings. Within seconds, it was flying into the snow. 46. Whispers in the Dark Eldrin immediately came out on the porch, arrow nocked. In one fluid motion, he pulled the string to his ear, sighed his quarry, and let loose. To Justin¡¯s utter amazement, the arrow landed true, and the beast spiraled to the ground, crashing into a snow pile. Mira was just behind him, her eyes wide with shock. ¡°What was that about?¡± Eldrin lowered his bow. ¡°Nothing of consequence. I¡¯ll be back inside shortly.¡± She looked as if she wanted to speak, but then nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± When she went back inside, Justin looked at Eldrin. ¡°Is there something I¡¯m missing? That bat was big and scary, but I don¡¯t think it meant any harm. Probably after the warmth of that lantern there.¡± ¡°On the contrary,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°If it had reported to its master, we¡¯d find all our gains erased.¡± ¡°Erased? You mean, that thing was working for Gareth?¡± ¡°Working for someone in his party, certainly. Agents of Morvath like to use Blood Bats, carrion birds, and sometimes even rats to do their spying and run messages. If allowed to live, we¡¯d have no hope of eluding our pursuers.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t Gareth send this bat to follow us from the very beginning?¡± Eldrin smiled grimly. ¡°Shadowflight is more than capable of taking care of overly inquisitive animals. A bat like this wouldn¡¯t dare show itself unless it was certain Shadowflight was far. Which he is, at the moment, to keep track of Gareth¡¯s movements.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a good thing you were quick.¡± ¡°Ranger¡¯s Intuition,¡± he said. ¡°We should be safe to sleep through the night.¡± ¡°What if they have another bat like this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s almost certain they have at least a few. Agents of Death are not shy about expending lives in pursuance of a goal, but all the same, creatures like these don¡¯t grow on trees. They must be trained for months, even years. When this one doesn¡¯t report back, they¡¯ll likely know Windfall is our goal. But it¡¯ll be a few days before that information becomes obvious. There¡¯s still time. We just have to be on our toes.¡± Justin swallowed. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re with us, Eldrin.¡± ¡°Go get some rest, lad. Probably best to stay inside the rest of the evening.¡± Justin went inside, heading upstairs to his room. When he knocked, Lila was quick to answer. ¡°Took you long enough,¡± she said, her brown hair wet. Seeing his face, she looked at him with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Justin related the news. Lila listened, her expression grave. ¡°Damn. Just when I thought things were getting easy.¡± Justin nodded. Once again, he was struck by the horrible truth that this just might be the rest of his life. What was supposed to be a relaxing evening was turning out to be the opposite. ¡°Take a bath,¡± Lila said. ¡°You¡¯ll feel better for it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not really up for it. I¡¯ll just use my ring.¡± Justin didn¡¯t have time to bathe, anyway. There was a knock at the door, which Justin answered to several young men came to take the water away. In the process of its removal, they spilled not a single drop with practiced efficiency. Justin set his thoughts on the Ring of Hygiene, and within seconds was completely clean, every trace of dirt, dust, sweat, and grime completely removed from his person and clothing. He went to the mirror and was shocked to see his reflection. In the few days since Highcliff, he¡¯d lost at least another twenty pounds, and his features were even more pronounced. It was like looking at another person, someone he didn¡¯t even recognize. He was down at least fifty pounds since his first day on Eyrth, if not more. He touched his face. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem possible.¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s a property of your class,¡± Lila said, standing beside him and looking at his reflection. ¡°Just don¡¯t let it go to your head.¡± Why would Lila say that? The only conclusion was that there was a reason it might go to his head. It reminded him of something Alistair had said on the day they met, something about Socialites ¡°looking pretty and being useless.¡± The transformation was certain to continue as he leveled up even more. If this was Level 7, what would he be like at Level 11, or even Level 15? Assuming he got that far, of course. It was nice to lose all the weight and become better looking; it would make things go easier in this world. It was a certain, brutal fact of life that looks mattered in getting favors from people, and was part of one¡¯s overall ¡°Charisma.¡± Plus, there was the practical consideration of it being was far easier to hike hundreds of miles and fight more effectively when there was less of him to carry around. ¡°Time to sleep,¡± he finally said, feeling his exhaustion. He was probably thin enough to not to overcrowd the bed too much, which was a startling fact on its own. He drew the curtains closed, taking a glance out into the snowy darkness before doing so. Nothing moved in the streets aside from the falling snow. With luck, it would stay that way. Lila had already settled into bed. She blew out the candle, leaving only the red embers of the iron stove supplying warmth. Justin wasn¡¯t sure of the etiquette for sharing a bed with a woman he wasn¡¯t romantically involved with, but had feelings for. Either way, he decided it was better than sleeping on the cold floor, and Lila seemed to expect it. Despite their earlier bet, she had chosen the spot by the window, farthest from the stove.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Of course, as he slipped under the quilts, it was impossible for his mind not to go to certain places. Sharing a bed with someone you were attracted to had implications, at least where he was from. Whatever those implications were, Lila didn¡¯t seem too concerned about them. Her leg was already touching his, and she was doing nothing to move it away. He closed his eyes, resolving to fall asleep, and such was his exhaustion that he almost did so, until he heard her voice, soft in the darkness. ¡°You know, for what it¡¯s worth, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here. I know this isn¡¯t your world, and you¡¯d probably would go back if you had the chance.¡± Such sentiments expressed openly were rare for Lila. He wasn¡¯t sure what to say. He didn¡¯t even know if he would go back at this point. Yes, this world was dangerous, but what did he have to go back to? His mother¡¯s basement and his video games? ¡°It¡¯s been a strange journey,¡± he finally said. ¡°It¡¯s hard to imagine going through all this without you.¡± ¡°Remember what I said back in the stairwell? About things being complicated?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Well, maybe it doesn¡¯t have to be so complicated. Maybe we just take things one day at a time and see where it goes.¡± Justin thought it over. Of course, a large part of him wanted to say yes. It seemed they got on well together. And there was his obvious attraction to her. And yet, there were certain realities getting in the way. Being chased by someone wanting him dead, for example. Someone who wanted either his soul or his Prismatic Core, and perhaps even both. If they got together, that meant the relationship would escalate physically. As much as he would enjoy that, he wasn¡¯t sure he was truly ready for it, given the circumstances. ¡°If Eldrin had been just a few seconds slower, that bat would have gotten away,¡± he finally said. ¡°With my life on the line¡­is it really worth the pain?¡± It was quiet for a while. Uncomfortably so. It wasn¡¯t a rejection per se, but a question. At last, she answered. ¡°I guess we¡¯d just have to have faith that things could one day go back to normal one day.¡± ¡°Do you have faith?¡± ¡°I¡¯m¡­not sure. I could have left a long time ago. I thought about it, but it felt wrong.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to stay for my sake. What made you follow me to begin with, anyway?¡± It was a question he should have asked a long time ago, but such was the nature of their journey that it never came up. She considered. ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t know what possessed me to follow you back in Mistwatch. You were an anomaly, a stranger like I was. And when you were rejected by the Mercenary Guild, I guess I sensed an opportunity. At Silverton, I thought we might go as far as Belmora before parting ways. But somewhere out there, those thugs are still after me. I¡¯m like you in that way; there¡¯s probably no place safe enough for me to settle down. Maybe it¡¯s not as dangerous as your situation, but I can never stay in one place for too long.¡± Justin remembered her tale, what seemed so long ago in the Moonlit Alehouse. He wondered why he¡¯d never made the connection, but it made him even more drawn to her. ¡°Well, if these Vaults keep popping up, you¡¯ll be able to pay off your debts in no time,¡± he said. She snickered. ¡°Yeah, right. I have three crowns and a few silvers to my name. Better than no crowns, of course, but with the interest, I probably owe close to seventy by now.¡± ¡°Well, after Mont Elea, maybe we can revisit this.¡± Lila was quiet. ¡°Mont Elea is a long way away. It might never happen.¡± Justin knew she had a point, but it seemed nothing more than a fantasy right now. That Lila was even having these thoughts meant she wasn¡¯t just into him. She really did like him and was just waiting for him to make a move. The expectation was a bit terrifying, and Justin didn¡¯t know what to do with it. All his life, he¡¯d told himself that he wasn¡¯t good enough for anyone. It was hard to overcome those mental blocks in a single night. ¡°I¡¯ve said too much,¡± she said. Justin¡¯s mind raced, his emotions swirling in the dark. He wished he knew how to answer her. He took a deep breath. He knew he had to respond, but the right words were elusive. Finally, he spoke, his voice soft and sincere. ¡°You didn¡¯t say too much. I¡¯m glad you shared all that with me. I guess I¡¯m just not used to having someone care about me. I¡¯m grateful. I feel the same way about you, for the record. I¡¯m just afraid of getting emotionally involved when so much is on the line.¡± ¡°Are you not already?¡± She had him there. ¡°Well, more emotionally involved.¡± ¡°I get that.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what the future holds. This world is unpredictable. There are so many dangers we still have to face. Having you by my side makes everything better. Maybe we can take it one day at a time, like you said. But maybe we can wait until things are safer before getting more serious.¡± Justin took her hand to show his sincerity. ¡°I really do like you, Lila. That¡¯s not even a question.¡± Then, remembering Eldrin¡¯s words, he added, ¡°The best things take time.¡± She hesitated a moment before answering. ¡°I know. You¡¯re right.¡± ¡°There¡¯s¡­still something I need to tell you. Last night, I talked to Eldrin while you and Kargan were asleep.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°I wanted to know what the Baron sees in me. Why he¡¯s going through all this effort.¡± Justin shared what he had learned, and Lila listened quietly. If she was going to be following him, she deserved to know the truth. She was quiet for a while, absorbing the information. ¡°That¡¯s terrifying. I¡¯ve heard of Ascendant Classes before, but it¡¯s more like a legend to most people. Nothing real.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all possible if he catches me,¡± Justin said. ¡°And just hearing that¡­it made me feel completely hopeless.¡± She squeezed his hand. ¡°It¡¯s not hopeless. Maybe it feels like that, but the fact we¡¯ve gotten this far is a blessing of the gods themselves. Maybe Alistair was right.¡± ¡°About what?¡± ¡°They¡¯re watching over you. That¡¯s what the cores are. People say they are a connection between us, the gods, and even the Creator. The classes are their gifts to us, and you carry a Prismatic Core, the best kind there is. Some people say that it doesn¡¯t just give you any class you want. It gives you the blessing of the Creator himself.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what Eldrin said, too. I¡¯m not sure if I believe him.¡± ¡°I mean, think of everything that¡¯s happened since you¡¯ve found it. Alistair walking on the road, just in time to save you from goblins. An offer of help from me, when you were laughed out of the Mercenary Guild. Finding Eldrin in that inn, having his skills to keep us ahead of our enemies. Alistair getting you out of Silverton just in time. And finding not one, but three Vaults, all of which gave resources we needed. I could go on.¡± She paused, letting it sink in. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make you invincible, of course, but it gives you an edge.¡± Justin wondered if she had a point. Eldrin had said much the same thing. ¡°There were a lot of unlucky things to happen, too. I picked up a parcel that was addressed to a creep. The Death Mark. Alistair dying¡­¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Lila said. ¡°But wouldn¡¯t you rather believe you were lucky?¡± It was a nice idea. Hopefully, it was true. Either way, Justin mentally noted to learn more about it when he had the chance. He had to admit it would explain a lot of the fortunate ¡°coincidences¡± that have happened. Lila was right about Alistair. The Paladin had even mentioned he¡¯d never seen so many Vaults spring from the Ether. Did that have something to do with his Prismatic Core, too? ¡°You¡¯ve given me a lot to think about.¡± ¡°It¡¯s too soon to give up and feel hopeless. In a couple of days, we¡¯ll be in Windfall and our options will open up. You¡¯ll see.¡± The exhaustion of the day was now hitting him in full force. ¡°Thanks, Lila. Let¡¯s get some rest.¡± ¡°All right. Good night.¡± Justin soon fell sleep. 47. Windfall The morning at the Pine and Hearth was filled with a quiet anticipation. Justin and Lila packed their gear, Justin taking the chance to reorganize everything. To his surprise, the boar meat still seemed quite fresh. ¡°Surprised this meat isn¡¯t going off, since it¡¯s warm in here,¡± he said. ¡°Most traveling packs are enchanted at least a little to prevent spoilage,¡± Lila explained. ¡°All but the cheapest ones.¡± ¡°That¡¯s handy,¡± Justin said. ¡°Seems like you got a decent one. Where¡¯d you pick it up?¡± ¡°Mistwatch,¡± Justin said. ¡°I think it cost about a silver.¡± ¡°Almost certainly enchanted, then,¡± Lila said. They headed downstairs to the common room, where Eldrin and Kargan were already eating a breakfast of hearty porridge, fresh bread, and slices of cheese. They ate quickly and went to return their keys. ¡°Thank you for staying with us,¡± the innkeeper said. ¡°Safe travels.¡± Leaving the inn behind, the party stepped onto the snow-lined street, the first gray tinges of dawn lighting the eastern sky. The sky was a clear, pale blue, the air crisp and carrying the scent of pine. The world was quiet, aside from the hammering of an anvil down the street at the town¡¯s smithy. Eldrin quickly pointed his feet westward and was walking just about as quickly as he could without running. The road quickly took them out of town and up a steep incline that angled toward the Umbers, which took about an hour to ascend. Then they started through the dense forest, where towering pines stood like silent sentinels. The only sounds were the crunch of snow underfoot and the occasional call of a distant bird. Eldrin led the way with his usual grace, his Pathfinder¡¯s Pace making the trek easier for everyone. While the skill was intended for travel off the road, the depth of the snow was such that they were all stepping more lightly, hardly even sinking into the drifts. The River Marin stayed to their left, much thinner than it was by Highcliff or even Pinecrest, as the landscape shifted to rugged canyons. The path narrowed, flanked by steep rock walls that echoed their footsteps. The river¡¯s gentle murmur accompanied them. Justin found himself lost in the journey¡¯s rhythm, the steady pace and the beauty of the natural world once again taking his breath away. Growing up in Oklahoma, he was used to wide plains, and he had little reason to travel far. He remembered a vacation to the Rockies when he was a kid, but such was his life that he¡¯d been nowhere more exotic than that. They only passed a few people on the way: a farmer and his mule and cart, a single adventurer wearing fur-lined armor and, longsword, and shield, who nodded pleasantly, and an older man who had the look of a Pilgrim about him, wearing light armor, a cloak, and holding a walking stick. They reached a fork in the road. The main road continued on into a valley, while a narrower path led further west, snaking up the mountainside of the Umbers. ¡°Left is faster for experienced travelers,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Though the climb won¡¯t be easy.¡± ¡°We need to save as much time as we can,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Lead on.¡± The climb began in earnest as they reached the mountainside. The elevation increased, and the air grew thinner and colder. The snow was thick on the ground, crunching under their boots with each step. Eldrin¡¯s skill was invaluable here, guiding them through the most treacherous parts with ease. They hardly had to pause and catch their breaths, Justin realizing he no longer needed to. Apparently, like the real world, it was possible to get stronger and hardier without enhancing one¡¯s Attributes. Perhaps Attributes were simply a multiplier of what already existed within. The thought hadn¡¯t occurred to Justin, but it made sense the more he thought about it. In Eyrth, at least, it wasn¡¯t all about the numbers. The view of the valley below grew more magnificent with each passing hour. By early evening, they found shelter in a cave by a stream, the water almost thin enough to be stepped across. Eldrin set up a small campfire, its warmth a welcome relief from the chill, while Kargan cast his Ward of Aegis, the blue magical barrier shimmering faintly before fading into invisibility. They sat around the fire, eating leftover boar and enjoying the rare moment of peace. The crackling flames cast flickering shadows on the cave walls. It was then that Shadowflight returned. The dark falcon landed silently beside Eldrin, its keen eyes reflecting the firelight. Eldrin listened intently to the news the bird brought, a dark expression on his face. ¡°Gareth is heading northeast on the Plainsway,¡± Eldrin said finally. ¡°As expected. We¡¯ll keep Shadowflight close by in case there are other spies.¡± They settled down to sleep, the fire¡¯s warmth and the ward¡¯s protection providing a sense of security in the cold wilderness. Such were the exertions of the day that Justin was instantly asleep as soon as he closed his eyes. The next day dawned clear and bright. Over a hasty breakfast, Kargan revealed he¡¯d earned enough experience to reach Level 4. Of course, the increase came with no new skill, but the young Orc would be stronger should they run into any trouble, which was always a good thing. Eldrin set a brisk pace, pushing them to cover as much ground as possible. The path continued to wind upward, the terrain becoming rougher and more challenging. Justin¡¯s legs ached with the effort, but he kept moving, knowing the pain would only strengthen him. By late morning, they reached a ridgeline, and Windfall came into view in the far distance. Even from afar, Justin could tell the city was quite large. Built into the mountainside, the city was carved from pure stone, its formidable walls glistening in the sunlight. Such were the sheer sides of the terrain it occupied that Justin could see the strategic importance of the city, a thriving waypoint between two countries, and likely the only sizeable pass in Northern Aranthia. There were multiple tiers, and it seemed the city occupied each side of the pass, stone towers rising high into the air, covered with snow. The sight filled Justin with a renewed sense of purpose. They were getting closer. Lila came to stand beside him. ¡°You¡¯re seeing my country for the first time. That¡¯s Daeloria on the left, Aranthia on the right.¡± Justin saw that the terrain to the west of the mountains, Lila¡¯s home country, was far rougher and less forested, while on the right, the pine forests were thick, at least where there weren¡¯t farms or pastureland. ¡°Feeling nostalgic?¡± Justin asked. She shrugged. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve never been this far north. Where I¡¯m from, the Sapphire Coast, the climate is far more agreeable.¡± They descended in elevation, passing through narrow mountain valleys, coming across quaint mountain villages. Justin took in the sights with a mix of awe and curiosity. The villagers watched them pass with a mix of suspicion and interest, their lives seemingly untouched by the turmoil that plagued the world beyond their snowy enclave. As evening approached, the formidable walls of Windfall loomed ahead. The city was imposing, a fortress of stone standing resolute against the encroaching darkness. Intricate, Gothic carvings were etched into the walls, while stone gargoyles stood vigil on crenellations. Guards, dressed in black, fur-lined coats, with a griffin emblazoned on their chests, patrolled the walls bearing halberds. Snow fell once again, the flakes swirling in the wind and adding to the sense of urgency. ¡°People built this?¡± Justin asked in awe. ¡°Only some of it,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Windfall is an ancient city, but continuously occupied to various extents over the centuries. It was first built in the time of the Ilvari Elves, but even then, it was only a small way post. After the elves abandoned it, the dwarves occupied it, creating most of the grander buildings you can see today, vastly increasing its scope. Like modern-day Aranthia, it served as its border, with Orcish lands to the west, now occupied by Daeloria.¡± ¡°There are no Orcish countries left today?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Not in Serenthel,¡± Eldrin answered. ¡°Man,¡± Justin said. ¡°The Orcs have the short end of the stick, huh?¡± Kargan grunted. ¡°Some of it was self-inflicted, but when the Shadow Empire came to power, the Orcs fled to the mountains to hide. And there they have remained, mostly.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Justin said. He wanted to ask if they could stay longer. He could really get lost in a city like this. ¡°I know a decent inn here,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It¡¯ll make the perfect stop until our next leg of the journey.¡± Justin and the rest followed Eldrin through the bustling streets. For the first time, Justin noticed the city¡¯s remarkable diversity. The population wasn¡¯t solely human¡ªat least one in five was an Orc, and even among the humans, there was a striking variety of skin tones and cultures. Aranthia, from what Justin had seen so far, was predominantly fair-skinned, but the size and influence of Windfall had clearly drawn people from all corners of the world. With a start, Justin realized he hadn¡¯t encountered many people with darker skin since arriving on Eyrth. There had been a couple in the taverns of Highcliff, but here in Windfall, he saw many, dressed in vibrant, richly colored clothing, with the air of successful merchants. There were people of every shade, a tapestry of cultures that made the city feel alive with the energy of trade and exchange.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. For the first time, he realized that this was his first proper city, cosmopolitan and easily over a hundred thousand people, if not more. As they wove through the bustling streets, Justin couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the diversity and vibrancy of Windfall. Stalls selling exotic spices filled the air with tantalizing scents. Merchants peddled wares from distant lands: gleaming dragon-scale armor, intricate clockwork devices, and shimmering crystals that pulsed with inner light. A blacksmith hammered away at a sword, sparks flying in the crisp night air, while a street performer juggled flames to the delight of a gathered crowd. Eldrin led them past an apothecary with a window display of dried herbs and glowing potions, and a bakery that exuded the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. There was a magical emporium that seemed to offer self-stirring cauldrons and quills that wrote on their own. The scene was a blend of the familiar and the fantastical, each corner revealing something new and intriguing. At last, Eldrin turned down a staircase that led into some sort of tunnel. To Justin¡¯s utter surprise, a wide underground avenue was filled with even more shops and narrow alleys, all underground and lit with lamps. The subterranean city had a distinct atmosphere, more shadowy and secretive. They passed by a shop selling dark cloaks and hooded garments, another offering lock-picking tools and dubious trinkets. Another potions shop offered a variety of brews in murky bottles. ¡°What is this place?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It¡¯s the Undermarket. A city all on its own. And probably the safest place for us to stay.¡± ¡°Looks sketchy,¡± Lila said, observing a few beggars asking passers-by for some coin. ¡°It¡¯s only for one night,¡± the Ranger said. After a few minutes of wandering through seemingly random alleys and staircases, they came to a narrow door, no different from any other. When Eldrin knocked, it unlocked on its own, to reveal a surprisingly well-appointed space within. The interior was cozy and welcoming, with plush chairs arranged around a roaring fireplace. A sturdy wooden table occupied the center of the room, laden with food and drink. Soft, ambient lighting from enchanted lanterns cast a warm glow, creating an atmosphere of comfort and security. The stone counter was manned by an Orc with a broad frame and a tusked grin, his green skin weathered and marked by scars that spoke of a warrior¡¯s past. His eyes, sharp and alert, sparkled with recognition as he looked up. ¡°Ah, my favorite Ranger! What brings Eldrin Thornwood to The Mountain¡¯s Embrace?¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure you¡¯d remember me, Gorn,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I remember almost all my guests,¡± the Orc said with a chuckle. ¡°The ones that make an impression, anyway.¡± ¡°Do you have a suite available?¡± ¡°It just so happens I do. It¡¯s five silvers a night. Of course, food and drink are included in the price.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes popped at the price, but Eldrin didn¡¯t hesitate, laying down six silvers. ¡°For my discretion?¡± Gorn asked, his tone amused. ¡°That¡¯s what you said last time.¡± ¡°You know me too well.¡± With a grunt, Gorn handed over two keys. Eldrin leaned on the counter. ¡°Any special news?¡± ¡°Nothing of note. Of course, there¡¯s the Festival going on. Makes the streets more packed than they would be normally. We¡¯ve got Merchants from all across Serenthel trying to catch every stray copper they can, and not always by the rule of law. And of course, with the increased traffic comes increased crime. The Watch can hardly keep pace with the thefts and pickpockets.¡± ¡°Sounds dangerous,¡± Lila said. Gorn chuckled. ¡°Well, it¡¯s nothing too bad. Just got to keep your wits about you, but that¡¯s the same for every big city.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°Very good. Please keep me apprised of any new information or¡­strange guests.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Gorn said. ¡°We don¡¯t put up with any unsavory types here at The Mountain¡¯s Embrace. Your suite comes equipped with its own private bathroom and plumbing. If you need anything at all, simply let me or one of the staff know. It¡¯s a pleasure to host you again.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± the Ranger said. He turned and nodded to everyone, their signal to go stash their gear. They headed down a short corridor, toward the very end where a heavy wooden door stood, which looked quite secure. Eldrin unlocked it and pushed it open, revealing the suite within. The room was carved directly from the mountain itself, with stone walls and floors that gave it a solid, enduring feel. Despite the ruggedness, the suite was elegantly furnished with plush furniture, creating a harmonious blend of solid edges and comfort. A dining area occupied one corner, complete with a sturdy wooden table and chairs. The two sizable bedrooms were each equipped with plush beds, soft linens, and ample storage space. The bathroom was a marvel, featuring running water and a large bath basin carved from a single slab of stone, with copper taps for both hot water and cold. It was easily the nicest inn room Justin had ever stayed in, and wouldn¡¯t look out of place in his own world. ¡°I have to say, this is impressive,¡± Lila said. Kargan stashed his stuff. ¡°I think I¡¯ll ask after the local Mage Guild. It¡¯s still not too late, I imagine, and I better move since all of you plan to head out tomorrow.¡± Of course, Justin knew this moment was coming. He just hadn¡¯t expected Kargan to leave so soon. ¡°You sure don¡¯t want a good night¡¯s rest and to head out in the morning?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s best I make contact as soon as possible. If I can establish some connections, I¡¯ll be better off.¡± Eldrin gave a respectful nod. ¡°Well, if you need a place to stay tonight, you know where to find us. I¡¯ll be the first to say, if this doesn¡¯t work out, you¡¯re more than welcome to continue with our party. Your skills have proven quite formidable.¡± The Orc nodded. ¡°I¡­appreciate that. There¡¯s a decent Orc population here, so I think I¡¯ll be fine.¡± ¡°Do you need help to find the Guild?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It¡¯s a big city.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine on my own,¡± Kargan said. ¡°I appreciate everything. Truly.¡± ¡°Good luck, Kargan,¡± Lila said sadly. He gave a firm nod. ¡°My thanks. It was a real adventure. More than I bargained for, but an adventure all the same.¡± As Kargan left, Justin felt a strange sense of unease. He trusted the Orc¡¯s abilities, but the city¡¯s vastness and unfamiliarity weighed on him. He hoped Kargan would be safe and that their journey would continue without further complications. A few minutes later, their food was delivered, a thick stew brimming with chunks of tender beef, root vegetables, and wild mushrooms, all seasoned with aromatic herbs that Justin couldn¡¯t quite identify. Alongside it was a loaf of crusty bread, perfect for sopping up the rich broth, and a selection of local cheeses with a distinct sharpness that balanced the meal beautifully. Despite the delicious spread, the mood was dreary with Kargan¡¯s absence. His blood wards and healing would be missed, and it meant that they would have to tread far more carefully in the future. The silence around the table was heavy. It seemed all of them were lost in thought about the journey ahead and the uncertainties that accompanied it. Once finished, Eldrin addressed them somberly. ¡°In a city like Windfall, most stores will be open late, especially on account of the Festival. It would be safer to do all our shopping tonight rather than tomorrow that was we can get an early start. While I don¡¯t believe it¡¯s possible for Gareth and his company to reach Windfall until late tomorrow night, at the earliest, it¡¯s best to play it safe.¡± ¡°What sort of things do we need to buy?¡± Justin asked. ¡°There are no major cities between here and Draegor¡¯s keep. There may be small towns along the way, but nothing like this. This is a prime opportunity to fill out your missing gear, healing potions, and the like. Our travels are certain to take us off the trail. As for food, our packs are enchanted to allow the meat to last as long as we need it, and we should have it all eaten within a couple of weeks.¡± ¡°Is too risky to hire a coach?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Lila mentioned the possibility.¡± ¡°Very much so,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It would be the first place Gareth and his retinue would check. We have no option but to go off trail, north of the Northway, for at least a couple of weeks, as previously discussed. It is tempting to rush things, but it¡¯s far better to be safe. We¡¯ll have to start very early tomorrow, and if it weren¡¯t for the need for rest, I¡¯d keep going well into the night.¡± Justin deferred to Eldrin¡¯s expertise. ¡°Makes sense.¡± Lila was silent, and Justin got the sense she didn¡¯t like the idea. ¡°I can take care of the essentials,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°You two just worry about finding some gear. Look for things that enhance survivability. Lila, perhaps you can find a pair of enchanted knives, for example, to replace those basic throwing knives you have. That will help if we come across spiritual enemies, such as we did in the Highcliff Catacombs.¡± ¡°I suppose I have money to burn these days,¡± she said. ¡°Don¡¯t spend everything, but it would be wise to spend most of what you have. Belmora is the closest city that will have better options. Both of you should also consider warmer clothing, perhaps enchanting your current clothing to provide a bit of heat. A headpiece is often overlooked and can provide a significant bonus to any class, so keep an eye out for that. Of course, if you can¡¯t find the enchantment you¡¯re looking for, you can buy something to your liking and take it to a local enchantry. There should be a dozen of them in a city this size.¡± ¡°You can do that?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin nodded. ¡°Of course. It isn¡¯t cheap, depending on the work and the expertise of the Enchanter, but it¡¯s a valid option. The gods allow each class to enjoy the enchantments of one chest piece, one arm piece, one head piece, one leg piece, footwear, and two accessories. Review what you¡¯re missing and go hunting for those items.¡± ¡°I can probably afford a Dynamic World Map by now,¡± Justin said. ¡°Would that be worth buying?¡± ¡°If you have any leftover money, yes, it would be a boon for the group. I don¡¯t need it to navigate, at least in Aranthia, but that¡¯s something that¡¯ll come in handy no matter where you go. I¡¯d prioritize gear first, though.¡± Lila¡¯s expression seemed to have brightened at the prospect of shopping. ¡°Ready when everyone else is.¡± They left the room, and Eldrin passed Justin the spare key. ¡°Note where we are before heading out. This place isn¡¯t easy to find.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Justin said. ¡°And try not to stay out too late,¡± Eldrin said. He gave a knowing smile. ¡°I know a big city is an exciting place to be, but Gorn is right. It can be dangerous, especially given the festivities. Keep focus on your goal and always watch your backs. Any item with an enchantment must be core-bound immediately, otherwise you¡¯re just asking to be robbed.¡± Eldrin saying that only reminded Justin of his Amulet of Equilibrium. It was well-hidden under his clothing, but for now, the item wasn¡¯t bound to him. Not yet, anyway. He briefly considered leaving it in the room, but the risk seemed too great. They left the suite and headed out of the front of the inn, finding themselves back in the Undermarket. They followed Eldrin through the narrow underground alleys, Justin noting the turns required before they came to a set of steps that led to a town square above, one so busy that it had to be the center of the city. The square was a riot of color and activity, with festival decorations hanging from every available surface. Strings of lanterns crisscrossed the open space, casting a cheerful glow. Stalls and carts were lined up in neat rows, selling everything from food to trinkets to clothing. Performers entertained the crowds with music, juggling, and acrobatics, their laughter and cheers adding to the lively atmosphere. Dominating the square was a magnificent clock tower built onto the side of the northern mountain. Its face was illuminated by intricate, glowing Aranthian runes that Justin somehow perfectly understood, and its hands moved with a steady, almost magical precision. The air was frigid, and thankfully, the snow had stopped falling. ¡°If you get lost, just find your way back here,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°This is Times Square.¡± Justin snickered. ¡°Wait, really?¡± ¡°Yes. So-named because of the clock. ¡°You don¡¯t say.¡± Eldrin looked at him strangely. ¡°Try to be back before midnight. Off to your right, you¡¯ll find a street with everything you need.¡± And with that, the Ranger left Lila and Justin on their own to complete their shopping, weaving into the crowds. The bustling streets of Windfall were a lively scene to explore, and Justin was looking forward to it. Vendors shouted their wares, colorful banners fluttered in the icy breeze, and the smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air. Justin took it all in. It was hard not to be excited, to not forget that danger might be around every corner. ¡°We better get our shopping done fast, Lila,¡± he said. ¡°I really don¡¯t want to risk¡­hey!¡± She was already taking off toward a wide staircase, on either side of which were bustling shops. With a sigh, he ran to catch up. 48. Shopping Spree Justin at last caught up to Lila as she was standing before a shop, which from the swinging placard in the shape of a lute, named ¡°The Melodic Armory.¡± Beneath the shop¡¯s name was a subtitle, ¡°Instruments and Gear for the Budding Virtuoso.¡± The storefront was vibrant, with musical notes and engravings of performers intricately carved into the wooden facade. The windows displayed an array of finely crafted musical instruments, enchanted gear, and stylish attire for bards, all gleaming under the soft glow of enchanted lanterns. ¡°You¡¯re quick,¡± Justin said, catching his breath. ¡°Come on,¡± she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± They entered, the warm air filled with the soft strains of an enchanted harp being played in the background. The interior of the store was a bard¡¯s paradise, with rows of instruments, racks of clothing and light armor, and shelves filled with various enchanted items. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting legendary bards and their epic tales. Behind the counter stood the shopkeeper, a stout man with a bushy red beard and twinkling eyes. He wore a brightly colored tunic and a large, feathered hat. He gave them a welcoming smile. ¡°Welcome to The Melodic Armory,¡± he said in a jovial tone. ¡°I am Bertram Merriwether, the owner. How can I assist you today?¡± ¡°We¡¯re looking for some specific items,¡± Lila said, stepping forward confidently. ¡°I¡¯m looking to round out my gear with some Bronze-Level pieces.¡± ¡°Ah, a bard seeking to enhance her craft!¡± Bertram said, his eyes lighting up. ¡°You¡¯ve come to the right place. Are you looking for clothing to enhance your musical skills, or something more fitting for a bard on the go in a dangerous world?¡± ¡°Definitely the second one,¡± she said. ¡°Well, we have a respectable collection of lady Bardic armor and weapons. Which would you like to see first?¡± ¡°Weapons, definitely. I fight with throwing knives.¡± ¡°Of course. I would be pleased to take you to our knife section.¡± Without waiting for an answer, Bertram led them to the back of the shop. Shortly, they reached a section filled with throwing knives displayed on velvet cushions. Lila¡¯s eyes were drawn to a set labeled ¡°Echoing Knives.¡± Apparently, some sort of magic was placed on the weapons that allowed Justin to see more information about it.
Weapon: Echoing Knives (Set of 6) Tier: Bronze Price: 1 Golden Crown, 50 Silver Marks Bonus: +1 Coordination Enchantment: Resonant Echo¡ªPercentage chance, based on Coordination Attribute, for an attack to hit twice, either on the same target or a different one.
¡°These look perfect!¡± Lila said, picking up a knife and testing its balance. ¡°They¡¯ve got some other sets as well,¡± Justin said, looking through the section. ¡°These look like the only Bronze-Level ones,¡± she said. ¡°The rest are five crowns or more! I¡¯ll take these. They¡¯re much better than what I currently have.¡± Bertram nodded approvingly. ¡°Excellent choice, my lady. These will serve you well and deliver excellent value. Like all enchanted blades, they shall never lose their edge and can even deal with ethereal enemies. After all, finding the best stories means going to dark places. Are you still in the market for some light armor? Or more travel wear?¡± ¡°Light armor,¡± Lila said without hesitation. ¡°Though I must admit I¡¯m on a budget.¡± ¡°I have just the thing. Please follow me.¡± Next, Justin and Lila followed Bertram to the armor section, where he stopped before a completed set on a mannequin called the Minstrel¡¯s Leather Ensemble. It contained a piece for the head, chest, legs, arms, and feet. The set was practical yet stylish, with intricate embroidery and lightweight, reinforced leather perfect for a bard on the move. Justin called the armor¡¯s description:
Amor Set: Minstrel¡¯s Leather Ensemble Tier: Bronze Price: 2 Golden Crowns Attribute Bonus: +1 to all Attributes when a complete set Set Utility Bonus: Cold Resistance
¡°What does Set Utility Bonus mean?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It means each armor piece works in concert to keep the owner warm in all but the cruelest weather,¡± Bertram answered. ¡°The armor is worn as a single piece; sets that do often require using less magical components in their creation, which allows me to pass those savings onto you. The downside being, of course, that if you remove one piece of armor in favor of something else and you¡¯ll lose both the Attribute Bonus and Set Utility.¡± ¡°Sounds like it could be useful,¡± Justin said. ¡°Very,¡± Bertram said. ¡°The set boasts decent protection for the traveling Bard at an affordable price. It offers warmth to its owner, while conferring a +1 Bonus to all Attributes when worn as a complete set, not to mention the protection the leather itself provides. Two crowns are a bargain, especially considering the lady can walk out with this set today.¡± ¡°This one looks a bit too large,¡± Justin said. Bertram looked at him strangely. ¡°All enchanted clothing conforms to the wearer as soon as it¡¯s core-bound.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Justin said. ¡°I knew that.¡± ¡°This should round out my gear nicely,¡± Lila said, looking at it. ¡°Except I can¡¯t get both it and the knives¡­¡± ¡°Can we work out a deal, Bertram?¡± Justin asked. The shopkeeper¡¯s face became one of regret. ¡°Alas, though this is one of our more affordable sets, a lot goes into the crafting of them. Bardic armor is highly specialized. This is actually the only one we have left. The price as it stands is about as competitive as I can get.¡± Justin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I understand. But what if we take both the daggers and the armor? Surely, you could give us a small discount for buying both?¡± Bertram stroked his beard, considering. ¡°I appreciate loyal customers, and I do have some room for negotiation, especially for a bard who might bring more business my way with tales of my fine wares. Let¡¯s see¡­I might reduce the price by twenty-five silver marks as a favor to you, in return for repeat business.¡± Lila looked crestfallen. If her wallet was anything like Justin¡¯s, it was probably enough to bleed her completely dry. Justin saw an opening and pressed further. ¡°How about three crowns for both the armor and the knives? That way, we can walk out of here today with everything we need, rather than having to leave something behind. In return, we will spread the word of your generosity and excellent service. It¡¯s a win-win for both of us.¡± Bertram chuckled, clearly amused by Justin¡¯s persistence. ¡°You drive a hard bargain, young man. However, that cuts my margins thinly, to where it¡¯s no longer worth it to do business.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. It was at this moment that Lila reached into her coin pouch, producing three fat golden coins. Bertram paused his speech and cleared his throat. ¡°Ah, very well! I know that trick, and by the gods, it¡¯s worked on me! Very well. I¡¯ll let both go for three crowns, but only because I can see the potential for future business with you two. Your next purchase will have to be at full price.¡± ¡°Deal!¡± Lila said, grinning. Bertram nodded approvingly. ¡°Excellent. Let me gather the items and I¡¯ll meet you at the counter.¡± They waited while Bertram returned with the gleaming knives and the full ensemble. ¡°That will be three golden crowns.¡± Lila paid without hesitation, handing over the three fat gold coins she¡¯d received from the Crypt of King Alaric. Once the money had been exchanged, Bertram gave a pleased smile. ¡°Very good. Would you like them wrapped, or would you like to wear them out of the store today?¡± ¡°I can wear them. Do you have a changing room?¡± ¡°Yes, in the back.¡± Lila looked at Justin. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± As she left, Justin was left alone with the storekeeper. 50 experience gained! Your experience stands at 319/940. Justin couldn¡¯t help but smile at another negotiation handled with care. ¡°So, this Cold Resistance enchantment¡­¡± Justin said. ¡°Is there a way to add it to my current clothing?¡± ¡°Yes, there is,¡± Bertram said. ¡°There¡¯s a good enchantry down the street that does fine work, called The Arcane Thread. A warming enchantment is necessary to live and work in a town like this, at least for the chest piece.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll check it out,¡± Justin said, though his attention was already drawn to something else. Above the counter, within an enchanted display case, he noticed two glowing yellow orbs, each marked with a rune resembling a harp. He couldn¡¯t believe he hadn¡¯t spotted them earlier. ¡°Are those Bard Cores?¡± he asked, intrigued. ¡°Aye, that they are,¡± Bertram replied with a nod. ¡°You interested?¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m a Socialite, so I can¡¯t take it on until Level 20.¡± ¡°A pity,¡± Bertram said, his tone sympathetic. ¡°Though, even then, you wouldn¡¯t be able to use it.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Bertram gave him a curious look, as if Justin had just revealed a glaring gap in his knowledge. ¡°Well, you don¡¯t unlock your second Core Attribute until Level 20. Most people never do, given the difficulty. But since your first Core Attribute is Charisma, your next will be something different. So, you¡¯ll have to choose a class core that aligns with that new Attribute.¡± ¡°Oh, right,¡± Justin said, trying to cover his slip. ¡°I knew that.¡± Bertram chuckled softly. ¡°Of course, sir.¡± ¡°Just out of curiosity, how much does one of those cost?¡± Bertram shrugged, his expression noncommittal. ¡°Thirty crowns.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow, sensing there might be room to negotiate. ¡°That¡¯s quite a sum. Hard to see how starving artists could ever afford that! Do you require payment upfront?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Bertram confirmed. ¡°Although some secure financing from a bank, but that¡¯s usually only possible if you already have substantial resources. Unfortunately, most can¡¯t afford a class core unless they already come from wealth. A Bard core is actually on the cheaper side compared to others.¡± ¡°Where do class cores come from? Vaults, right?¡± Bertram nodded. ¡°Aye, most are found in Vaults, though they can also form in areas with high magical concentrations. The potential to sell cores drives many adventurers, but, of course, adventuring is nearly impossible without a class to begin with. And since Vaults can¡¯t be cleared alone, the profits have to be split among the party. The riches can be great, which is why so many are drawn to the life of an adventurer¡ªfame, fortune, or, often enough, doom. It attracts the children of wealthy merchants and lords, at least until they¡¯re ready to settle down. Some, though, never leave the life¡ªthey get addicted to the wealth and the thrill.¡± ¡°I can see that,¡± Justin said. ¡°What level Vault should I be looking at if I want to find a class core?¡± Bertram considered this for a moment. ¡°It depends. They can appear in Vaults as low as Level 10, but rarely, and they¡¯re more likely to be the grand prize. They become more common in Level 15-20 Vaults, but even then, it¡¯s no guarantee. Beyond that, they drop like candy. But at those levels, adventurers drop like flies.¡± ¡°Good to know. Thanks for the info, Bertram.¡± The shopkeeper nodded with a smile as Justin headed to the back of the store. A couple of minutes later, Lila emerged, completely decked out in her new outfit, with knives holstered three to a side. The Minstrel¡¯s Leather Ensemble fit her perfectly, its practical design stressing her natural curves. The Echoing Daggers glinted at her hips, ready for action. Justin was surprised by his reaction¡ªthere was just something about a woman in leather that he couldn¡¯t quite ignore. Lila twirled and struck a playful pose. ¡°Well? Is it too much?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do my best not to lose focus with you around,¡± he teased. ¡°Oh, do I need to put it back? I¡¯ve already bound it!¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s perfect. You wear it well.¡± She smiled. ¡°Well, as long as you like it.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s head to the enchantry up the street,¡± Justin said. ¡°I want to see if I can get my gear ready for the cold weather.¡± As they passed the door, Bertram gave a noble bow. ¡°Thank you for your business. May your songs always be filled with joy and your adventures grand.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Lila said brightly. As they headed back out onto the stone street, the temperature seemed to have dropped while they were inside The Melodic Armory, and the cutting mountain wind laden with sleet didn¡¯t help matters. Justin suppressed a shiver. It was high time they headed for The Arcane Thread. ¡°Wow, this warming enchantment is a game changer!¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted one, but never had the money to justify it. And in Daeloria, of course, it rarely gets cold enough to need one.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t wait until I have one of my own,¡± Justin said. They headed up the stairs built into the street, quickly finding The Arcane Thread and ducking inside. The interior of the small shop was incredibly quiet, a far cry from the busy street outside. The shop was filled with bolts of fabric, enchantment materials, and a variety of enchanted garments hanging from racks. Shelves lined the walls, holding jars of glowing powders, shimmering liquids, and radiant crystals of multiple hues. Standing at the counter was a Snow Goblin, though this one was clearly a female and looked quite different from Gribble back in Highcliff. Her skin was a pale blue, and she wore a neat, tailored outfit with a pair of spectacles perched on her nose. She looked up as they entered, her eyes sharp. ¡°Welcome to The Arcane Thread,¡± she said in a calm, measured voice. ¡°How can I assist you this evening?¡± ¡°I was hoping for a Cold Resistance enchantment on my coat here,¡± Justin said. ¡°Is it doable?¡± The Snow Goblin gave a derisive sniff. ¡°Doable? It¡¯s quite elementary, my dear human. I am the best enchanter in town, and to be frank, normally such a thing would not be worth my attention. Only, business is slow this evening. Allow me to examine your coat, and I can give you the price.¡± Justin went to remove it, before realizing in doing so, his Amulet would be even more visible. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­just do this outside. Be right back.¡± The Snow Goblin¡¯s eyes narrowed, but she made no comment. Justin rushed outside, finding a small unoccupied alley. Looking each way, he took off the Amulet and pocketed it before removing his coat and returning to the store. Without a word, he handed it to the Snow Goblin. ¡°Sorry about that. It won¡¯t be terribly expensive, will it?¡± The Snow Goblin looked nonplussed. She produced a pair of what looked like jeweler¡¯s glasses, except they glowed with a golden aura, and examined the coat as if it were a dirty thing. Indeed, it had patches of dirt and snow on it. Justin realized he could have had it cleaned with his Ring of Hygiene, but it was too late for that now. ¡°Yes, I see,¡± the Snow Goblin said. ¡°The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance. +1 to Coordination and Endurance, and Enchantment of Featherweight. The Featherweight is your only utility enchantment, so the Attribute boost is immaterial insofar as the enchantment¡¯s complexity.¡± The Snow Goblin removed her glasses. ¡°This can be done for twenty silvers.¡± It was a lot more than Justin expected. ¡°I was expecting it to be about five.¡± The Snow Goblin looked miffed. ¡°Five? Well, there are the material costs, the interactions with the original enchantment that must be accounted for, and not to mention the price of my expertise. If I charge something of a premium, then it¡¯s only because you want the job done right. Unless you would like to go to Jackie¡¯s Jinxes for the bargain treatment?¡± ¡°Assuredly not.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯ll be twenty silvers and about five minutes of your time, if you can spare them. I take payment up front.¡± Justin sighed, handing over the coins. ¡°Here you are.¡± She immediately set to work. The Snow Goblin took a small, blue-glowing crystal from a shelf and placed it on the counter. She then picked up a vial of shimmering liquid and a small brush. As she worked, she murmured incantations under her breath, her hands moving with practiced precision. She dipped the brush into the liquid and drew intricate runes on the inside lining of the coat. The runes glowed brightly for a moment before fading into the fabric. The magic of the crystal seemed to resonate with the runes, blowing a low, chilly breeze in the enchantry. Next, she placed the crystal on top of the coat and pressed her hand down on it. The crystal pulsed with light, and a soft hum filled the room. Justin watched as the runes reappeared briefly, glowing in harmony with the crystal. The glow spread across the entire coat, and then, with a final whisper from the Snow Goblin, the light faded completely. ¡°It is done,¡± she said, handing the coat back to Justin. ¡°The Cold Resistance enchantment is now in place. You¡¯ll find it to be quite effective. Now keep in mind this is a utility enchantment. It will keep you warm from the environment, but not if it gets far too cold or wet. It will also do little if an Elementalist shoots you with an ice spike. It¡¯s sad I should have to spell that out, but there it is.¡± Justin slipped the coat back on, feeling a warm tingle spread through him. ¡°Thank you. This is perfect.¡± The Snow Goblin gave a curt nod. ¡°May your travels be warm and your path clear. If you need any more work done, please come back.¡± When they returned to the street, Justin hardly felt the effects of the cold weather everywhere the coat provided coverage. The effects of the new enchantment were well-worth the Snow Goblin¡¯s derision. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said. ¡°Game-changer.¡± ¡°Last thing on the agenda,¡± Lila said. ¡°We need to find your items.¡± ¡°Do you really think they have a store here specifically for Socialites?¡± ¡°Eldrin seemed to think so. We just have to find it.¡± Before they set off, Justin ducked back into the same alley as before, taking out his Amulet and putting it back on, ensuring it was well hidden beneath his coat. It didn¡¯t feel truly safe unless it was secure around his neck. The two of them set off up the street. 49. A Gentlemans Dilemma Surprisingly, it didn¡¯t take long for them to find what they were looking for. Lila was the first to catch sight of a shop where the swinging placard declared it ¡°The Elegant Enclave.¡± Like The Melodic Armory, it also contained a subtitle: ¡°Finery for the Discerning Gentleman.¡± The storefront was adorned with intricate woodwork and gilded accents, exuding an air of sophistication. In the windows were mannequins dressed in elegant clothing, brandishing canes and wearing accessories that gleamed under the soft glow of enchanted lanterns. Almost all wore top hats, while one wore a white fedora with a purple ribbon and a peacock feather. Rich velvet curtains framed the displays, and a subtle fragrance of polished wood and fine fabric wafted from the open doorway, inviting passersby to step inside and explore the luxurious offerings within. ¡°Come on,¡± she said, pulling his arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± They entered, the interior of the store was even more opulent than the exterior suggested. Plush carpets in deep burgundy covered the floor, and the walls were lined with dark mahogany shelves displaying an array of finely tailored clothing and gleaming accessories. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting light over the space. Behind a polished counter stood the shopkeeper, a tall, thin man with impeccably groomed hair and a meticulously trimmed mustache. His clothes were of the highest quality, a tailored suit that spoke of both wealth and taste. He regarded Justin and Lila with a critical eye, his nose slightly upturned as if he were perpetually sniffing something distasteful. ¡°Welcome to The Elegant Enclave,¡± he said in a smooth but slightly condescending tone. ¡°I am Reginald Fairfax, the proprietor of this establishment. How might I assist you this evening?¡± ¡°We¡¯re looking for some specific items,¡± Justin began, feeling slightly intimidated by Reginald¡¯s haughty demeanor. ¡°Of course,¡± Reginald replied, his tone suggesting that he doubted they could afford anything in the store. ¡°Do let me know if you require any assistance in selecting the finest attire and accessories for a gentleman of taste.¡± From the look Reginald gave him, it was quite clear that he believed Justin didn¡¯t have any taste. As they wandered the store, Justin whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t want to give this blowhard my business.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t take it personally. He¡¯s probably trying to stoke your pride, make you feel you can¡¯t afford anything. That way you want to prove him wrong.¡± ¡°That¡­makes no sense.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a thing. So, what pieces are you missing? Let¡¯s focus on that.¡± ¡°Well, a headpiece and an arm piece for starters, and a leg piece. And maybe a second accessory, since the Amulet¡­¡± He trailed off, realizing he¡¯d already said too much. ¡°Let¡¯s find a decent head piece first.¡± Justin headed for the hat section, where each item was placed on a stand with an enchantment that displayed a brief description and the price, much like The Melodic Armory. His eyes popped at the prices. There was nothing less than ten gold crowns, and items as high as twenty-five. ¡°I think we¡¯re in the wrong store,¡± Justin said. Reginald, who apparently had sharp ears, caught every word. ¡°You find yourselves in the Gold-Tier section. For clothing of¡­humbler tastes¡­please make your way to the Bronze-Tier items section in the back.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila said, turning back to Justin and rolling her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s see what they have.¡± They went to the back of the store, where the prices were more agreeable, but still quite expensive. There were only a couple of hats with a price Justin could afford. One was a fedora of sorts, called the ¡°Sentry¡¯s Fedora¡± that conferred a +1 to Perception and nothing more, along with a utility enchantment of ¡°Dust Repel,¡± which kept the hat free from dust and dirt, on sale for 75 Silver Marks. Also on sale for seventy-five silver marks was a so-called Dandy¡¯s Cap, with a long, red feather.
Item: Dandy¡¯s Cap Type: Headgear (Charisma Core) Price: 75 Silver Marks Rarity: Bronze-Level Attribute Bonus: +1 Charisma
¡°Is this really all they have?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It¡¯s kind of sad.¡± ¡°Seems like it,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯d go with the Dandy¡¯s Cap. Charisma is what helps you most, plus the Dust Repel enchantment is not useful at all, especially with your ring.¡± He reached out to touch the feathered cap, and as soon as he did so, a sort of alarm went on, high and trilling. Justin took his hands off the hat and it went away. Reginald came into the back room, turning up his nose. ¡°Please, sir, hands of the merchandise. If you wish to make a purchase, simply tell me.¡± ¡°Sorry,¡± Justin said. With a derisive sniff, Reginald returned to the front. ¡°What an infuriating man,¡± Justin said. ¡°Dandy¡¯s Cap it is. Time to find a leg piece and an arm piece.¡± They made their way over to that section, but there was only one Bronze-Level Item in Justin¡¯s price range, the Squire''s Armlet. Apparently, Socialites were expected to be loaded and go far Silver-Level and higher items. It was a simple armlet of bronze, to be worn on the upper arm.
Item: Squire''s Armlet Type: Arm Piece (Charisma Core) Price: 75 Silver Marks Rarity: Bronze-Level Attribute Bonus: +1 Power
¡°Nice,¡± Justin said. ¡°Something to help my physical strength, at least. Now if only I could test it out on Reginald¡­¡± Lila gave him a light punch. ¡°Behave yourself. So, that¡¯s the Squire¡¯s Armlet and Dandy¡¯s Cap. That¡¯s a crown and fifty marks. That leaves you how much?¡± ¡°After enchanting my coat, I have about a crown and fifty marks left. Damn, being a gentleman is expensive!¡± ¡°I already saw their leg pieces,¡± Lila said. ¡°There¡¯s nothing cheaper than three crowns.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ll have to stick with my normal pants for now. They¡¯ve served me well so far. What about accessories?¡± ¡°All too much. Looks like this is all you can afford.¡± Justin sighed. ¡°So be it. Let¡¯s check out.¡± They went to the front, where Reginald pretended to not see them until Justin cleared his throat and tapped his cane a few times. Reginald looked up. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°We¡¯d like the Squire¡¯s Armlet and the Dandy¡¯s Cap,¡± Lila put in. Reginald appeared to be bored. ¡°That shall be one crown and fifty marks.¡± ¡°Can we negotiate a bit on the price?¡± Justin asked, trying his best to sound diplomatic. Reginald raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. ¡°Our prices are quite firm, sir. We pride ourselves on the quality and exclusivity of our merchandise. We are, after all, the only Socialite clothier in Windfall specializing in superior clothes for the gentleman of means. As such, it would be unseemly to offer discounts.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t ready to give up. ¡°I understand that, but surely there¡¯s some room for negotiation. We¡¯re buying multiple items, after all. And let¡¯s be honest, the quality of the enchantments leaves a lot to be desired. A little flexibility on the price would go a long way in earning our repeat business.¡± Reginald¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°As I mentioned, our prices reflect the superior quality and fashion of our items. Any common enchanter can slap an effect on a set of rags, if they so choose, but where¡¯s the style in that? At the Elegant Enclave, you are not just buying the enchantment. You are buying an image. However, if you purchase from us today and return for future needs, perhaps then we can discuss more favorable terms.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Justin felt a flicker of frustration but kept his tone even. ¡°How about meeting halfway? I¡¯ll happily pay a crown and twenty-five silvers for the Dandy¡¯s Cap and the Squire¡¯s Armlet. That¡¯s still a substantial sum, and it shows our commitment to quality.¡± Reginald¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Your offer is noted, sir, but it does not align with our pricing policies. If we lowered our prices, then we would lose our exclusivity, and we have never been known to give a discount, or indeed, have needed to offer one. The price remains at one crown and fifty silvers. I assure you, it is more than fair for the value provided.¡± Justin sighed, feeling the weight of the coins in his pouch. ¡°All right, fine. But this isn¡¯t how I usually do business.¡± Reginald gave a curt nod, clearly pleased. ¡°Thank you for understanding. Would you like these items wrapped?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s fine,¡± Justin replied, handing over the money. It pained Justin greatly to hand over the coins. Within the minute, Reginald had returned with both items. ¡°Here you are, sir. Is there anything else I can help you with today?¡± ¡°No,¡± Justin said. ¡°Unless¡­¡± He¡¯d been about to ask if they sold patience to deal with snobs, but looking at the display case behind Reginald, he saw another yellow core, this one with a rune that resembled a cane. ¡°How much for that class core?¡± Reginald smiled thinly. ¡°One shard.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°One what now?¡± Lila leaned over. ¡°A platinum shard. Worth a hundred crowns.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Nobody can afford that!¡± ¡°Well, it seems you certainly did,¡± Reginald observed. ¡°Unless you acquired your Socialite core by¡­other means?¡± ¡°What are you implying?¡± Justin said with a huff. ¡°Know your place, sir, and this is not how you should treat a paying customer who has asked you a simple question!¡± The man actually smiled at that. ¡°Ah, there¡¯s the Socialite in training! Please come back any time. The Elegant Enclave stands ready to serve all the discerning gentlemen of Windfall and its environs.¡± Then, donning his spectacles and going back to his ledger book, he said, ¡°Good night.¡± But suddenly, his head snapped toward Justin¡¯s chest, right at the Amulet he was wearing, or rather, the golden chain that was just clearly visible below his collar. Justin felt his skin go cold. ¡°My, what a fine piece that is! I mean, it¡¯s not often one sees a Platinum-Level artifact on the streets of Windfall. And not core-bound!¡± The man seemed to take in Justin anew, as if looking at his next meal, but Justin was over it. ¡°You had your chance, Reggie. Come on, Lila. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± the man said, the please in his voice stopping them short. ¡°At least hear me out. Are you in the market to sell it? I can offer a very good price.¡± He gave a devious smile. ¡°Or perhaps you¡¯d prefer to trade? How would like an outfit composed of all Silver-Level Items, hmm? A complete set? And perhaps a Gold-Level cane of your choosing?¡± Now, that was a tempting offer. Justin had been dead set of refusing the man whatever he asked, but he just had to consider this one. From what Justin had seen of Silver-Level items so far, they all came with at least two Attribute Points and an enchantment that was almost always useful. And as for a Gold-Level Cane of his choosing, it would certainly be better than the one he currently had, which was Silver-Level. Justin¡¯s mind raced as he considered the offer. Silver-Level gear would be a significant upgrade, making him far more effective in almost every situation. The Gold-Level cane would likely enhance his abilities even further, giving him an edge that could make a real difference. The practical side of him screamed to take the deal; after all, the Amulet was powerful, but there was no guarantee he would ever get to use it, at least, not soon. But then he thought about the Amulet¡¯s true value. It was more than just an item. It held boundless potential for the way he was building his character. Trading it away felt wrong, like giving up a part of himself for short-term gain. Besides¡­how had Reginald known about the Amulet and its value, anyway? ¡°And here I was, thinking I was hiding it well,¡± Justin said. Reginald smiled. ¡°I must admit, I didn¡¯t notice it at first. But it¡¯s difficult for something like that to escape the eye of an experienced Merchant like me.¡± ¡°A Merchant?¡± Lila asked. ¡°And you run a shop for Socialites?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my niche, you might say. But the item you carry, sir, holds great value. I made a costly mistake; I underestimated your means, something I don¡¯t do often. If you prefer money, well, it can be arranged. I can give you an enchanted promissory note to take with you to the bank tomorrow morning, and they¡¯ll pay you in cold hard coin. I know you aren¡¯t from here; I know all my customers, and my reputation is impeccable. But perhaps we can come to an agreement, one gentleman to another.¡± ¡°How much are you thinking?¡± Justin asked. ¡°That¡­must be decided. I think one platinum shard is a reasonable starting point.¡± He nodded toward the display case behind him. ¡°Or, if you prefer, I can trade you for the core.¡± Lila¡¯s eyes widened at that. Justin only felt sick. The Snow Goblin back at the Frosty Mug had been willing to break his kneecaps over his Silver-Level cane and twenty crowns. What resources did a Merchant like Reginald Fairfax have? ¡°I¡¯ll consider it, Reginald. But you have insulted me greatly.¡± The shopkeeper¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°The offer stands, should you change your mind. If the number is disagreeable, I¡¯m sure we can¡ª¡± ¡°You forget that being a gentleman is not just about style or money, but manners. You made a big mistake, Reginald. Huge! Count yourself lucky if I ever return. Good day.¡± ¡°Sir, if I might be so bold¡ª¡± ¡°I said good day!¡± In a huff, Justin ushered Lila out the door and slammed it behind them, the merry jingle of the bell almost frantic. As they walked, Lila glanced at Justin. He remained quiet, deeply disturbed by the exchange. He was wondering if he had made the huge mistake. If Reginald was good for it, then that kind of money was game-changing. Even a Level 15 Vault had only gotten him 2.5 gold crowns. He¡¯d have to run forty of those to reach a hundred crowns. Or rather, a platinum shard. ¡°Justin¡­¡± Lila finally managed. ¡°Why did you do that?¡± He shook his head. ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know. He just made me so mad!¡± ¡°I know. He made me mad, too. But assuming this is a legitimate number, that kind of money, if used wisely, can set someone up for life.¡± ¡°I¡­think I¡¯ve had my fill for the evening,¡± he finally said. ¡°Last thing we need is for Reggie to send some goons after us.¡± Lila nodded. ¡°I understand. Maybe we can talk about it. When things have cooled off.¡± ¡°You want me to sell it, don¡¯t you?¡± Lila looked as if she wanted to respond but decided not to. ¡°We can talk about it later.¡± Justin wanted to talk about it now, but he knew that was the anger inside him. ¡°You¡¯re right, Lila. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s natural,¡± she said. ¡°Let¡¯s get some rest. We¡¯ll feel better for it.¡± First, Justin decided to don his new gear. He placed the Dandy¡¯s Cap on his head while also slipping also slipping on the Squire¡¯s Armlet, binding both items to his core. He briefly recalled his character screen to get a sense of what the new gear had done for him:
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 7 Experience to Level 8: 309/940
Attributes: Power: 11 (10 + 1) Coordination: 11 (10 +1) Endurance: 12 (10 +2) Intellect: 10 Perception: 11 (10 +1) Charisma: 21 (18 +3)
Equipment: (Weapon) The Cane of Valoria: +1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill ¡°Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff.¡± (Chest Piece) The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: + 1 to Endurance and Coordination. Enchantment of Featherweight. (Headpiece) Dandy¡¯s Cap: +1 to Charisma. (Arm Piece) Squire¡¯s Armlet: +1 to Power. (Leg Piece): Common Traveler¡¯s Pants. (Foot Piece) Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance. Enchantment of Dry Stride. (Accessory 1) The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications. (Accessory 2) The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Nullified: Death Affinity Detected.
That just left one clothing slot, a leg piece, and with one and a half crowns to his name, there was probably somewhere in this city he could buy something suitable. But as they were walking down the street, Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice another person approaching, exuding an air of pompous confidence. The man, tall and lean with brown hair falling to his shoulders, with upward twirling mustachios, was impeccably dressed in a dark, tailored suit with silver embroidery along the cuffs and collar. His headwear, a tall top hat, sat at a jaunty angle. He twirled an ornate cane with a ruby head shaped like a fire-breathing dragon, the gem gleaming under the streetlights. A beautiful woman hung on his arm, dressed in a flowing, green gown that accentuated her graceful figure. Her blonde hair was styled in intricate curls, and she wore a delicate pendant around her neck that sparkled with enchantment. The man¡¯s eyes, sharp and calculating, locked onto Justin with a mixture of curiosity and challenge. The stranger halted in front of Justin, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Well, well, what do we have here? A fellow Socialite, I presume?¡± His voice was smooth but carried an undercurrent of condescension. He flourished his cane in a grand gesture, the weapon so tall that it could almost be called a staff. ¡°I must say, your ensemble is quite¡­quaint.¡± Justin felt a spark of annoyance but kept his composure, his voice dripping with sarcasm and boredom. ¡°Justin Talemaker. And to whom do I owe the pleasure of this¡­grand introduction?¡± ¡°Lord Percival Harrington, of the same house. Talemaker is not a house I¡¯m familiar with, I¡¯m afraid. Mayhap there¡¯s some obscure reference to it in some forgotten tome in the city library.¡± Justin smiled. Apparently, he wasn¡¯t the only one who had access to Poison Barb, but his Charisma was too high to take the hit. ¡°You seem quite proud of that cane, Lord Harrington. You know what they say. The bigger the cane¡­¡± Percival smirked, tapping his cane on the ground. ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s Gold-Tier; not everyone can have one.¡± He gave a haughty laugh. ¡°But I see you¡¯ve managed to acquire a few items of note yourself, if items they can be so-called.¡± His aristocratic nose, wrinkling in disgust, told Justin just what Lord Percival thought of those items. ¡°Tell me, are you familiar with the art of the ¡®Social Duel¡¯, Mr. Talemaker? It¡¯s a sophisticated contest, not for the faint of heart or the¡­¡± He cleared his throat. ¡°Poorly dressed.¡± Before Justin could respond, Percival activated what had to be his Dandy¡¯s Swagger skill. The air around him shimmered yellow as he took a step back, exaggerating his bow while holding the brim of his top hat. Then, Percival spun, his blue eyes thunderous. ¡°I challenge you to a duel of wits and charm, good sir! Let¡¯s see who among us truly embodies the essence of a gentleman.¡± ¡°Beat his ass, Justin,¡± Lila said, her voice dangerous. Percival¡¯s lady companion crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Lila, clearly not liking her words. Justin felt the familiar surge of confidence as he activated his own Dandy¡¯s Swagger skill in response. He twirled his cane and began a breakdancing routine, drawing shocked gasps from the crowd. Justin twirled on his back, controlled by a force outside himself. At last, he flipped off the ground and landed lightly on his feet, performing a low bow to the delight of the gathering crowd, most of whom were applauding. Percival¡¯s lips curled downward in distaste. ¡°Challenge accepted, Lord Harrington. Let¡¯s see who outshines whom.¡± 50. Epic Rap Battles of LitRPG What happened next was something Justin could scarcely have predicted. First, he heard a voice: the System¡¯s voice, and it seemed only he could hear it. Lord Percival Harrington has challenged you to a Social Duel using his Rare Skill, Gentleman¡¯s Gauntlet, and you have accepted! Lord Harrington has wagered his Platinum-Level Headpiece, the Top Hat of Mental Clarity. Please wager an item of Platinum-Level or higher. The Top Hat of Mental Clarity, or at least a vision of it, appeared before Justin. It was a sleek, midnight-black headpiece with a lustrous sheen, perfectly tailored for a gentleman of high society. He read the item¡¯s description.
The Top Hat of Mental Clarity (Platinum): Grants complete immunity to Mind Control, Fear, and Intimidation Effects caused by another character¡¯s skills or magic. +1 to Intellect and Perception.
Complete immunity to three status conditions that could utterly cripple him? Justin wanted that hat. He needed that hat. What item do you wish to wager? Justin tried to wager his Dandy¡¯s Cap, but he instantly felt the System¡¯s rejection. You must wager a Platinum-Level item or higher. Of course, the only Platinum-Level item or higher Justin possessed was his Amulet of Equilibrium. And it seemed there was no way out of this challenge. Justin had made a foolish mistake. The anger he''d felt from the shopkeeper had been misdirected at this rando, and now he might be the one paying the price. And yet, if he won, he''d get an awesome piece of gear, one which would be perfect for his character. So, he just had to win. He had no choice. You have wagered: The Amulet of Equilibrium.
The Amulet of Equilibrium (Platinum): Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted.
Justin saw Percival¡¯s eyes widen at that. ¡°Splendid!¡± Upon victory, the loser¡¯s core-binding, if already applied, will be nullified, and bonded to the victor¡¯s core. All cooldowns have been reset and reduced for the duration of the duel, and all cooldowns will reset upon conclusion of the duel. May the most distinguished gentleman prevail! And just like that, the duel began. Glowing yellow boundaries flickered, creating a circle about fifty feet across, on the edge of which a thick crowd had gathered to watch. Percival began with a flourish, strutting around Justin with exaggerated elegance. ¡°You must forgive my surprise, Mr. Talemaker. I could not resist challenging you, for I didn¡¯t expect to see a fellow Socialite with such... quaint taste.¡± Justin smirked, activating his Dandy¡¯s Swagger. He mirrored Percival¡¯s strut with added flair, his movements smooth and confident. ¡°Quaint? Says the man hiding behind an accessory, hoping no one notices he¡¯s just an overdressed pretender. Keep clinging to that hat, Harrington¡ªit¡¯s doing more work than you are.¡± The crowd laughed, enjoying the exchange of barbs. Percival¡¯s eyes narrowed, clearly annoyed. ¡°Well played, but let¡¯s see how you manage¡­this!¡± He leaped into the air, performing a series of acrobatic flips before landing gracefully on one knee, his cane held high and even releasing a spout of flame from the dragon¡¯s mouth. The crowd erupted in applause. Justin wasn¡¯t fazed. He focused his energy and activated his Poison Barb ability, his words laced with a biting edge. ¡°Impressive gymnastics, Harrington. Did you learn that in a circus?¡± Percival¡¯s eyes gleamed with mischief. ¡°Tell me, Mr. Talemaker, does your tailor specialize in mediocrity, or is it a personal choice? From that garb, mayhap you don¡¯t even have a tailor!¡± Justin countered with his own Poison Barb. ¡°That¡¯s rich, considering your attire appears rummaged from a garbage heap in the Undermarket.¡± The lord¡¯s eyes narrowed, and Justin realized it was best to insult his style. But Percival recovered quickly, twirling his cane while performing a series of graceful, dance-like moves. He used a skill that temporarily blinded with a flash of light, before reappearing in a new, more impressive pose in another location. Justin had to admit that one would be handy to have. But now it was time to bring out the big guns. Justin felt a surge of confidence as he activated his Dazzling Display. The surrounding air shimmered yellow as the legendary rapper Eminem entered his mind. Justin¡¯s stance shifted, becoming more aggressive, his gaze intense. He felt the raw energy of Eminem¡¯s charisma infusing within him, giving him a razor-sharp edge. With a quick breath, Justin launched into a verbal diss, his words cutting through the air like a knife, even as a sick beat manifested from the Ether to lock in the rhythm:
¡°You strut like you¡¯re hot, but you¡¯re just a fa?ade, You¡¯re not a real player, just a fraudulent mirage. Talkin¡¯ up a big game with your cane and your suit, But step up to the Talemaker, and I¡¯ll render you mute. You think you¡¯re looking fly, but you¡¯re dull as a butter knife, Livin¡¯ a life of luxury but can¡¯t handle real life. You flash that dragon cane like it¡¯s something profound, But I¡¯m the true Talemaker, and I¡¯m taking you down. Your cane might spit fire, but it fails to inspire, A circus act on a wire, destined to crash in the mire. Your attire¡¯s like trash, and your style¡¯s a joke, With a grace about as subtle as a sledgehammer¡¯s stroke. Your legacy is empty, as short as a sneeze, And your fashion is forgettable, like a fart in the breeze. I¡¯ll leave you in ashes, cause your wit¡¯s slow as molasses, If you ever outclass me, then it¡¯ll be as the King of the Asses. Cause I¡¯m the King of the Ring, the lyrical beast And you¡¯re just another pretender, soon to be deceased. At the hands of my rhymes, was there ever any doubt? Lord Harrington, your time¡¯s up¡ªcause I¡¯m knocking you out!¡±
As Justin¡¯s Dazzling Display ended, the crowd gasped and then roared with approval, captivated by the unexpected display of lyrical prowess. Justin, with amusement, realized he just might have invented rap in this world. But much to Justin¡¯s surprise, Lord Harrington gave a smug smile, spreading his arms wide while giving his cane a stylish twirl. The yellowish aura surrounding him told Justin that he was using the same skill, or something similar. His voice came out stuffy, dripping with superiority.
¡°Hark! It¡¯s Harrington, I¡¯m the original Socialite, But for a fool like you, it¡¯s time for me to ignite. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m wasting time on a dungeon dweller, While you rot in the dark, I¡¯m the high society feller. I can smell your stink from here, no money, no fame, No women to your name¡ªoh my, what a dreadful shame! Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, let¡¯s switch up the game,The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. My rhymes are so tight, even in a different frame. If you can¡¯t roll like me, you won¡¯t get no baddie, I¡¯ve got a new lady every night, they all call me Daddy. You¡¯ve never had a lady, it¡¯s a painful joke, Cause I¡¯m about to faint from that foul reek you evoke. You¡¯re just a sweaty rube with no real friends, Unless you count the relief that you get from your hands. You¡¯re a faker, a loser, a joke on repeat, Too busy with games to stand on your own two feet. You¡¯re as fat as a bat, gorging on lard, And your style¡¯s so wack, even your lady¡¯s on guard. If you don¡¯t know how to treat her, simply send her to me, I¡¯ll take her to paradise, show her my Cane of Destiny.¡±
As Lord Harrington¡¯s words echoed through the air, he raised his fire-breathing cane high, sending out a spout of flame. The crowd fell into a stunned silence, absorbing the venom of his verbal assault. Then, like a wave crashing against the shore, the crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers and jeers, divided between admiration for Harrington¡¯s cutting wit and sympathy for Justin. Justin gave a placid smile, but he was a storm inside. Harrington¡¯s disses had hit very close to the mark. Maybe like him, Poison Barb gave him insight into what would hurt him the most. As Justin had attacked the lord''s style and image, Harrington in turn had attacked his insecurities with women. But he recovered, with such poise as he could, and stepped up the duel with a series of stylized, choreographed attacks with his cane. His moves were precise, highlighting the elegance of his Cane of Valoria. Lord Harrington responded, his moves quick and bold, the dragon¡¯s head periodically spouting plumes of flame. Justin dodged gracefully and countered with a mix of Westside Story-inspired dance fighting, cane twirls, and finger snaps, once again activating his Dandy Swagger. He even landed a few light hits. The crowd watched in awe as the two Socialites danced and fought with finesse. Lord Harrington attempted to finish the duel with a grand finale, combining his Dandy¡¯s Swagger and another light-blinding move. He aimed to outshine Justin with a flurry of cane strikes and pirouettes. Justin, feeling the surge of confidence from his own Dandy¡¯s Swagger, used his Poison Barb for a final, cutting insult.
¡°They say money can¡¯t buy class¡ªthanks for proving it true. All that wealth you flaunt just highlights what¡¯s missing in you.¡±
Justin performed a moonwalk and the crowd¡¯s reaction was electric. Lord Harrington gave a superior smile as he puffed out his chest.
¡°Mock my money, but it has you beat. While I dine in palaces, you¡¯re stuck in the street.¡±
There was a scattering of applause, but the words didn¡¯t fare well with the local population, who knew the weight of hard-earned coin and the sting of struggle. The crowd¡¯s initial enthusiasm dimmed, their cheers for Harrington¡¯s retort less spirited. Harrington''s superior smile faltered, realizing too late that while his wealth might command attention, it couldn¡¯t command respect. There was a moment¡¯s pause, the tension thick in the air, as both duelists awaited the final verdict. Social duel: ended. The winner is¡­ Before the System could finish, the crowd erupted in a thunderous roar, their voices blending into a cacophony of shouts and cheers. Cries of ¡°Talemaker!¡± and ¡°Harrington!¡± echoed around the circle. Justin realized the winner would be based off crowd reaction. Finally, the System¡¯s voice cut through the noise, deciding the winner.. ¡­Justin Talemaker. The crowd¡¯s cheers surged to a fever pitch as Justin felt a surge of triumph. To Lord Percival¡¯s credit, he managed a smile and a respectful bow as his enchanted, Platinum-Tier top hat floated toward Justin. Justin took it in hand, returning Percival¡¯s bow with a flourish. Congratulations! As the victory of the Social Duel, the Top Hat of Mental Clarity has been bound to your core. Justin donned it immediately, removing his Dandy¡¯s Cap. The head piece¡¯s enchantment instantly became one with him. He would lose the Charisma bonus of the Dandy¡¯s Cap, but in turn, he would receive complete immunity to Mind Control, Fear, and Intimidation attempts, and he now had a piece of gear that likely wouldn¡¯t be out-classed for a long, long time, if ever. Given the enchantments, it would remain useful throughout his entire journey, depending on the enemies he might face. The +1 to Intellect and Perception was just icing on the cake. ¡°Better luck next time, Lord Harrington,¡± Justin said, his tone edged with satisfaction, as he tipped his new hat. As Lila joined him, Percival straightened, his demeanor stiff. ¡°Well played, Mr. Talemaker. I underestimated you¡ªsomething I rarely do. It¡¯s a pity to lose the chance to win that mighty Amulet.¡± Justin forced a smile, but he realized the Amulet might be more of a liability than an asset. Given the circumstances, selling it might be the smarter choice. He wondered how Lord Harrington even knew he had it¡ªuntil it hit him: Harrington probably hadn''t known. When Harrington used his Gentleman''s Gauntlet skill, he wouldn''t have been able to stake his Platinum-Level head piece unless Justin had a Platinum-Level item of his own. Of course, being a wealthy snob, Harrington could afford to risk losing something so valuable more easily than Justin could. It had been foolish to accept the duel in retrospect, but luckily, Justin¡¯s skills and Charisma had been enough to carry him to victory, though he had a feeling that it had been close. Lord Harrington¡¯s lady friend stepped forward, her smile enchanting. Even though Lila was standing right there beside him, there was something beguiling about her that went beyond her beauty, to the point where Justin wondered if some sort of skill was being used on him. ¡°My, that was quite the spectacle! Enough to set a lady¡¯s heart aflutter.¡± She gave her brilliant green eyes a calculated batting. ¡°Mr. Talemaker,¡± Lord Harrington said, ¡°allow me to introduce my consort of the evening, the lovely Lady Catarina. Like us, she is also a Socialite.¡± ¡°Clearly, you are a gentleman of great renown, Mr. Talemaker,¡± she said, her voice dripping with flirtation. ¡°What was that spoken poetry you did? It was so¡­evocative.¡± ¡°It¡¯s called rapping, my lady.¡± He indicated Lila. ¡°This is my own consort of the evening, Lila Fairwind.¡± Lord Harrington¡¯s gaze flicked over to Lila, his eyes twinkling with interest. He offered a charming smile. ¡°Miss Fairwind, is it? A name as lovely as the breeze that carries it. I must say, Mr. Talemaker, you have an eye for fine company. Tell me, Miss Fairwind, do you often find yourself swept into such intriguing spectacles? If not, might I suggest you make a habit of it? Your presence would undoubtedly elevate any gathering.¡± ¡°Why?¡± she asked. ¡°So, you can make me your lady of the night?¡± Lord Harrington chuckled. ¡°Well, no man in Windfall would complain about that!¡± The glint in his eye made it clear he was enjoying the game. Lila, for her part, met his gaze with a raised brow, her expression showing she was not easily swayed. Justin was ready to leave, but he was too curious about how Harrington had picked up rapping on the fly. Some part of him wondered, as he had before, if there were other ¡°players¡± from Earth in this world. If someone could rap, it might be a good clue that he wasn¡¯t alone here. ¡°It¡¯s pretty impressive you were able to rap without ever having heard it before,¡± Justin ventured. ¡°I was definitely feeling the heat of your rhymes.¡± ¡°Likewise, my good man. I¡¯m quite adroit at social situations, to be sure, but I must admit I had the benefit of a rare skill, called Social Mimicry. It allows me to copy a social or rhetorical technique and then add it to my repertoire. Beyond useful for a Socialite like me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Justin said, a bit disappointed. Of course it would be some skill. ¡°You, Mr. Talemaker, are more than a curiosity,¡± Lord Harrington went on. ¡°You are clearly a man with remarkably interesting stories. I would be remiss not to invite you¡ªand your lovely companion, of course¡ªto our little Fall Celebration at the Harrington House.¡± Lady Catarina leaned in toward him, her voice laced with meaning. ¡°Do consider joining us, Mr. Talemaker.¡± Lila shot her a death glare as Justin responded. ¡°We¡¯ll consider it.¡± ¡°Splendid,¡± Lady Catarina said. ¡°Us Socialites must really stick together. Our class is so unfairly maligned! Simply follow this street to the end, and you¡¯ll find the Harrington House. I hope to see you there. There will be stimulating conversation and other delights for those who have a mind and taste for them.¡± She gave an alluring smile. ¡°You¡¯ll be needing this, my good man,¡± Lord Harrington said, proffering a piece of gilded paper. A quick scan revealed it to be an invitation. ¡°Simply hand it to my footman tomorrow morning upon arrival. Good night!¡± As the lord and lady walked away, a System notification appeared before him.
Event: The Harringtons¡¯ Fall Extravaganza You¡¯ve been invited to the social event of the season at Lord Harrington¡¯s estate. Rub elbows with the rich and ridiculous, eavesdrop on scandalous gossip, and survive the whimsical plots of the upper crust. Dress like your life depends on it and brace yourself for a day full of surprises and delights! Starts at 9 a.m. sharp and carries on until the last champagne flute is empty. Rewards: ¡ªExperience: Scaled to level and participation (and ability to dodge scandal). ¡ªLoot: Sweet-talk your way to exclusive treasures and rare finds. Only the clever leave with more than memories!
¡°Are you seeing what I¡¯m seeing?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Lila said, with trepidation. ¡°The answer is no. We''re leaving tomorrow morning, remember?" At Justin¡¯s silence, she just arched her eyebrows. ¡°Seriously? I¡¯m being the responsible one for once? What happened to keeping a low profile? There were at least two hundred people watching you here on the street, preening like peacock!¡± Justin knew she had a point. ¡°All right, fine. Let¡¯s head back to the inn.¡± ¡°Smart move.¡± Justin followed Lila into the underground market, still bustling despite the late hour. In fact, it seemed even busier. They turned down a side alley, one of the few they had to take to reach the inn. It was strangely quiet and empty compared to the street. Suddenly, Justin spun around, raising his cane in defense. A throwing knife clattered to the ground. Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has shielded this attack! Standing in the alley was a shadowed figure, a wiry man with a hooded cloak and a sinister grin. He had another knife ready. Beside him materialized another thug, this one burly with a bald head wielding a crossbow. Lila¡¯s reaction was instant. Her new Echoing Daggers whistled through the air, striking true with impressive speed. Justin¡¯s eyes widened as three of the knives embedded themselves in their targets before they dislodged and flew again, striking new spots on the assailants¡¯ bodies or even hitting the other thug. The Resonant Echo enchantment was already paying dividends. But Justin could hardly watch, for on the other side of the alley, two more toughs appeared. One was lean, with a wicked scar across his cheek, bearing a quarterstaff. The other was a hulking brute with a sword and shield, his muscles bulging under his leather armor. Justin gave his cane a practiced twirl as he quickly lobbed a Poison Barb at the attacker with the staff. ¡°Still clinging to that pole? The mentor who gifted it gave up on you. Maybe you should, too.¡± The wielder of the staff froze in his tracks, eyes wide with shock. Justin wasted no time in engaging the fighter with the sword and shield. He parried his first strike, taking care to maintain his distance. Poison Barb refreshed. Though his Poison Barb skill had gone off cooldown, the quarterstaff wielder was still stunned. As such, Justin decided to hurl an insult at the swordsman. ¡°Come on, big guy. Swing that sword like you¡¯re trying to impress the girl you could never get.¡± The man wasn¡¯t stunned, but he did stumble a bit. Justin took the opportunity to give him a swift upward jab, knocking his shield aside. Justin noticed a yellow flash of light at the point of impact, the move hitting far harder than expected, an effect of his new skill, Add Injury to Insult. With a spinning sweep of his cane, he took the man¡¯s legs from beneath him. Justin finished him with a precise strike to the temple, blade extended. The staff-wielding street tough recovered, but by then, Lila had retrieved her knives thanks to her Amulet of Everblade. She unleashed them once more, and the knives danced through the air, finishing the final attacker with deadly precision. Lila¡¯s face was pale as she retrieved her Echoing Daggers. ¡°Come on. We need to find Eldrin.¡± As they ran back to the inn, Justin could only wonder how Gareth¡¯s men had found them so soon. Whatever the case, it looked like they were on the run again. 51. Eldrins Gambit Once back at The Mountain¡¯s Embrace, Justin and Lila hurried to their suite, only to find that Eldrin wasn¡¯t there. ¡°Great,¡± Justin muttered. ¡°What do we do now?¡± Lila was unusually silent, her face paler than usual. ¡°I¡¯m rattled too, Lila, but we need to figure out our next move. If those guys were in the alley, it means they know we¡¯re staying here.¡± ¡°Those weren¡¯t Gareth¡¯s men,¡± Lila said. Justin frowned. ¡°What do you mean? Was it Reggie?¡± She shook her head. ¡°I¡­recognized a couple of them. That wiry man with the knives¡ªI¡¯ve seen him before back in Stonehaven. They¡¯re the ones who were sent after me.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°For your debts? How did they track you down here?¡± She sank into a chair, looking defeated. ¡°I don¡¯t know! Maybe it was bad luck, or they spotted us in the street. They must have come straight to Windfall from Stonehaven instead of going to Mistwatch. There were three routes they could have taken to follow me, and I guess they chose the northern one.¡± ¡°Was that all of them?¡± Justin asked, concerned. Lila nodded numbly. ¡°Yeah. Now I can never show my face in Daeloria again.¡± ¡°Maybe they¡¯ll be smart enough to leave you alone now,¡± Justin suggested. Lila laughed bitterly. ¡°Yeah, right. They¡¯ll want to make an even bigger example of me now.¡± At that moment, Eldrin entered the room, his brown eyes appraising them both. ¡°Those bodies in the alley¡ªanything to do with you two?¡± ¡°They¡¯re the men after Lila,¡± Justin explained. ¡°She says that¡¯s all of them.¡± ¡°Did anyone see the fight?¡± Eldrin asked. Lila shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. They tracked us from the street and waited until we were alone.¡± ¡°Well,¡± Eldrin said, his tone serious, ¡°it pains me to say this, but Windfall is no longer safe. Those bodies are going to draw far too much attention.¡± Justin knew he was right, but the thought of leaving the inn¡¯s relative safety was unsettling. For the first time, he noticed Eldrin¡¯s new gear¡ªa cloak and leggings in a dull brown that would blend seamlessly into natural environments. The Ranger had been busy shopping, too. ¡°What¡¯s the next step?¡± Justin asked. ¡°That¡¯s what we need to discuss. It¡¯s certain the Baron and his men know we¡¯re in Windfall. And given Windfall¡¯s location, we have only a few options left, none of them good. The obvious choice is going east along the Northway, but that would almost certainly put us on a collision course with Gareth and his men.¡± ¡°You mentioned there were back roads leading off from the Northway,¡± Justin said. ¡°Is that not the plan anymore?¡± ¡°Shadowflight has spied Gareth well on his way to Windfall. They have horses now.¡± ¡°Dear gods,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°They likely picked them up in Darkstream Crossing,¡± Eldrin said. Justin frowned in thought. ¡°If they could have afforded horses this whole time, why wait until Darkstream?¡± ¡°Well, horses wouldn¡¯t have been much use in the Umbers north of Silverton. While we were in Highcliff, they expected to keep us contained. Once we slipped through their grasp, they knew they needed to catch up, and horses are the only way to do that.¡± ¡°How long until they¡¯re here?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin shrugged. ¡°Probably by evening tomorrow, based on Shadowflight¡¯s information.¡± ¡°Then we have time if we leave right now and walk through the night,¡± Lila said. ¡°Only¡­I¡¯m exhausted.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But I¡¯m no longer optimistic about our chances going east. We could make it to the first back road, which leads to a town called Highcross, by early morning. However, Gareth will expect us to do that. He knows we won¡¯t confront him directly on the Northway, so the odds of him sending riders that way are high.¡± ¡°What can we do, then?¡± Lila asked. ¡°There¡¯s the western path toward Daeloria, but that takes us far from our goal, and if they have horses, they¡¯ll catch up.¡± ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a good move,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Even if I¡¯d told you to hold off on gear in favor of purchasing horses, that path would take us too far from where we need to go. Also, we¡¯d have to circle back to Mont Elea. The only way to do that would be to take the Umber Road down to Stonehaven, and then east¡ª¡± ¡°Right back through Silverton,¡± Lila finished. ¡°I¡¯m no equestrian, either.¡± ¡°Same,¡± Justin added. ¡°As I thought,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The next option is backtracking. We could head south, then east across the Marin, the Plainsway, and into the Wilderlands of Baelor. Of all the ideas mentioned so far, this one is the best. However, once Gareth realizes we haven¡¯t gone east or west, they¡¯ll know we¡¯ve gone south and cast a wide net. We¡¯ll have to break through that net to have a chance. But of all the options, this one offers the best odds.¡± ¡°Then that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do,¡± Justin said. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t like the idea of going backward.¡± ¡°We could try hiding in plain sight,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°The Undermarket is complete chaos. We could find somewhere to hide until we¡¯re sure they¡¯ve moved on.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve thought of that, too,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But it won¡¯t help us if the Baron gets involved.¡± ¡°Because of the Mark,¡± Lila said, deflating. ¡°Well, there goes that idea.¡± From Eldrin¡¯s silence, Justin could tell he was considering something else. ¡°What? Is there another option?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what.¡±Stolen novel; please report. ¡°There is,¡± Eldrin confirmed. ¡°I was talking to an orc in a tavern here in the Undermarket. Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel is open again¡ªsomething I didn¡¯t think would be possible for years.¡± ¡°Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel?¡± Justin asked. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Most of the grander buildings in Windfall were not of human design, as you might have guessed. The northern variety of dwarves, the Drakendir, used to make their home in the Seraphim Range. Windfall was only a small outpost of their vast kingdom, primarily for trading with us ¡®sky-dwellers.¡¯¡± ¡°I thought Windfall was an Elven city back in the day,¡± Justin said. ¡°It was, but none of the buildings survive from that time. The dwarves built over the ruins about seven centuries ago, but the true glories of Drakendir lay deeper within the mountains. But the Drakendir Dwarves died out about four centuries ago.¡± Justin smirked. ¡°Let me guess¡ªthey delved too deep?¡± Eldrin looked at him, surprised. ¡°Aye. Did something similar happen in your world?¡± ¡°You might say that.¡± ¡°Well, as you guessed, as their kingdom expanded, so did the depths they explored, where terrifying creatures lurked. While the Drakendir eventually fell, they collapsed most of their tunnels to prevent the surface from being overrun. This wasn¡¯t always successful. Goblins didn¡¯t exist in Serenthel until five hundred years ago. One tunnel, called Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel, was the main highway that led from Windfall to the Everwood beyond the Seraphim Range. From there, one can access the Drakendir Kingdom. The Aranthian army has kept the tunnel open for centuries, though it¡¯s been periodically closed when monsters found their way through. Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel has been completely sealed for the last two decades, but it¡¯s been operational again for the last month with no deaths reported.¡± ¡°You want us to use this tunnel?¡± Lila asked skeptically. ¡°It leads to the Everwood, north of the Seraphims. You said those lands are too dangerous, even for you. And then there¡¯s the question of where we go after that, and whether this tunnel is truly safe.¡± ¡°My plan isn¡¯t to go into the Everwood,¡± Eldrin clarified. ¡°The Baron would expect that. My idea is to find a passage into the Drakendir Kingdom and navigate our way back to the surface from there.¡± Justin found the plan immediately suspect for a litany of reasons. ¡°How do we even know the way into this Drakendir place is open?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Eldrin admitted. ¡°We¡¯d have to bribe a watchman to let us through. The old passages to Drakendir have either collapsed or are sealed off with solid gates. There¡¯s one gate, about a third of the way into the tunnel, that adventurers have been using to access high-level Vaults that have been growing undisturbed for centuries. A ten to fifteen silver bribe is customary for those wanting to trek down there.¡± ¡°High-level Vaults?¡± Lila asked, alarmed. ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯ve had my fill of low-level Vaults.¡± ¡°We wouldn¡¯t be going into any Vaults,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The trick is avoiding the monsters those Vaults are spitting out.¡± Justin swallowed. With his Prismatic Core, he was almost certain they¡¯d encounter a Vault or two. ¡°For the sake of entertaining this truly terrible idea,¡± Justin said, ¡°I know you¡¯ve been to a lot of places, Eldrin, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve never been to Drakendir. How are you supposed to guide us through it? Where are we even supposed to end up?¡± Eldrin took a deep breath. ¡°I understand your concerns, Justin. Reliable maps of the old Dwarven tunnels are exceedingly rare, if they exist at all. The best we have are rough sketches and oral accounts passed down through generations, but nothing is guaranteed. These tunnels are ancient, and time changes things. That said, I¡¯ve spoken to some adventurers who¡¯ve recently made the journey and stumbled upon a Vault, which they cleared. After a few pints, I got the information I was after. Their Vault was Level 17, but they didn¡¯t explore too deeply. Ideally, we¡¯d stay close to the surface to avoid the worst dangers. They claimed the main passage through Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel is straightforward. They encountered no trouble; the only fighting they did was inside the Vault itself.¡± Justin tried to ignore the ominous feeling in his gut. He knew how these stories turned from the media in his own world. They would face the unknown dangers of Drakendir or the known dangers of Gareth and his retinue. ¡°The goal is to get us far enough north that Gareth¡¯s reach is diminished,¡± Eldrin continued. ¡°Drakendir, while dangerous, takes us through a region Gareth¡¯s forces are unlikely to follow us into. The Drakendir kingdom was vast, with many exits to the surface, some of which open into remote areas within the Seraphims. Once we¡¯re out, Gareth¡¯s men won¡¯t have a chance of finding us before we reach Mont Elea. Their best shot is ambushing us on the road near the Mont, but with so much Life Magic practitioners who can detect the Servants of Morvath, that would be risky for them. Windfall is Gareth¡¯s last chance to catch us, and he knows it.¡± ¡°How is this a better idea than backtracking south?¡± Justin asked. ¡°At least there, we know what we¡¯re getting into.¡± Eldrin leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Justin¡¯s. ¡°The advantage is this: once we¡¯re out of the tunnels, we¡¯ll be in territory that¡¯s much harder for Gareth to find us. We¡¯ll be able to disappear into the wilderness and make our way back to civilization on our terms. It¡¯s risky, yes, but the other options are riskier. We can¡¯t outrun Gareth forever in the open, but underground, in the tunnels, we can throw him off our trail for good.¡± It was a tantalizing promise, but Justin couldn¡¯t shake his doubts. Looking at Lila, he could see she had similar reservations. ¡°We¡¯re talking about going into a potentially monster-infested area with no guaranteed way out,¡± Lila said. ¡°Why not head straight north through the tunnel, come out into the Everwood, and then head north to Kaldrath? From there, we could make it to Draegor¡¯s Keep.¡± ¡°That would be an impossible journey,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°With luck, we could make Kaldrath in three weeks, but by then, winter will have fully settled over the Frostplain, and the seas will freeze over. By the time they thaw in the spring, Gareth will have had more than enough time to corner us. We¡¯d be forced into the tundra, and that¡¯s a death sentence. Even with enchanted clothing, surviving out there would be nearly impossible, especially on the run.¡± Lila nodded, her expression grave. ¡°That¡¯s what I feared.¡± ¡°Do we at least have an escape plan if things go south in Drakendir?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin nodded, though his expression was grim. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about that. The best escape plan in the tunnels is knowing when to retreat. If things go south, we¡¯ll backtrack to the last known safe point¡ªthe entrance we¡¯ll use to enter Drakendir. From there, we can head north to the Everwood. It¡¯s not ideal, but it¡¯s better than returning to Windfall.¡± ¡°And once we¡¯re in the Everwood?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t head for Kaldrath at that point. I¡¯d find a quiet spot in the Everwood to overwinter. It would be risky, not just because of Gareth, but also because the monsters north of the Seraphim are of an entirely different breed. Even the roads up there aren¡¯t safe. But with luck, the hunting could be decent, so we could survive until spring. Then we¡¯d strike east and hope for the best. It¡¯s that or returning to Windfall and hoping Gareth is gone.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like that option,¡± Justin said. ¡°I need to get rid of this Death Mark quickly. Is the High Priest of Arion really the only one who can remove it?¡± ¡°Alistair seemed to think so,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The Arcane University in Belmora probably has a White Wizard strong enough to contest the Baron¡¯s mark, but getting there is just as difficult, if not more so¡ªand seeking that kind of help always comes with a price. The High Priest is the only person in Northern Serenthel I¡¯d bet my life on being strong enough, and motivated enough, to remove it.¡± ¡°There goes that idea,¡± Justin said. Eldrin met Justin¡¯s gaze, his voice steady. ¡°This isn¡¯t a perfect plan, Justin. It¡¯s a calculated risk. But honestly, we don¡¯t have many options left. If we¡¯re careful and smart about it, we can get through this. And if worse comes to worst, we¡¯ll fight our way out.¡± Justin let out a sigh. ¡°You mentioned meeting some adventurers in the tavern. Do you think anyone else would go with us? Safety in numbers.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t trust anyone with something so important,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°And finding someone suitable would take time.¡± ¡°How about Kargan?¡± Lila suggested. ¡°It might not be too late to catch him.¡± Justin brightened. ¡°That¡¯s a great idea! He has excellent night vision, and he can heal. Plus, that armor spell of his casts a good amount of light. It¡¯s a good backup in case our torches go out.¡± Eldrin considered the idea. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be against it. We¡¯d have to ask him, though. He¡¯s still only a Level 4, so his healing powers will be limited.¡± ¡°He¡¯s probably more useful than me in combat,¡± Justin said. ¡°Where¡¯s the Mage Guild? We can still catch him.¡± ¡°It¡¯s getting late,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The Guild will certainly be closed to outsiders by now. But we can try. It¡¯s close to the entrance to Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel. Just don¡¯t get your hopes up.¡± Lila stifled a yawn. ¡°After a long day walking, the last thing I want is to keep going, but it looks like we¡¯re out of options.¡± Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Eldrin instantly became alert. ¡°Probably Gorn,¡± he said. ¡°Let me handle this.¡± 52. A Party of Four Justin had a gnawing sense of unease as he watched Eldrin approach the door. His hand instinctively tightened around his cane, and for a fleeting moment, he considered stopping the Ranger from answering. But Eldrin moved with the certainty of someone who knew what to expect, and to Justin¡¯s relief, when the door creaked open, it was indeed Gorn, the Orcish innkeeper. Gorn¡¯s usually stern face was etched with concern, his tusks gleaming faintly in the dim light of the corridor. He leaned in close. ¡°Eldrin, you need to get your people out. The city watch is prowling outside the inn, asking too many questions. They¡¯re getting ready to knock on doors. It¡¯s only a matter of time before they poke around in your business.¡± Eldrin¡¯s eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information quickly. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s time for me to sneak out the back, like the last time I was here.¡± Gorn grunted, his tusks protruding slightly. ¡°Well, that¡¯s why you pay me extra, isn¡¯t it?¡± Eldrin turned to Justin and Lila. ¡°Grab your things. We¡¯re leaving.¡± Justin hadn¡¯t even unpacked, so it was a simple matter of slinging his pack over his shoulder. Lila and Eldrin were equally quick, their movements efficient and silent. Gorn was already leading the way down the stone hallway, his heavy footsteps surprisingly quiet. He guided them through the kitchen, which at this late hour was deserted, the lingering smell of roasted meat and spices the only sign that it had been busy earlier. The Orc opened a door at the far end, revealing a dark, narrow passage that led into the Undermarket. One by one, they slipped through, the cool air of the underground tunnels greeting them. Without another word, Gorn shut the door behind them and locked it, his expression grim. Eldrin took the lead, guiding them swiftly and silently through the winding alleys of the Undermarket. The labyrinthine network of passages was dimly lit by flickering lanterns. After a few twisting turns, Justin was completely disoriented, with no idea of which direction they were heading. The Undermarket was still bustling, even at this hour. Stalls and shops lined the narrow passageways, offering everything from exotic spices and ¡°rare¡± artifacts to dubious magical services. A fortune teller sat at the entrance of a small tent, her eyes gleaming with an unnatural light as she whispered cryptic predictions to a nervous customer. A shadowy figure offered enchanted trinkets from beneath a dark hood, his voice low and persuasive. The air was thick with the scent of incense, mixed with the sharp tang of something unidentifiable but vaguely unsettling. To Justin, the people who inhabited this underground world were just as varied as the goods on display. Some were hunched and furtive, their faces hidden beneath hoods or masks, while others swaggered confidently, their expressions daring anyone to cross them. Justin felt a mixture of unease and fascination as he observed them, the sense of danger hanging in the air. Finally, they emerged onto the frigid streets above. The transition from the crowded, oppressive atmosphere of the Undermarket to the cold, quiet streets of Windfall was jarring. Here, the only sounds were the distant clatter of a horse¡¯s hooves on cobblestone and the occasional murmur of voices from a nearby tavern, their warmth and light spilling out into the night. They crossed a small square dominated by a statue of a griffin, its wings outstretched as if ready to take flight. Beyond the statue loomed an imposing stone structure, cathedral-like in its grandeur. The Windfall Mage Guild stood tall and foreboding, its gothic spires piercing the night sky. The building was adorned with intricate carvings of arcane symbols, and its arched windows glowed faintly with the light of magical wards. A pair of heavy oak doors, reinforced with iron, marked the entrance, flanked by statues of robed figures holding staves, their expressions stern. They approached the Guild¡¯s entrance, climbing up a short stoop. Eldrin took the lead, knocking firmly and taking a few steps back as snow swirled down the street. They waited at least a minute until a small grate opened in the door, revealing the face of a mage with a ring of gray hair. ¡°The Mage Guild is closed to outsiders for the night,¡± he announced in a firm, no-nonsense tone. ¡°You must return at eight o¡¯clock tomorrow morning if you have business.¡± Eldrin, undeterred by the lukewarm reception, stepped forward. ¡°We¡¯re looking for an Orcish mage named Kargan. He came by earlier today. Can you tell us where he might be?¡± The man¡¯s eyes held a hint of recognition. ¡°An Orc named Kargan was indeed here earlier.¡± His voice was laced with disdain. ¡°But we contest the identifier of ¡®mage¡¯ that you attach to him. He was rejected by the Guild. The Council does not accept practitioners of Blood Magic.¡± A flicker of anger crossed Eldrin¡¯s face, but Justin was glad that he kept his tone measured. ¡°Do you know where he went?¡± The man considered for a moment. ¡°I saw him heading east down the street, but that was hours ago. Searching for a less reputable establishment if I had to guess.¡± Eldrin turned to Justin and Lila. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We might still catch up with him.¡± Without wasting another moment, they turned and headed east down the street, leaving the Mage Guild behind them. The streets were mostly empty, this quarter of the city having the look of a residential district with basic shops and businesses beneath on the street level, almost all dark for the night. They passed a few taverns that were still open, but they, too, were nearly empty. Eldrin seemed set on reaching the East Gate, his pace determined and focused.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. But as Justin¡¯s eyes wandered toward a nearby tavern, he glimpsed something through the frosted window. There, sitting alone at a small table, was a figure that might have been Kargan, though it was difficult to be sure with the frost warping his shape. He was hunched over, nursing a drink, his shoulders sagging. ¡°Look,¡± Justin said, pointing. ¡°That has to be him.¡± Eldrin followed Justin¡¯s gaze and spotted Kargan through the window. His brow furrowed in concern. ¡°That¡¯s him, all right.¡± Without another word, they made their way to the tavern¡¯s entrance, pushing open the heavy wooden door. The warmth inside was a welcome relief to the desolate streets outside. The air was thick with the smell of ale, mingling with the smoke from a crackling fire in the hearth. The tavern was dimly lit by flickering lanterns that did little to push back the gloom. Most of the patrons were drinking alone. Justin noticed a few eyes glance their way as they entered, but most of the customers were too preoccupied with their own affairs to pay much attention. The tavern had an air of quiet resignation, as if it were a place where people came to escape their troubles, if only for a little while. Justin¡¯s heart sank a little as he saw Kargan more clearly. The Orc¡¯s broad frame seemed almost too big for the small table he occupied, his hands wrapped around a large mug as he stared down at its contents. His amber eyes were dull, his expression one of deflation. ¡°Kargan,¡± Eldrin called out softly as they approached the table. The Orc looked up, his eyes focusing on them with a hint of surprise. ¡°Eldrin? Justin, Lila? What are you doing here?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been looking for you,¡± Eldrin replied, taking a seat opposite Kargan. Justin and Lila followed suit, sliding into the chairs beside him. ¡°We heard what happened at the Mage Guild.¡± Kargan¡¯s expression darkened, and he let out a bitter chuckle. ¡°Mage Guild. You¡¯ve been following me?¡± ¡°Only because we need to,¡± Eldrin said. Kargan drained the rest of his mug. From the dazed look in his eyes, it was far from his first one. ¡°So, you heard they don¡¯t consider me a ¡®real mage.¡¯ I should¡¯ve known before showing my face there. Blood Magic isn¡¯t magery, according to them. Still, I thought it was worth the chance. Now, who knows what I can do? Maybe there¡¯s some blacksmith that¡¯ll apprentice me. That¡¯s the job for Orcs, right?¡± Justin felt a pang of sympathy for Kargan. He could see the frustration etched on his face, the anger at being rejected not just for his abilities, but for who he was. Thus far, that had been the story of his life. ¡°They¡¯re idiots,¡± Lila said, her voice firm. ¡°Blood Magic or not, you have real power, Kargan. They¡¯re just too blind to see it.¡± Kargan shook his head, his tusks glinting in the dim light. ¡°It¡¯s more than that, Lila. It¡¯s not just about power. It¡¯s about control. Blood Magic¡­well, it scares people. They don¡¯t like what they can¡¯t control, and they can¡¯t control me. Besides, I doubt their curriculum has anything that can help me develop my abilities. I¡¯d have to go underground for that.¡± Eldrin leaned forward. ¡°We don¡¯t care what kind of magic you use, Kargan. You¡¯ve already proven yourself to us. We¡¯re heading out soon and we could use your skills. Come with us.¡± Kargan looked at him, the spark of interest flickering in his eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by doubt. ¡°Where are you going? You make it sound like you¡¯re not planning to head east anymore.¡± ¡°We¡¯re heading through Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel,¡± Eldrin explained. ¡°It might be our best shot at getting out of Windfall unnoticed. Who knows? We could find some rare treasures down there, and you¡¯d have the chance to build your skills.¡± ¡°Rare treasures? You won¡¯t find that in the Tunnel.¡± His eyes widened in realization. ¡°Wait. Unless you mean to head down to Drakendir¡­¡± Eldrin gave a slow nod. ¡°We do. It¡¯ll be dangerous. But Gareth¡¯s men will be here tomorrow evening, and they¡¯re on horseback. We hope to use the tunnels around Drakendir to come out someplace safer where we can stay undetected. It¡¯ll be dangerous. That¡¯s why we need someone with your abilities.¡± ¡°You mentioned treasure. That would mean going into a Vault. I¡¯ve heard about them opening up the Tunnel, but the dwarf cities have had two decades to fester. The Vaults down there will be way beyond our abilities. I need a guaranteed payout, not something that¡¯ll get me killed.¡± ¡°I have no guarantees, Kargan. I¡¯m happy to share in whatever we might find, but it¡¯s possible we come away with nothing.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better than whatever this is,¡± Lila said, looking around the tavern. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to spend time with people who respect your abilities?¡± Justin watched as Kargan mulled over the offer, his fingers tapping lightly against the side of his mug. He could see the internal struggle in the Orc¡¯s eyes¡ªthe desire to prove himself against the fear of more rejection and failure. ¡°Are you sure you want me along?¡± Kargan finally asked. ¡°I¡¯m only Level 4.¡± ¡°And with each level up, you¡¯ll become even more capable,¡± Eldrin said. Justin leaned forward. ¡°We¡¯re stronger together, and we need all the help we can get. You saved our asses in Eldareth. Besides, if anyone can manage what¡¯s down in those tunnels, it¡¯s you. Your night vision will come in handy.¡± ¡°Not to mention the light of my Sacrificial Armor spell,¡± he mused. Kargan stared at Justin for a long moment, then nodded slowly. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll come with you. Lila¡¯s right. It¡¯s better than sitting here feeling sorry for myself.¡± A small smile tugged at the corner of Justin¡¯s mouth. ¡°Good to have you back, Kargan.¡± The Orc pushed away his mug with a sense of finality. ¡°Good thing you caught me before I¡¯m too deep in my drinks. So, when do we leave? Thankfully, we Orc¡¯s have a strong constitution. Do we still have that room in The Mountain¡¯s Rest?¡± They shared a look, and then Eldrin quickly updated the Orc on everything that had happened. Kargan listened attentively. ¡°By Gor,¡± he said. ¡°That¡¯s tough luck, Lila. You all must be exhausted.¡± ¡°We are,¡± Justin said, stifling a yawn. ¡°I¡¯ve already rented a cot here for the evening. Just twenty coppers a night. It¡¯s not much, but it beats sleeping on the street. You¡¯ll be safe enough here. Tunnel entrance will be closed for the night, anyway.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°That may be what we have to do. I doubt the City Watch saw us coming here. We¡¯ll rest up for the night and get started tomorrow morning. We¡¯ll need all the rest we can get for the long march through the mountains.¡± ¡°And just how long is this march?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It¡¯s about thirty miles to reach the Drakendir Gate, if those adventurers are to be believed,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I¡¯d like to make it by evening tomorrow. With luck, Gareth won¡¯t think we¡¯ve gone that way, at least not immediately. And I suspect he won¡¯t know about the opening of the Tunnel as soon as he arrives. That should buy us more time.¡± ¡°We should get some rest,¡± Lila said. ¡°It¡¯s been a long day.¡± Eldrin, Lila, and Justin moved to the bar, where they asked the barkeeper, a burly man with a thick beard and a gruff demeanor, about a cot. Within the minutes, all of them were heading back with Kargan to settle down for the night. The space was shared with about a dozen other people in a single hall, a good half of them snoring, but Justin was far too tired to care. He set down his things, using his pack as a pillow while also ensuring it wouldn¡¯t be messed with. Within minutes, he was fast asleep. 53. Masks of Power The frosty morning air stung Justin¡¯s cheeks as he, Lila, Eldrin, and Kargan made their way through the winding streets of Windfall. The snow had stopped falling, but the remnants clung stubbornly to the cobblestones, making each step a cautious one. Despite the chilly morning, the streets were full of life. The city was still alive with the Autumn Festival, a celebration that filled the air with the scents of roasting chestnuts, spiced wine, and freshly baked bread. Colorful banners hung from every building, fluttering in the crisp breeze, while the sound of laughter and music echoed through the streets. Jugglers and acrobats performed for delighted children, and vendors called out to passersby, offering their wares of handmade crafts and seasonal treats. ¡°It¡¯s the last day of the Festival,¡± Eldrin said, his voice barely audible over the din. ¡°It should serve as decent cover.¡± They reached the main square and Eldrin led them onto a narrow street that took them north, directly toward the main mountain looming over Windfall. The square was completely packed with revelers, and a stage had been set up in front of the clock tower. The crowd buzzed with anticipation for an upcoming announcement, while musicians played lively tunes to keep the energy high. The entrance to Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel was impossible to miss. Its dark, imposing archway opened into the side of the mountain. Two heavily armed guards stood at attention in front of the gate, their breath visible in the frigid air. The gate itself was massive and solid, resembling the heavy, fortified doors of a castle, with thick iron bars that ran vertically and horizontally, reinforcing its strength. ¡°Closed,¡± Kargan remarked, eyeing the gate warily. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s still too early in the day,¡± Eldrin suggested. ¡°Let me handle this.¡± As Eldrin approached the watchmen, Justin noted the griffin emblazoned on their black surcoats, the emblem of the city of Highcliff. The Ranger offered the guards a friendly smile. ¡°Happy Festival, friends! We need passage through Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel.¡± One guard, a broad-shouldered man with a clean-shaven face and rosy cheeks, shook his head. ¡°Tunnel¡¯s closed.¡± Eldrin frowned. ¡°Closed? On account of the Festival?¡± The guard exchanged a glance with his companion before answering, ¡°There was an¡­incident. The Gate¡¯s been ordered shut until further notice.¡± Eldrin remained unfazed. ¡°Well, it¡¯s certainly nothing four seasoned adventurers can¡¯t manage.¡± When the guards remained silent, he reached into his pouch, producing two five-silver coins. ¡°I can make it worth your while.¡± The lead guard looked at the coins, then shook his head firmly. ¡°Can¡¯t do it. Five marks are not worth my job. Orders are orders. Only the mayor himself can overrule them.¡± Eldrin¡¯s frustration was evident, but he kept his cool. He reached into his pouch as he produced twenty more silver marks, which made for twenty-five for each guard. The second guard¡¯s eyes glazed over with greed. ¡°You need not open it all the way,¡± the Ranger said quietly. ¡°Just a hair. No one is watching with the festivities going on.¡± The first guard seemed to consider for a moment but shook his head. ¡°The answer is still no. And if you attempt to bribe me again, I shall have to arrest you.¡± ¡°That must be a month¡¯s pay for you,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Imagine how much it could help.¡± The guard smirked. ¡°Never let it be said the Windfall Watch lacks honor.¡± ¡°Honor or not, I¡¯m determined to go through today. Where can we find the mayor?¡± The guard shrugged. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a big day for the city, so he could be anywhere. He¡¯s supposed to inaugurate the Autumn Games this morning, but after that, he¡¯ll be up at the Harrington House. There¡¯s some fancy event going on there today. A lot of the city¡¯s higher-ups are attending.¡± ¡°The Harrington House,¡± Lila said, a glimmer of hope in her voice. ¡°We¡¯re in luck! We got an invitation to that just yesterday.¡± Eldrin arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised. There had been no chance to update Eldrin on everything. ¡°Lord Harrington himself extended it to me,¡± Justin added. ¡°Maybe we can ask for the mayor¡¯s help there.¡± The guard¡¯s skepticism was apparent as he looked them over¡ªtravel-worn and clearly not in the attire one might expect for such an event. But an official invitation carried weight, and after a moment¡¯s hesitation, the guard nodded. ¡°You might have a shot. But don¡¯t expect much unless he has a reason to help you.¡± ¡°We should head up there,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°If we leave now, we¡¯ll there in time to intercept him.¡± The guard looked like he was holding back laughter. ¡°You¡¯re not getting in looking like that.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to try,¡± Eldrin said, his tone unyielding. ¡°You¡¯ll be getting those orders within a few hours, I promise you that. And then you¡¯ll wish you took my coin.¡± The guard smiled, clearly thinking this was all talk. It gave Justin motivation to prove him wrong. Eldrin turned to the others. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± The Ranger led them up a side alley, which took them back to the main street where they¡¯d done their shopping the day before. The storefronts gave way to larger, more ornate dwellings as they climbed higher into the wealthier district of the city. The closer they got, the more opulent the surroundings became. The houses were larger, more elegant, with wrought iron fences and tall, snow-covered hedges. The roads were better maintained, the snow cleared to reveal pristine stone. Fancy carriages rolled by from time to time, sometimes carrying the laughter of nobles being transported within. Lord Harrington¡¯s home was the largest of all, situated at the very end of the street. The manor was a sprawling, grand estate, with towering columns and wide marble steps leading up to the entrance. The windows were tall and arched, and the roof topped with elegant spires. The entire structure exuded an air of timeless wealth and power. Justin set his thoughts upon the Ring of Hygiene, and within the instant, was perfectly cleaned and groomed. While the others wouldn¡¯t get the same benefit, it was a necessary step for him. He straightened his new top hat. As a Socialite, this was his element, and he¡¯d have to rise to the occasion. A pair of black-liveried footmen stood beside a large iron gate through which they could see the manor¡¯s grand entrance. A line of carriages was already forming as guests arrived. Justin, Eldrin, and Lila walked up to the gate on foot, and the lead guard, a tall man with a sharp nose and an air of authority, seemed to be checking everyone¡¯s invitations as they entered. He eyed them first with confusion; while Justin was dressed the part, the rest were not dressed as richly. Then, the footman¡¯s expression became one of thinly veiled disdain. ¡°The servants¡¯ entrance is on the side.¡± Justin activated his Dandy¡¯s Swagger skill, strutting forward and puffing out his chest. ¡°The nerve! We¡¯re not servants, but honored guests. I¡¯m Lord Talemaker, of the same house.¡± ¡°Talemaker,¡± the guard repeated skeptically. ¡°I¡¯m unaware of any noble house with that¡ª¡± Justin thrust the invitation right in his face, and he ensured his voice would drip with superiority. ¡°Lord Harrington invited me himself. I will not suffer insolence from a lowly guard like you.¡± The guard¡¯s blue eyes widened as he took in Justin¡¯s friends, and he seemed to hesitate. ¡°Sir, there is a certain code of dress for this event, and this code is strictly¡ª¡± ¡°My carriage tumbled over outside the city, so my morning has already gone poorly. My companions are dressed for travel, and we meant to change once we¡¯re inside. Why am I explaining myself to a peon like you? You should know your place, sir!¡± Justin¡¯s haughty tone intensified, and he tilted his nose upward. ¡°All right, my lord! Forgive me,¡± the guard stammered. ¡°You have the invitation. Head to the front and ask for Mr. Willoughby, the butler.¡± ¡°Good riddance!¡± Justin said, nodding at the others and twirling his cane. With his head held high, he strode toward the house, his nose in the air as they passed through the gate. As they walked up the marble steps, the manor¡¯s grandeur loomed even larger. The sense of stepping into another world¡ªone of power, privilege, and influence¡ªwas undeniable. For a moment, Justin felt the weight of their mission, the stakes of what they were about to undertake. But with each step, his confidence grew. This was his arena, for what his class was built. ¡°It¡¯s showtime, baby,¡± Justin said, his voice laced with confidence, an affect of his Dandy¡¯s Swagger. As he surveyed the others, they looked far less assured. ¡°Here¡¯s the thing: act like the most entitled, spoiled brat you¡¯ve ever met, and then dial it up ten times further. Don¡¯t overthink what you¡¯re going to say¡ªpowerful people don¡¯t bother with that. They just say whatever comes to mind because they never have to deal with the consequences. They¡¯re so used to getting their way that it doesn¡¯t even occur to them that someone might question it.¡± Eldrin nodded, though his expression remained wary. ¡°We got it, Justin. But what about our clothing? We don¡¯t exactly look the part.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Justin replied with a dismissive wave. ¡°It¡¯s not about what you¡¯re wearing; it¡¯s about how you wear it. Confidence is everything. We can say we were trying to venture down into the Tunnel to take out a dangerous Vault; that can explain our dress and weapons.¡± ¡°That would create a trail,¡± Eldrin pointed out. ¡°People would remember we asked about the gate.¡± ¡°The Mayor¡¯s going to find out, anyway,¡± Lila said. ¡°What counts is making it all happen. We have to push through.¡± Eldrin sighed. ¡°Seems we¡¯re all out of options. Now, Justin, I¡¯m going to defer to you. This is your element.¡± Justin nodded as they reached the stone steps that led to the entrance of the manor. The prospect made him a little nervous, but he was also eager to use his skills. They reached the front steps. The butler, who had to be Mr. Willoughby, was a tall, thin man with a narrow face and piercing gray eyes. His uniform was immaculate, the black coat and white gloves spotless, giving him an air of strict professionalism. His expression, however, was far from welcoming. It was a look of barely concealed scorn, as if he couldn¡¯t quite believe that these travel-worn adventurers were attempting to enter the Harrington estate. ¡°Good morning,¡± the butler said, his tone clipped and cold. ¡°May I assist you?¡± Justin didn¡¯t miss a beat. He stepped forward, brandishing the invitation with a flourish. ¡°You must be Mr. Willoughby. You may indeed help us. We¡¯re here as guests of Lord Harrington, and I expect the proper treatment, unlike your footman at the gate. Vile man! It¡¯s already been a dreadful morning¡ªour carriage overturned on the way here, and we¡¯re hardly in the mood for delays. Now, if you¡¯ll kindly stop wasting our time and show us inside.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The butler¡¯s eyes flicked over the invitation, then back to Justin and his companions, along with their weapons and packs. His lips pressed into a thin line. ¡°Sir, there is a certain standard of dress expected at this event, and I¡¯m afraid your servants¡ª¡± ¡°Standards? Really?¡± Justin interrupted, his voice rising in mock outrage. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that? I¡¯m Lord Talemaker, and I¡¯ll let you know I¡¯m fully aware of your so-called ¡®standards.¡¯ Unfortunately, our situation doesn¡¯t exactly lend itself to your delicate sensibilities. Now, unless you want to explain to Lord Harrington why his esteemed guests were turned away, I suggest you reconsider your approach.¡± The butler¡¯s face tightened, but he knew he was cornered. The invitation was legitimate, and Justin¡¯s bluster left him little room to argue. ¡°Of course, my lord,¡± he said stiffly. ¡°If you¡¯ll follow me.¡± Without another word, the butler led them up the stone steps and into the manor. The warmth of the interior was a welcome relief from the cold outside. The entrance hall was vast, with lofty ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of battles and grand hunts. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden light over everything. The murmur of voices from the adjoining rooms hinted at the number of guests already in attendance. As they followed Mr. Willoughby deeper into the manor, Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of triumph. They were in. Now, all they had to do was find the mayor and secure his help. He glanced at Lila, who offered a small, encouraging smile. They were playing a dangerous game, but it was one they couldn¡¯t afford to lose. The butler led them to a smaller room off to the side of the main hall, where a servant offered to take their coats and packs. Justin preferred to keep his gear close, but toting around heavy packs would just make them stick out even more, so he consented to let the servant take those. The weapons they elected to keep; from the surrounding nobles bearing canes and swords, they wouldn¡¯t be the only ones. They all decided to keep their outer clothing. Justin, for one, didn¡¯t want to lose his Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance which gave him a nice boost. One relieved of their packs, they were ushered into the main reception area¡ªa grand ballroom filled with well-dressed guests. The men wore tailored suits, and the women were adorned in elegant gowns, the colorful fabrics shimmering in the chandelier¡¯s light. Lord Harrington was easy to spot, standing near the center of the room, holding court with a group of other distinguished guests. His presence was commanding with his suit and new top hat, this one with a peacock¡¯s feather. He moved with the confidence of someone who was used to being the center of attention. Justin took a deep breath and led the way over to him. As they approached, Lord Harrington noticed them and raised an eyebrow in surprise. But then his expression softened into a welcoming smile. ¡°Ah, Mr. Talemaker, you¡¯ve made it!¡± he exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of genuine pleasure. He turned to the other gentleman. ¡°This is the one I told you about, who bested me in the social duel yesterday.¡± There was an appreciative murmur from the surrounding guests, and Justin waved it away with a smile. ¡°Lord Harrington, you flatter me. I was merely trying to keep up with a man of your caliber.¡± Lord Harrington chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention. ¡°Well, I¡¯m beyond delighted. I wasn¡¯t sure you¡¯d be able to attend.¡± He turned to Lila, bowing slightly. ¡°And of course, the Lady Lila Fairwind, Bard of Beauty.¡± Justin gave a light-hearted grin, sliding his arm around Lila¡¯s waist. ¡°Careful, Harrington, I¡¯ve got a reputation to maintain here.¡± Harrington laughed, the sound more genuine this time. ¡°Ah, no harm meant, Mr. Talemaker. Please, make yourselves at home! But my, it looks as though you¡¯re off for an adventure!¡± ¡°Aye, so I was,¡± Justin said, his voice filled with a touch of regret. ¡°My lady and I hired these fine professionals to venture into Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel.¡± He nodded toward Eldrin and Kargan. ¡°This is strictly between us¡ªand these esteemed gentlemen here¡ªbut there are rumors of a Vault opening on the other side in the Everwood, and I plan to be first to claim the prize while everyone else is preoccupied with the festivities.¡± A noble with a stern expression, blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes, with a longsword resting at his waist, gave Justin a cool look before offering a slight, formal bow. ¡°Lord Bohemund Ashcroft, of the same county. Now, what¡¯s this about a Vault? I¡¯ve heard nothing of the sort, and I usually keep an ear to the ground for these matters. I¡¯m no stranger to the sword myself and wouldn¡¯t mind a sojourn into the Everwood at this time of year.¡± Justin met Bohemund¡¯s gaze with a confident smile. ¡°Ah, a fellow adventurer, I see. But you know how it is with such information¡ªit tends to flow through certain channels before reaching the broader crowd. A few of my sources, who owe me some favors, whispered of the Vault just yesterday. Timing, as you know, is everything, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± He let the words linger for a moment, giving the impression that he was knowledgeable, someone with access to valuable, exclusive information. Then, with a slight shrug, he continued. ¡°But alas, I found the gate to be closed this morning, and the city guards were most disagreeable. Usually, a few silvers are enough to get what you want, but this one was stubborn, saying only the mayor could remedy the situation.¡± ¡°Ah, aren¡¯t commoners just the worst?¡± Lord Harrington said, rolling his eyes. ¡°They can be so uppity! Well, Mayor Carlisle himself will be in attendance, and soon if I understand things correctly. In fact, we have distinguished guests coming from all over Aranthia, even as far as Belmora. Tell me, from where does your noble house hail?¡± ¡°West of Mistwatch, in the Wildwood,¡± Justin said smoothly. ¡°Ah! Those lands are ripe for development. The hunting is good, I hear! Are the Forest Goblins not a problem, though?¡± ¡°Nothing a good thwack of my cane can¡¯t manage!¡± Justin mimed the action, and the nobles burst into amused, haughty laughter, their jeweled fingers covering smirking mouths and their eyes glinting with faux delight. As the mirth cooled down, Justin indicated Eldrin with a nod. ¡°This is my Ranger friend, Eldrin Thornwood. We go way back. A Ranger is a necessity for any adventuring party, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± He tittered and continued before awaiting an answer. ¡°And this is Kargan Durzag, a mage of great renown. He might look young, but oh my, you should see him in action!¡± Justin gave Kargan a sly wink, and the Orc¡¯s lips turned downward in distaste. He hoped Kargan knew he was playing the game, and if anything, he might even get a job after this from this positive recommendation. ¡°A pleasure to meet you all, I¡¯m sure,¡± Harrington replied, taking in Justin¡¯s companions, though his tone had grown stiff. ¡°Well, Mr. Talemaker, it was a pleasure to catch up. Make yourselves at home. There¡¯s food and drink aplenty, and there shall be dancing later. We also have some contests and games that might interest you¡ªa chance to show off your skills, perhaps?¡± ¡°I thank you, Lord Harrington. You are a steadfast friend, though we¡¯ve only just met.¡± ¡°Likewise, my good man! Well, I must go to greet my new guests. But before I leave, a bit of advice. Mayor Carlisle, in case you haven¡¯t met him, is a cautious man, of the Diplomat class. But he¡¯s also practical. I promise to introduce you and vouch for your need. I think there¡¯s a good chance he¡¯ll grant you the permission you seek.¡± A wave of relief washed over Justin, and he placed a hand over his heart, though inwardly, he worried about someone of the Diplomat class. He wasn¡¯t sure what to expect. ¡°Thank you, Lord Harrington. That would mean a great deal.¡± Harrington smiled, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do for a friend. In fact, there¡¯s a small matter I could use some help with¡ªa certain business venture I¡¯m considering. We¡¯ll speak of it later. Always good to have a friend who¡¯s into adventuring!¡± ¡°I would be delighted,¡± Justin said, offering a respectful nod. ¡°Until later, Mr. Talemaker.¡± With that, Lord Harrington moved off to greet another group of guests, leaving Justin¡¯s anxiety easing slightly. They had a plan, and it felt like they might actually have a chance. As they wove through the gathering, Justin couldn¡¯t help but notice the curious glances they received from the other guests. Despite his smooth exterior, Justin felt a bit out of place. He observed other Socialites performing their skills, charming or delighting those around them with effortless grace. He even saw one guest deliver a scornful insult that had the surrounding crowd laughing heartily. They grabbed hors d¡¯oeuvres from passing servants¡ªdelicacies like smoked salmon canap¨¦s, stuffed mushrooms, and tiny tarts filled with rich custard¡ªas well as glasses of champagne. They did their best to blend in, moving from group to group, making polite conversation, but really, they were just killing time until the mayor showed up. Justin got into a rhythm, spinning tales of their adventures, charming the ladies with exaggerated stories, and even indulging in a brief dance with a persistent guest. At one point, a man commented on Justin¡¯s attire, admiring his Cane of Valoria and his Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance. ¡°I must say, Lord Talemaker, your fashion is unique. It reminds me of the portraits of my ancestors back home at Ravenwood Manor. Classic practicality and style¡ªa rare combination!¡± Justin smiled, twirling his cane. ¡°I believe one should always be prepared for any occasion, my friend. Who knows when adventure lies around the corner?¡± Finally, after what felt like an hour, Justin felt a light tug on his coat sleeve. He turned to see Lord Harrington standing there, a gleam of purpose in his eyes. ¡°Mayor Carlisle is here,¡± Harrington said. ¡°Allow me to introduce you.¡± They threaded their way to a group where the mayor, a portly man with a neatly trimmed beard, was engaged in conversation. Harrington approached him with the same calm confidence he had shown with Justin. ¡°Mayor Carlisle, a moment of your time,¡± Harrington said, placing a hand on the mayor¡¯s shoulder. The mayor turned, smiling when he saw Harrington. ¡°Lord Harrington! To what do I owe this pleasure?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to introduce you to Mr. Talemaker. He and his companions have run into a bit of trouble with Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel, and they need your help.¡± The mayor¡¯s expression became more serious as he turned to Justin. ¡°What sort of trouble?¡± Justin inclined his head respectfully, fully aware of the delicate situation. He had to tread carefully¡ªMayor Carlisle was a man who owed him nothing and convincing him to grant access to the tunnel would require finesse. ¡°Mayor Carlisle, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you,¡± Justin began smoothly, his tone respectful but confident. ¡°This morning, my companions and I discovered that Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel has been closed because of an incident. We were hoping to make use of the tunnel to reach the Everwood Gate, as we¡¯ve received word of a dangerous Vault that has recently opened that threatens the trade of the region.¡± The mayor¡¯s expression remained serious, his gaze sharp as he listened. Justin continued, carefully choosing his words. ¡°I understand that the closure is for good reason, but time is of the essence here. If left unchecked, this Vault could become a significant threat. My party and I are prepared to manage it before it becomes an issue, but we need access to the tunnel to get there quickly.¡± Mayor Carlisle¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, and Justin could feel the weight of his scrutiny. The mayor was clearly assessing the situation, and Justin suspected that one or more of Carlisle¡¯s Diplomat Class skills were at play, subtly probing for any signs of deceit or weakness. Justin maintained steady eye contact, keeping his posture relaxed but purposeful. He couldn¡¯t afford to show any hesitation. He had to convince Carlisle that this was a legitimate concern and that his group was the best option to deal with it. Never mind that there was no Vault, at least as far as Justin knew. After a moment, the mayor spoke, his tone measured. ¡°Mr. Talemaker, I appreciate your concern for the region¡¯s safety. It¡¯s wonderful¡ªand quite rare¡ªthat an outsider has taken such a keen interest in Windfall¡¯s safety. However, the closure of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel was not a decision made lightly. There are risks involved in reopening it, especially given the circumstances. What assurances can you provide that your expedition will not only succeed but also prevent any further danger?¡± ¡°Mayor Carlisle, I understand your concerns, and I respect the decision to prioritize the safety of Windfall and its citizens,¡± Justin replied, his voice steady. ¡°But my team is well-equipped to handle this situation. Together, we¡¯ve faced similar threats before and emerged successful.¡± Mayor Carlisle considered Justin¡¯s words deeply, his silence stretching on, making Justin increasingly uneasy. The quiet scrutiny was unnerving. It was easier to navigate conversations filled with words, where he could play on nuances and manipulate the flow. But this silence¡ªit was hard to work with silence. Justin cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. ¡°Our goal is to neutralize the Vault and ensure that whatever dangers lie within do not spill over into the surrounding areas. By granting us access to the tunnel, you¡¯re not just opening a gate¡ªyou¡¯re ensuring that this potential threat is dealt with swiftly and effectively. We¡¯ll move quickly and discreetly, and we¡¯ll report back with our findings.¡± Carlisle¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver, his expression remaining inscrutable as if he were carefully weighing every word. The silence hung heavy in the air, and Justin could feel the pressure mounting. Finally, Carlisle nodded slowly, breaking the tension. ¡°Very well, Mr. Talemaker. I will arrange for the tunnel to be opened, but I would like to have a discussion with you first.¡± ¡°With me?¡± Justin asked, a note of unease creeping into his voice. ¡°What for?¡± For the first time, the Mayor betrayed a slight smile, which was quickly erased, leaving behind the same unreadable mask. Something, at that very moment, told Justin to run as fast as the wind. An instinct, deep and primal, screamed at him to get out of there. This feeling was only reinforced when Eldrin tugged sharply on his sleeve. ¡°You know,¡± Justin said, his tone light but hurried, ¡°I just remembered something. I thank you for your help, but we really must be going.¡± He turned to leave, trusting the others to follow his lead without question. His heart pounded in his chest, and the sense of impending danger grew stronger with each passing second. But as they moved toward the exit, Justin¡¯s worst fear materialized. Standing at the entrance to the grand hall was the last person he wanted to see. Baron Valdrik, dressed in an elegant black waistcoat, blocked their path. His tall, slender frame was accentuated by a tailored black velvet coat, and his pale, narrow face was framed by slicked-back hair that revealed a pronounced widow¡¯s peak. A thin beard traced his sharp jawline, and his piercing gray eyes, like those of a predator, seemed to see right through them, while his long fingers, adorned with silver rings, drummed a slow rhythm on the dark wood of his polished staff. ¡°What?¡± Valdrik asked, his voice smooth and dripping with barely disguised malice. ¡°Leaving so early? The fun has only just begun!¡± Justin¡¯s stomach churned. The man¡¯s cold, calculating eyes were locked onto him, and the faint smile playing on his lips sent a shiver down Justin¡¯s spine. This was bad. Very bad. 54. Confrontation Eldrin was first to react, raising his bow and firing a swift arrow. The Baron, with a lazy smile, raised his staff and muttered a quick incantation that made the air go cold, instantly disintegrating the arrow in mid-air. Lila threw her knives, only for them to slow and pause just short of reaching the Baron. They clattered to the floor harmlessly. Kargan, who had no attacking moves, simply created a Ward of Aegis, followed by a shield of sacrificial armor, standing between the party and further harm. Justin, uselessly, just stared in shock. The sudden eruption of conflict sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. Gasps and murmurs filled the grand hall as the guests recoiled, some stepping back in fear while others craned their necks to get a better view. The nobility, accustomed to polite conversations and subtle power plays, were unprepared for such violence. A few of the nobles instinctively activated their own defensive skills, casting quick glances at each other as if to confirm that what they were witnessing was indeed real. The musicians had abruptly stopped playing, their instruments still in hand, as they exchanged bewildered looks. Servants, caught in the middle of their tasks, froze in place, unsure whether to flee or continue with their duties. All eyes were now fixed on the Baron, whose calm demeanor only heightened the unease. The guests now found themselves on the edge of panic, uncertain of what would happen next. That was when the Baron laughed heartily, the sound rich, as if he were genuinely amused by the whole spectacle. His laughter echoed through the hall, causing the tension in the room to falter, the fearful murmurs dying down as the guests tried to make sense of the situation. ¡°Oh, come now!¡± the Baron exclaimed, a playful glint in his eyes. ¡°Is this how you treat an old friend? A bit of fun is all it is! You should know by now that arrows and daggers aren¡¯t enough to stop me!¡± He waved his hand dismissively, as if the whole incident were nothing more than a harmless prank. The Baron turned to the crowd, his smile charming. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the little spectacle. Friendly banter among comrades-in-arms, you see. No need for alarm. We¡¯re all on the same side here.¡± He winked at a nearby guest, who nervously returned a faint smile. All Justin could feel was sick. He knew by now there was no chance of running, but from the Baron¡¯s reaction, the odds of dying immediately were remote. There was safety in a crowd, and using that cover was the only viable way to escape this situation. Escape? Who was he kidding? The Baron had him. Like a cat who¡¯d caught the mouse, he just wanted to torture the prey a bit before dining. Valdrik spread his arms wide, as if to embrace the entire room with his jovial mood. ¡°Mr. Talemaker¡ªor is it Caroway? I¡¯m not sure anymore, you old trickster! I know you have a penchant for pranks, but let¡¯s not ruin a perfectly good celebration, shall we?¡± At that very moment, the Baron¡¯s gaze fell upon him, and without a word, Justin knew what he wanted. Join the act or regret it. Justin forced a smile, his mind racing as he tried to find the right words to defuse the situation. He knew the Baron had him cornered, but he also knew that if he played his cards right, he might just buy time. ¡°Oh, you know me too well, Baron Valdrik,¡± Justin said, his tone light and playful, masking the fear churning inside him. ¡°Always up to some mischief, aren¡¯t I? But as you say, let¡¯s not spoil the fun for everyone else. I¡¯ve been known to mix a bit of theatrics into my adventures¡ªkeeps things interesting! But I assure you, no harm was done here tonight. Just a little jest among friends.¡± He turned to the crowd, widening his smile as he spread his arms in a gesture of good-natured apology, even twirling his cane a bit. ¡°I do apologize for the sudden excitement. You know how it is¡ªold friends, old rivalries, and a touch of showmanship. We were just testing each other¡¯s reflexes, keeping our wits sharp! But let¡¯s not let that interrupt this wonderful celebration. I, for one, could use a drink after all that excitement. What do you say we all raise a glass to peace, good company, and the fine art of diplomacy?¡± The tension in the room eased as murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. Some guests even chuckled, reassured by Justin¡¯s lighthearted explanation, especially as Baron Valdrik nodded gracefully, his expression so convincing that even Justin was tempted to believe this entire thing had been just an unfortunate misunderstanding. He might believe that, had it not been for Alistair¡¯s death. The musicians played again, and the festive atmosphere slowly returned, albeit with an undercurrent of unease. Justin could feel the Baron¡¯s gaze on him, a silent warning that this was far from over. But for now, at least, he had bought them some time¡ªand with Valdrik, every second counted. ¡°Justin¡­¡± Eldrin said. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°He¡¯s won, Eldrin,¡± Justin said. ¡°We¡¯ve been outplayed. It¡¯s only me he wants. If you three slip out, there¡¯s a chance you can get out of this alive.¡± Justin¡¯s words were caught short as the Baron made his way toward Justin and his friends, taking his time about it with a few amiable greetings along the way. How could he be here, of all places? Obviously, all this was some elaborate trap, one so subtle that even Eldrin¡¯s Ranger¡¯s Intuition hadn¡¯t caught it in time. Had the Baron been responsible for closing the tunnel gate? Maybe Harrington¡¯s invitation hadn¡¯t been so random after all; perhaps Valdrik had put him up to it. Justin had a million questions, and he wasn¡¯t sure if any of them would matter, since he was most likely dead soon. At last, the Baron stood before him, a malevolent presence despite his plastered-on smile. ¡°Come now,¡± he said, clapping Justin on the back with a bit too much force to be entirely friendly. ¡°Let¡¯s enjoy the festival together, as friends should.¡± His tone was light, but there was a subtle edge to his words, a reminder of the power he held¡ªand the danger that lurked just beneath his surface charm. ¡°Let¡¯s grab a drink, shall we? Just you and me.¡± He winked at his companions. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll return him in one piece.¡± He led Justin away. With a look, Justin warned the others not to follow. What chance did they have against whatever level Valdrik was? Just like Valdrik, they could do nothing with so many eyes on them. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have questions,¡± Valdrik said, as they weaved together through the crowd. ¡°Many questions! Rest assured, Mr. Talemaker, every single one shall be answered to your full satisfaction.¡± Justin frowned in confusion. ¡°Why answer questions when you intend to kill me?¡± Valdrik laughed lightly, not seeming to care if they were overheard. ¡°Kill you? No, my good man. This is the beginning of the rest of your days on Eyrth.¡± Justin threw a look over his shoulder, but his friends were lost in the crowd. Would Valdrik really let them escape so easily? ¡°I must apologize,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°It would seem we¡¯ve gotten off on the wrong foot. This meeting is far more roundabout than I would have liked, but I will not be denied, in the end! What I must tell you is far too important.¡± Valdrik paused before the banquet table, grabbing a haunch of meat from a strange creature reminiscent of an oversized bat. He ate with relish.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Healthy appetite for not being alive,¡± Justin observed. Valdrik chuckled. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m very much alive. And my appetites are greater than most men. All of this has been an unfortunate misunderstanding, I¡¯m afraid.¡± ¡°Alistair is dead because of you. That¡¯s hardly a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Oh, him? Yes, sad business, that! I wish the Templars would keep their noses where they belong. I don¡¯t enjoy killing them, but he was a loose end, and the Templars could complicate my plans.¡± Justin looked around, but no one was paying attention to their conversation. For someone who operated from the shadows, the Baron was being forthright. Surprisingly so. It seemed the surrounding nobles were giving them plenty of space, while the din of conversation was enough to cover their words. ¡°He was a good man,¡± Justin said. ¡°And now, because of you, he¡¯s dead.¡± ¡°Well, Alistair was never supposed to be part of this,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°I had hoped we could discuss these things more thoroughly in the safety of my Silverton Manse, but I suppose this frozen hellhole will have to suffice.¡± A beautiful woman walked by, with raven-black hair and near-perfect features, batting her eyes at the Baron while fanning herself. He gave her a genial smile. ¡°Now, where was I?¡± he asked. ¡°Oh, yes. We never got to finish our conversation from last time. How would you feel about being employed by me? I see you have more experience under your belt now. The wage I offered before was low, but in keeping with one for your abilities. How does a salary of one gold crown a month sound? There is room for advancement in my organization, and I could use someone of your skills.¡± It was becoming increasingly difficult for Justin to keep his cool. Valdrik was acting as if nothing at all had even happened. ¡°I¡¯m¡­beyond confused,¡± Justin asked. ¡°First, how did you track us here?¡± ¡°Track you?¡± He laughed lightly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t difficult. Of course, you took the Umber Pass out of Silverton. Most don¡¯t go that way, owing to the difficulty, but with Mr. Thornwood at the helm, you had an advantage. Of course, it wasn¡¯t enough of an advantage. It took you two nights to reach Highcliff, where if you had taken the Silver Road, it would have taken just one. I was in constant communication with Lieutenant Gareth, of course. As my undead thrall, that¡¯s simple enough. When you got to the Guardians¡¯ Pass, there was nowhere else for you to go but Highcliff. I had Gareth surround the city and had his mages place wards on all the catacomb exits we could find. Luckily, the High Cleric at the cathedral was most accommodating.¡± ¡°You killed him?¡± Valdrin made a mask of affront. ¡°Kill? Why would I do that? No, a simple Cant of Compulsion was enough for one of my wizards to get what he wanted, followed by a Cant of Amnesia to make sure he didn¡¯t remember the interaction. I try not to mess with the Church, though of course, sometimes death becomes unavoidable.¡± ¡°Speaking of death, someone tried to kill me in the stairwell at the Silver Stag.¡± ¡°That wasn¡¯t me; far too crude! My men did a bit of asking around while you and your companions were puttering about the Highcliff Catacombs. You¡¯d crossed a Snow Goblin by the name of Gribble, and there was quite a tussle regarding a cane. Reading your reaction, it would seem this story is true.¡± Justin could only stare in shock. Did the man know every step of their journey? ¡°Point being, that was Gribble¡¯s doing, not mine. You just mistakenly assumed I had a hand in that. Alistair, unfortunately, could not be allowed to live. Too Life-blinded, that one! However, depending on this conversation, I hope that you and your friends might be convinced to stand down.¡± ¡°Well, those wards explain how you found us leaving Highcliff,¡± Justin said. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t explain why you weren¡¯t at Highcliff yourself to intercept us. After all, you said it was easy to figure out that was where we were going.¡± ¡°I¡¯m far too careful to have done that, Justin.¡± At first, Justin didn¡¯t understand what he meant. It could have ended the chase at once. But then, he thought about the Baron and his long-term goals. If Alistair was to be believed, the man was gathering an undead force right in Silverton. If the Baron got involved with a Paladin, things could get messy, and he might lose control of the narrative. In Aranthia, fighting Paladins and the Templars wasn¡¯t a good look, and at best, would lead to investigation, and at worst, would lead to the toppling of everything he¡¯d worked so hard to build. Despite his level, the Baron¡¯s standing was precarious. Justin needed to remember that. It was a weak spot that might be exploited. But before the Baron could realize that Justin had figured that out, he needed to distract him. ¡°So, how did you know we were going to Windfall?¡± ¡°Ah. I suppose from your perspective, it might seem confusing. I¡¯ll explain, if only as a courtesy. I must admit, the Ranger gave us a bit more trouble than I initially thought. His abilities are obviously quite honed, even though his level is middling at best. Your Bard companion proved herself quite plucky, too. As for the Orc, I must admit I know little about him, but his level is low, and his involvement with your group seems circumstantial. Anyway, even if Eldrin was successful in leading Gareth astray, there were few options for you in the wilds west of the Marin. You did the smart thing, heading north into the Darkwood. A risky maneuver, to be sure, but one that paid off. When Gareth arrived at Darkstream, a bit of questioning was all it took to determine you hadn¡¯t been there. So, that only left one goal for you: Windfall. We considered that you might try to cross the Umbers west, but that would take you too far from your eventual goal of Mont Elea, and the Orcish Clans can be hostile to strangers. And coming east again, across the Marin while avoiding Darkstream, was far too risky. Those lands are opener, and it wouldn¡¯t have been hard for us to sight you, either in the field or on the road itself. No. Windfall was your goal, and I had to assume you¡ªor Eldrin¡ªwould correctly deduce that Gareth couldn¡¯t get there as fast as you. However, in all of Eldrin¡¯s careful plans, he forgot about one thing.¡± ¡°You, right?¡± ¡°Very good! You see, I was the missing piece of the puzzle. With Alistair dispatched, I could at last get more involved. I came to Highcliff shortly after you began your escape north along the Marin. Once Lieutenant Gareth realized he¡¯d been fooled, he returned to Highcliff. I ordered him to Darkstream Crossing, telling him to not purchase horses until he got there. Why, might you ask? Because of the Ranger¡¯s damnable bird! If it had noted Gareth on horseback too soon, it would have changed Eldrin¡¯s plans to turn west rather than go to Windfall. And I wanted you to go to Windfall! So, while Gareth walked to Darkstream Crossing, I traveled by carriage to Windfall with all speed. I arrived early this morning, in fact, well ahead of Gareth and his retinue. Well, I would say it all worked out, in the end. Thankfully, I¡¯d noticed rumors that Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel was open, so I made all haste to the mayor¡¯s home. I have a good relationship with Mayor Carlisle. He ensured the gate was closed as a personal favor. You were just a few minutes too late, but even this would have done you no good; I would have simply followed you so closely that you¡¯d have no chance of ever escaping. It¡¯s far better for both of us this way, don¡¯t you think? It keeps things tidy.¡± All Justin could feel was a mounting sickness. He felt like such a fool. Even Eldrin, the wise Ranger, had been completely played. And now he, and all his friends, were most likely going to die, unless he could find some way to turn this around. He hoped they were well on their way out of town. Not that it would matter. All three were loose ends, as they knew the Baron¡¯s plans, or at least part of them. That was not something the Baron could just leave alone, despite his words. Yet, he seemed completely certain that Justin¡¯s companions presented no danger to him. ¡°I suppose Lord Harrington is one of your contacts?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It¡¯s only with his invitation that we could get inside this manor.¡± ¡°I know him, but your chance meeting was just that: a chance, however unlikely it seems. Of course, once I was in town, I could sense you, and I was simply seeking the right opportunity to make contact. It¡¯s not like you had anywhere to go at this point. When you headed up to the manor, I knew your goal was to get the tunnel open. So, it was simply a matter of following you. I¡¯d rather confront you here and allow you to see my side of things.¡± ¡°Well, you have me,¡± Justin said. ¡°And you claim you don¡¯t want to kill me. If that¡¯s the case, then what do you really want, and more importantly, why should I trust you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already said what I want,¡± the Baron said. ¡°I would like you to work for me.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Justin said. ¡°Why go through all this trouble just to give me a job? What¡¯s so special about me?¡± He frowned. ¡°How is it I¡¯m the one to have grabbed that parcel to deliver to you, anyway? And what was in it? What does it have to do with me?¡± ¡°Ah! Now you¡¯re finally asking the important questions, Mr. Talemaker. September 21. Does the date ring a bell?¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s the day I came to Eyrth.¡± Justin figured there was no point in hiding that from him. Eldrin had mentioned one of the Baron''s agents was almost certainly listening to him at the Moonlit Alehouse. And the Baron wouldn''t have picked that date out of the air unless he already knew the truth. ¡°Yes," the Baron said. "I imagine you must have felt terrified, hmm?¡± Justin frowned. What was he getting at? How did he know the very day he arrived? ¡°Could you just get to the point?¡± The Baron extended his hand, and Justin blinked as he muttered a strange incantation, and a parcel appeared. But not just any parcel. It was the same one he had delivered to the Baron all those days ago. ¡°Why don¡¯t you open it and see for yourself?¡± Justin looked at the parcel, unbelieving. ¡°How¡­how did you do that?¡± ¡°A Cant of Repository. It can be bothersome having to carry things around! This handy spell makes it so you can store many things within the Ether of Eyrth itself.¡± He offered the package. ¡°Would you do the honors?¡± Justin could not help his curiosity. His hands shaking, he opened the parcel and couldn¡¯t believe what he found inside. 55. Revelations Justin stared at the book and its title for a solid minute, struggling to make sense of it. The tome was small and unassuming, yet its presence felt heavy in his hands, as though it carried the weight of another world within its pages. The cover was bound in rich, dark leather, with intricate gold embossing that glimmered faintly in the light. Justin¡¯s fingers traced the smooth, cool surface of the cover, feeling the subtle ridges of the embossed design. He hesitated for a moment, almost afraid to open it. Finally, he tilted the book just enough to reveal the title on the spine, elegantly scripted in the same golden lettering: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The title shone up at him, and for a moment, the room seemed to spin. ¡°This can¡¯t be here,¡± he murmured. He looked up at the Baron, his voice trembling. ¡°Where did you get this?¡± ¡°It would seem you recognize the title. Where did this book come from, Mr. Talemaker?¡± ¡°My world. Earth.¡± Baron Valdrik nodded. ¡°Yes. Earth. You aren¡¯t from here, Justin.¡± ¡°Well, you know that much already. You had someone listening to us in the Moonlit Alehouse that night, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yes, but I wanted to hear it from you. The book you hold in your hands is an Earth artifact. Such things are priceless treasures, and I¡¯ve gone to great lengths to acquire many of them over the years.¡± ¡°I get that it¡¯s from Earth,¡± Justin said. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand how it ended up in the post office for me to deliver to you. It makes no sense.¡± ¡°You were drawn to it, Justin, like a moth to a flame. You see, people from Earth are naturally drawn to objects from their home world. Something about the otherness of it reacts to the magic of this world. Like attracts like. That¡¯s why you, of all people, picked up the parcel to deliver it to me.¡± ¡°Wait. People from Earth? I¡¯m not alone here? There are others like me?¡± The Baron smiled. ¡°Is it so surprising? If it happened to you, why not others?¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened in realization, and he felt something of a thrill. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re from Earth too, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Justin¡¯s heart raced as he processed the revelation. The implications were staggering, and a flicker of hope sparked within him, despite he and the Baron¡¯s complicated history. ¡°How long have you been here?¡± Valdrik hesitated before answering. ¡°Twenty years.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but open his mouth in surprise. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a long time. It¡¯s been quite a while since I¡¯ve found one like you. Eight years, in fact. We¡¯re a rare breed. Navigating a dangerous world like this is not for the faint of heart. Most Earthers end up dying before they can find any sort of help. Once upon a time, I was President of the Aranthian Chapter of the Terra Club. The organization is now defunct, at least in this part of the world. We were a bit¡­careless, shall we say. But once, the Terra Club existed as a beacon of hope for all Earthers who believed they were suffering this fate alone.¡± ¡°How noble of you,¡± Justin said, his tone laced with skepticism. He wasn¡¯t a fool; he knew the Baron had ulterior motives. ¡°So, let me get this straight. You collect Earth artifacts and then put them in random post offices all around Aranthia, hoping that it draws people from Earth to deliver them¡­right to you?¡± It sounded far-fetched, and yet, the Baron nodded once again. ¡°That¡¯s the gist of it. Of course, it usually doesn¡¯t work out that way. Most of the time, the courier who delivers the parcel is a native Erythian. I receive several such deliveries a month. As I said before, you¡¯re the first Earther to show up on my doorstep in eight years.¡± ¡°Why not just say you were from Earth from the beginning?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I would have been on your side. Seems like all you did was make a mess of things and accomplish the opposite.¡± ¡°In hindsight, you are right. But at the time of our first meeting, you were not alone, and I wasn¡¯t entirely sure you were from Earth. Admitting as much while Lila was with you would have been the height of foolishness. Earthers, you see, prefer to keep a low profile, especially these days.¡± ¡°And yet, we¡¯re having this conversation in broad daylight in a crowded ballroom where anyone can overhear it.¡± Valdrik waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Please. Do you really believe I would be so careless? A Cant of Silent Warding is protecting our conversation.¡± ¡°How many Cants do you know?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Hundreds,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°However, we¡¯re not talking about my carefulness, but rather, your carelessness.¡± Justin swallowed. ¡°What do you mean?¡± The Baron looked at him meaningfully. ¡°Come on, now. Rap battles? ¡®Islands in the Stream¡¯? Such exploits might seem harmless, but if even a whisper of Earth culture is heard by the wrong ears, you might wake up with a knife in your throat. Or worse.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Justin said. ¡°Are you trying to tell me that people from Earth are being hunted?¡± The Baron nodded somberly. ¡°We are, unfortunately, an endangered species.¡± ¡°Why?¡± The Baron¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Because we don¡¯t belong here, Justin. More than natural-born Eyrthians, we have the potential to disrupt the balance of power. I came to this world, much like you, on the Autumn Equinox. September 21, 2004. Twelve times a year, the a portal opens, though never in the same place. On Eyrth, they¡¯ll open in sites of powerful magical concentration. And on Earth, they seem to occur in spots where great natural energy coalesces, usually in the form of a natural disaster. Hurricanes, earthquakes¡­even tornadoes. Mine happened to be an earthquake. Trapped under the rubble of my office building, the blue portal appeared, and it was my only way out. But unlike you, my portal took me outside an extremely dangerous Vault with a fire-breathing dragon guarding the entrance. Somehow, by sheer luck, I survived.¡± Justin thought of his own situation. Sites of powerful magical concentration. He supposed a Prismatic Core sitting out in the open would qualify. ¡°How many of us are here?¡± ¡°Fewer than you would think,¡± the Baron said. ¡°So far as we can tell, only one person comes through each time. Of these twelve, most don¡¯t survive long. One in four might survive their first year. And of course, if they aren¡¯t careful, or announce themselves through sheer ignorance, they get caught quickly.¡± With a chill, Justin realized that could have been him. But that begged the question. Who was doing the catching? Valdrik paused, considering. ¡°This world¡ªthis reality, if it can be so called¡ªis clearly an advanced simulation, a highly sophisticated technology that¡¯s far too advanced for our own era. I can only assume that someone, or something, from our future is having a bit of fun, marooning people here for unknown reasons. As such, whoever made this wretched game is certainly a human, or even transhuman, given the insane level of technology on display, with the ability to create portals in the past. It¡¯s also possible the maker of this game is a super-intelligent AI performing experiments and seeing how we would act in their creation.¡± ¡°Is it possible the creator of this game is literally that¡ªthe Creator everyone here keeps talking about?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a possibility, but the Creator seems to be more of an administrator of the System. It responds, reacts, and adapts to everything we do, and as far as I can tell, it can¡¯t be exploited because it adjusts the parameters based on users¡¯ actions. It¡¯s possible that the Creator is quite literally the creator of this world, but this might be unknowable.¡± Justin felt like he was having vertigo discussing this. Could it really be true? This world was so real that in recent days, he¡¯d hardly even questioned it. But now, the last thing the System had said to him before leaving him alone in the Wildwood Forest came rushing back: Good luck and enjoy Realms of Eyrth. ¡°Realms of Eyrth,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯s the name of this game, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Valdrik confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s what every Earther here discovers right before they¡¯re thrown into this fantastical meat grinder.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°You said we¡¯re being hunted? By whom?¡± Valdrik simply smiled. ¡°You haven¡¯t guessed?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°The Templars of Arion have long served the Creator, or at least they claim to. In other lands, there are similar orders. But the powers that control this world do not want us here. Of course, not everyone knows about us, but people in high places do, enough to be wary and have systems in place before we become a threat. And they know, just as we do, that twelve times a year a new Earther enters their world. We have too many unfair advantages. Imagine a Bard that recreated Bach or Mozart. Imagine a Craftsman who learned to create guns or bombs. Imagine a Scholar who used his knowledge of history or warfare to revolutionize military tactics. Such things could tip the scales in unimaginable ways.¡± Justin saw his point. ¡°Has that actually happened?¡± ¡°Yes. You can see Earth¡¯s influences here if you look closely, though the authorities do what they can to scrub it from history. The technology of this world is decidedly high medieval, or even Early Modern, with magical influences, of course. And yet, you also find fashions, architecture, and technology that¡¯s orders of magnitude ahead of where Eyrth should be. Did you see anything strange in Highcliff, for example? Something that might not be found in a late medieval or early modern setting?¡± Justin thought it over. ¡°There was a streetcar. Those didn¡¯t show up until the 19th century unless I miss my guess. I didn¡¯t really question it.¡± ¡°The Highcliff streetcar was created by a man named Gavrik Ironholm. Of the Artificer class. Why he focused his efforts on this, I can¡¯t say. Something to do with his previous occupation, I¡¯m sure. He created the streetcar system for which Highcliff is famed about a hundred years ago. He figured out a way to not only create train cars, but the entire industrial and mechanical processes that allowed them to be built in the first place. Rather than use steam, though, he devised a way to recharge them with energy crystals. Quite ingenious, really. He had plans to revolutionize all Aranthia with similar train tracks, only on a much larger scale, and even kick off a large-scale industrial revolution.¡± ¡°He got killed?¡± The Baron nodded somberly. ¡°He did. Not for his invention, but for giving himself away.¡± ¡°How did that happen?¡± ¡°Knowing things he shouldn¡¯t have known was a big clue. And of course, he probably told the wrong person the wrong thing, enough to fall under suspicion.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all interesting, but you¡¯re suggesting that Alistair was trying to kill me. If he was, why didn¡¯t he do so on the spot?¡± The Baron gave an understanding smile. ¡°Your Paladin friend probably didn¡¯t know what he had, and if he did, he would not have known the significance. Alistair was Level 25; probably not high enough in the Templar hierarchy to know about Earth. In short, it was me he was after, and you got caught in the crossfire. But had you reached Mont Elea, things would have gone badly for you, assuming the High Priest discovered your identity.¡± ¡°What would he have done?¡± ¡°Well, he would have nipped Eyrth¡¯s newest stranger right in the bud, I can guarantee it. I doubt Alistair knew your secret, but if he did, he would have reported it for sure.¡± ¡°So, I guess that makes you my rescuer. Only that¡¯s difficult to believe, given all the pain and hardship you¡¯ve caused. I guess that would make Eldrin the bad guy, too.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t speak to the Ranger¡¯s motives, but I¡¯m sure he told you something about me being after your Prismatic Core. I won¡¯t lie. Getting my hands on that would be a tremendous boon! But it would draw far too much attention to myself. Rarer than even a Prismatic Core is an ally¡ªan ally from the same world who wants the same thing as me.¡± Justin could guess what he meant. ¡°You want to get back home.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the Baron said. ¡°I very much do. The humble life I led in Bulgaria might not mean much to you, but I had a job, a wife, and a family.¡± The Baron, a family man? Justin found that a bit difficult to imagine. Then again, he¡¯d had twenty years to spend here, and that was enough to change anyone. The Baron continued. ¡°My life back on Earth was humbler than this one, but it¡¯s real. I¡¯ve worked hard to become powerful here, to learn as much as I can, all while staying off the radar.¡± He leaned toward Justin conspiratorially. ¡°Off the radar. Be careful when you use such idioms. Some don¡¯t exactly translate into Aranthian, and it could be enough to tip off the wrong person.¡± ¡°Seriously? How do they know so much about people from Earth?¡± ¡°You¡¯d be surprised. It¡¯s hard to say how long Earthers have been sent here, but it¡¯s been at least for a few centuries, if not more. The Templars keep meticulous records going back hundreds of years. Who can say what they know, and don¡¯t? People can get caught for extremely minor things. They tie us to Morvath and Death Magic; that¡¯s another, simpler reason they don¡¯t like us. Of course, Earthers don¡¯t always align themselves with the God of Death, but the connection is there since it¡¯s a quick path to power.¡± ¡°You certainly chose to go that direction.¡± ¡°I did, but it took me a while to arrive at that decision. But that¡¯s a story for another day.¡± ¡°So, all this is to convince me that we¡¯re really on the same side?¡± Valdrik watched him carefully. ¡°Truth be told, I¡¯m not sure we are. I would like us to be, but that requires trust.¡± ¡°You placed a Death Mark on me without my consent,¡± Justin said. ¡°That does little to build trust.¡± ¡°I did it to track you once you left my manor,¡± he said. ¡°Sending someone to follow you was far too crude, and too many things could have gone wrong. Having someone eavesdrop in a tavern is one thing, but requiring someone to tail you for days or weeks? Eldrin would have wised up at some point. Remember, I wanted to be certain of who, and what, you were. Given the dangers of this world, Earthers have a penchant for dying before they can really take root. The Death Mark is insurance, a guaranteed way I can reach you beyond the grave, if it comes to that.¡± He smiled. ¡°Besides, being undead is not a terrible thing. There are many advantages.¡± ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°In ¡®game¡¯ terms, yes, you would be undead, and yes, enthralled to me, the one who placed the mark. But you have a class, Justin. You wouldn¡¯t become some mindless zombie or ghoul. You¡¯d be an Undead Socialite, and as such, a wide number of paths would be open to you. I don¡¯t know if you noticed, but your class isn¡¯t exactly known for excelling on the battlefield, but there are ways around this. Vampirism is the easiest path, and it would increase your survivability. But assuming you can unlock an advanced class and again access to magic, Necromancy, Dread Summoning, and even becoming a Lich aren¡¯t off the table. You¡¯d also be immune to poison and disease and gain an extended life span.¡± ¡°If being undead is so great, then why aren¡¯t you undead?¡± ¡°A fair question. Being undead is quite noticeable, and right now, I need to lie low. My intention was never to turn you undead. It was insurance in case you died before we could have this conversation.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯d have no problem with removing the Mark?¡± ¡°That depends on the rest of this conversation. I still have a few more things to say.¡± The Baron leaned forward, his eyes intense. ¡°First, this you need to realize that this is a game. It¡¯s not reality. Of course, you can treat it as reality. Many Earthers have chosen to ¡®go native,¡¯ so to speak. But there¡¯s no proof that any of these people you¡¯ve met¡ªEldrin, Lila, Alistair, and all the rest¡ªare anything more than highly advanced AI. They act and behave as any sentient being would. They even respond to you as fully autonomous agents. But are they real?¡± The Baron gave a sharp smile. ¡°Oh, I struggled with this for a long time. I didn¡¯t want to believe it was true, but as soon as you embrace this truth, how free you become! We already know this is a game, created in the distant future, sending actual humans into it twelve times a year for reasons unknown. You are one such human, of course, as am I. Everyone you¡¯ve met so far, aside from me, is just part of the game, no matter how real they seem.¡± Of all the things the Baron had said so far, this was the most shocking. Justin¡¯s mind raced, and doubts crept in. Could all these people who had become his friends just be AI? Could their relationships, sacrifices, and help be nothing more than programmed responses? The thought made Justin¡¯s stomach turn. He couldn¡¯t believe it¡ªor could he? He felt like he wanted to throw up. ¡°I know,¡± the Baron said, sipping a glass of red wine. ¡°It¡¯s a lot, isn¡¯t it? Of course, you could continue to resist the idea. Such an endeavor, of course, would be pointless.¡± ¡°How can you really know they¡¯re AI? Maybe this is just an alternate universe that happens to have game-like mechanics, just as real as our own. And even if it is a simulation, what if their feelings and thoughts are so genuine that there¡¯s no practical difference between this world and ours?¡± Valdrik smirked. ¡°Wishful thinking, Justin. Magic? Skills? Classes? These are all the hallmarks of video games, not real life.¡± Justin clenched his fists. Valdrik had a point, but it was a point he didn¡¯t want to accept. ¡°Unless you have some actual proof that everyone here, besides Earthers, is an AI, you have no way of knowing.¡± Valdrik sighed, his expression unreadable. ¡°Perhaps. As a Lexicant, I use words to manipulate the reality of this game. I¡¯ve seen the code behind the curtain, the cracks in the illusion. You¡¯ll see them too, in time. Whether you accept it or not is up to you. And if we want to survive, and more than that, to escape, we need to figure out how to use the System to our advantage. Yes, agents of the game will get hurt. Even die. But no matter how real they appear, no matter their pain, none of it is real.¡± Justin felt a chill at these words. ¡°I just can¡¯t buy it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a pity that things happened the way they did. I¡¯m extremely careful, but sometimes, that care can prove to be the greater risk than acting boldly. If I¡¯d been able to reach you before you¡¯d intermixed with the agents, your story would have turned out differently. If you can¡¯t learn to disassociate from them, your progress will be hampered. Perhaps even stunted entirely.¡± ¡°Even if everything you¡¯re saying is true, you placed the Mark of Death on me. You claim to have good reasons for it, but those reasons seem hollow to me. The only way you can even begin to prove yourself is removing it entirely.¡± ¡°If you agreed to work for me, then yes. I¡¯d remove the Mark gladly and even let you keep your Prismatic Core. Any other person¡ªor rather, I should say, agent¡ªI would take it without question. But you are no mere character, Justin. You are a fellow Earther. True, you know little yet, but your potential is boundless. I¡¯ve spent two decades here. While I¡¯ve learned a lot, I¡¯m bound by the System, the same as you. I need all the help I can get. As do you, if you are to progress to a point where we can start helping each other. Everyone else born into this world simply sees it as life. Only one in a hundred will ever get a class. The agents can be of no help to me, except in securing further power and resources. Progression, Justin, is the name of the game. Progression at all costs, except the extinguishing of sacred Earth life. That¡¯s the only way we can reach a high enough level to affect reality and survive our enemies.¡± Justin could see why the Templars wanted to kill Earthers. If most Earthers believed as Valdrik did, it would make them a huge threat. Even Earthers who disavowed such views might fall under suspicion by default. ¡°I have more questions. What about Earth objects? How exactly do they draw people like me?¡± ¡°Well, the magic is not understood, but the effect has long been observed by those in the know. In fact, the Templars also use the little trick I employed to catch Earthers. That¡¯s how I got the idea. They set up honey pots all around Aranthia, and a great many Earthers have been caught in this way.¡± The Baron smiled. ¡°You¡¯re lucky that it was me who found you first.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t so sure of that, but he had further questions. He didn¡¯t believe the Baron for a second, though much of what he¡¯d said seemed disturbingly accurate. He still had questions. Questions that could determine whether he and his friends walked out of this alive. 56. The Price of Survival This entire time, Justin had been holding the book, and he put it down on the table. It felt dangerous to even touch. ¡°How did you find so many Earth artifacts, anyway?¡± ¡°Carefully. You gain a sense for them eventually, and my magic helps me to extricate them safely. As for how they come to be here, well, they have been brought by Earthers themselves.¡± ¡°What made you think I was from Earth?¡± ¡°I¡¯m good at reading people, both a product of my class and my Charisma. It was why I offered you the job, so I could learn more. But a lie about your origins, as you did, wasn¡¯t enough proof. So, I placed the Mark upon you, while my agent reported your conversation, as you already mentioned.¡± ¡°And that agent is dead, I assume?¡± The Baron smiled. ¡°The man I sent is completely loyal. I erased his memories to be on the safe side. But his intel confirmed my suspicions. Alistair was already meddling around, so I had to strike quickly. Unfortunately, you ran before I could further explain myself.¡± ¡°What about Gareth? If he wasn¡¯t so hostile, it might have won my trust.¡± ¡°He had orders to kill Alistair only, as Paladins cannot be trusted. Gareth was the best person I had on hand to deal with him, and the intention was to bring you to my manor and then reveal myself. While Alistair was doing what he thought was right, you must remember he was bringing you to someone who would ultimately prove to be your demise.¡± Justin thought back to the conversation he¡¯d overheard in the Silver Stag. Eldrin had mentioned Justin had an interesting story to the Paladin, but it wasn¡¯t his place to tell. As far as Justin could figure, Alistair¡¯s intentions were pure. Hell, Justin had even told him where he had come from in their very first conversation, a fact that had slipped his mind until now. Even then, the names ¡°Earth¡± and ¡°Oklahoma¡± hadn''t rung any bells. The man clearly didn¡¯t understand the supposed implications of Justin¡¯s origins. ¡°And your goal is to leave Eyrth?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Alistair thinks you¡¯re after an Ascendant Class. Something only a Prismatic Core can give you.¡± Justin paused. ¡°It might even be worth murdering me for.¡± Justin did his best to read the Baron¡¯s face, but it remained unchanged, perfectly neutral. ¡°I see you as a potential ally, Justin.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it? How can I possibly benefit you?¡± ¡°We come from the same world. Of all the people who occupy this game, you are the only one I can trust. I¡¯m taking a significant risk in telling you all this. If I merely wanted power, I would wait to ambush you in Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel rather than reveal myself so openly. Wouldn¡¯t you rather work together?¡± Justin supposed that was his strongest point. Why waste his time with explanations if he could have just killed him? Maybe the Baron wanted to work with him, but that didn¡¯t mean his intentions were good. ¡°Tell me about these other Earthers. The Terra Club, I guess. What happened there?¡± ¡°It was going well, at least for a while. But we became too bold in our aspirations. The Club, of course, has existed in some form or other over the centuries, though it¡¯s difficult to say just how far it goes back. It fades in and out of existence, depending on the needs of the time. At the time of my presidency, The Aranthian Chapter had a record ten members, but it all fell apart over some¡­disagreements. We felt it better to go our separate ways.¡± ¡°What disagreements?¡± ¡°Some members wanted to act more boldly, that we had gained enough power to get more directly involved in the politics of this world. Others, like me, felt we needed to stay in the shadows. And others still concluded that there was no way back to Earth, that we had to find our own happiness here. Sadly, the differences could not be reconciled, and the Club was doing more harm than good. I ended up dissolving it, and that was that.¡± ¡°Do you know where these other Earthers are?¡± ¡°Some, but I will not betray their identities or locations. It is a courtesy we have for each other. Some have sadly passed away. I haven¡¯t seen a fellow Earther in about five years, which was when I dissolved the Club.¡± ¡°I thought you hadn¡¯t seen an Earther in eight years.¡± ¡°You misunderstood. The last time I met a new Earther was eight years ago. The last time I saw an Earther was five years ago. Of course, your beloved Templars had a hand in it, as they always do. So, for now, as far as I know, all of us are in hiding.¡± Valdrik eyed him closely. ¡°That¡¯s why an alliance with you is valuable, even more so than a Prismatic Core. Perhaps you are weak now, but you won''t always be. Like you, I started as a Socialite. I can help you progress much faster than you would alone.¡± Justin still thought the Baron was full of shit, but he had to at least pretend he was buying it somewhat. ¡°Maybe you have a point, Valdrik, but you put a Death Mark on me. So why should I listen?¡± ¡°If you agree to collaborate with me, I will happily remove the Mark. What do you say? Do you want to find the way back home? Or keep living in Fantasy Land?¡± Justin would believe that when it happened. ¡°Okay, Morpheus.¡± ¡°Yes, Justin. The analogy is very apt. I became a Lexicant because it¡¯s a class that allows me to manipulate reality¡ªor more accurately, the unreality¡ªof this world using words and Charisma. If there¡¯s a way into this world, then there must be a way out, and maybe we can even control that outcome.¡± He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°We were brought here through no fault of our own, and if there¡¯s a higher purpose, I¡¯m certain it doesn¡¯t serve us. We can either get lost in the illusion¡ªsome Earthers I¡¯ve known have made that choice¡ªor we can see it for what it is and use it to our advantage. I choose the latter, and I believe you should, too.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Justin thought this over, but he still had trouble wrapping his mind around it. It was all too much, too soon. He wasn¡¯t ready to let go, and he knew he couldn¡¯t trust Valdrik. And yet, he couldn¡¯t poke any holes in his logic. It was a way of seeing this world, even if he didn¡¯t agree with it. ¡°What happens if I say no?¡± ¡°If you say no, Justin, then I will be disappointed, but I hope you will change your mind later. I would ask to have your word as a gentleman to reveal nothing of me or my ambitions and give your assurance that your friends will say nothing, either. As a sign of good faith, I will also remove the Mark, to show that my intentions are pure.¡± Justin¡¯s pulse quickened. ¡°Okay. I choose that, then.¡± ¡°Think carefully, Justin. I¡¯m offering you power, knowledge, and a way to survive¡ªeven a way home. If you say no, you¡¯ll find out just how unforgiving this world can be for Earthers¡ªwithout allies to save you.¡± ¡°Is that a threat?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a warning. You must remember your friends are simply agents of this game. Though it might not feel like it, I¡¯m the only real person you¡¯ve spoken to ever since you¡¯ve set foot on Eyrth.¡± Justin forced himself to think about it. Of course, he was in a game, but the mere thought of everyone being a sophisticated agent was beyond unsettling. Especially where it concerned Lila. It made every relationship he¡¯d formed, every bond he¡¯d built, feel fragile and meaningless. When he looked Lila in the eyes, it didn¡¯t feel like he was talking to an AI. She couldn¡¯t just be a figment of a complex game system, no more real than pixels on a screen. Could she? Even if this was a game, there were compelling arguments that his own universe was just a simulation too. Did that make it any less real? Certainly, the Baron was smooth and persuasive¡ªa product of his class and abilities. It made little sense that he would show up here and explain himself if his offer weren¡¯t genuine. So, the question became what happened if Justin said no. He couldn¡¯t imagine the Baron letting him or the others walk out of this alive. The Baron watched him closely, his gaze sharp and calculating. Justin realized Valdrik might already know what he was going to decide. But that didn¡¯t mean he had to play into his hands. ¡°I can¡¯t make this choice lightly,¡± Justin finally said, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to give up on the people I care about. Maybe they¡¯re real, maybe they¡¯re not, but they matter to me. If there¡¯s even a chance they¡¯re more than code, I can¡¯t walk away from that.¡± Valdrik¡¯s expression darkened slightly, but he didn¡¯t interrupt. ¡°So, here¡¯s my decision,¡± Justin continued. ¡°I won¡¯t go with you. Not yet. I need time to process all of this, to figure out what¡¯s real and what¡¯s not. After everything that¡¯s happened, I simply can¡¯t trust you. Removing this Death Mark would help, but I still need more time. If you¡¯re trying to find a way out of here, we¡¯ll cross paths again. I¡¯m sure of it. But for now, I¡¯m staying where I am. This isn''t a yes or a no. I¡¯m doing it my way, and you need to respect that.¡± Justin knew he was taking an enormous risk, but it was the only option that worked for him. At last, the Baron broke his silence. ¡°All of you know too much, Justin. How can I trust not just you, but three others?¡± ¡°Because they''re worthy of trust. I wouldn¡¯t be with them if they weren¡¯t. If I ask them to keep their lips sealed, they will. I swear it. Remove the Mark. Live and let live.¡± The Baron smirked as he considered this. ¡°You are bold, I¡¯ll give you that. And you have me believing you. Almost.¡± ¡°Do we have a deal?¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed, but then he smiled¡ªa tight, controlled expression. ¡°They say Charisma is the weakest Attribute, but if you look at who controls the flow of conversation, who wins arguments, who rules the world¡ªit is the Charisma classes. Would you rather be the warrior swinging the sword, or the ruler giving the order? But I digress. My point was that your words, Justin, have convinced me¡ªat least for now. I¡¯m going to agree to your terms on one condition. We will meet again on September 21 next year, a date of great importance for both of us. We will meet at my home in Silverton, and you will give me a more definitive answer. It gives you plenty of time to figure out how to make your way in this world, to become stronger. I would like us to check on each other¡¯s progress and share whatever information we¡¯ve gained. It could be the key to getting back home.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s fair.¡± ¡°But be warned: the more you intertwine yourself in the false lives of these figments of a dream, the more you become like them, and the harder it will be to extricate yourself. The world you¡¯re choosing to stay in is filled with illusions. One day, you¡¯ll have to confront that reality, and when you do, I hope you¡¯re ready for it.¡± Justin nodded, his resolve firming. ¡°Maybe. But for now, I¡¯ll take my chances.¡± Valdrik stood, his posture still relaxed but his eyes calculating. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll honor our agreement.¡± ¡°And I¡¯ll honor my side.¡± The Baron smiled. ¡°If my instincts are right, you will rise high in this world. All Earthers whose ambitions are unchecked do. But you also must be extremely careful not to rise too high, too fast. And whatever you do, stay far from Mont Elea and the Templars. It¡¯s not just the Paladins who serve them. Their agents are everywhere, and if one has already caught wind of you, it may already be too late. Know that if you go your own way, there is nothing I can do to protect you.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°I understand. Thanks for the advice.¡± ¡°But first, a gentleman¡¯s agreement. I require that you and your friends to speak no word about me or my ambitions to anyone, in exchange for removing the death mark, on pain of death. Look me in the eye as you swear it.¡± Justin met his gaze. At least at this moment, he had no intention of betraying the Baron¡¯s confidence, unless the Baron proved himself unworthy of it. ¡°I swear it, Valdrik.¡± Valdrik nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. ¡°Good. That was your last test. And now, I will fulfill my side of the bargain in good faith.¡± At that moment, the Baron muttered a few words in Vranthillis: ¡°Nethralis Orinthial Rethik.¡± A cold sensation washed over Justin, and it felt as if an invisible shroud had been removed, a touch of warmth infusing into his bones. Justin closed his eyes in relief. Valdrik gave him a final, inscrutable look before turning away, his figure disappearing into the crowd as if he had never been there. Justin stood frozen, his eyes widening as the message flashed before him: [1,000 experience gained! Your experience stands at 1,319/940. Level-up available!] Justin nearly sputtered in disbelief. One thousand? That was more experience than he¡¯d ever gained in a single event. His mind raced, trying to make sense of it. How could a conversation¡ªif that¡¯s what you could call his tense exchange with the Baron¡ªbe worth so much? It wasn¡¯t as if he¡¯d fought a powerful beast or cleared an entire Vault on his own. Then it hit him. The experience wasn¡¯t just from talking. It was from surviving. From standing toe-to-toe with a much more powerful opponent and walking away with a sliver of control. It was about surviving the mechanizations of someone who could have easily crushed him and navigating the perilous waters of deceit and manipulation. Whatever the reason, the System clearly saw something in what he¡¯d done that he hadn¡¯t fully grasped yet. It wasn¡¯t about surviving a dangerous encounter; it was about doing so in a way that leveraged every ounce of cunning and Charisma he had. His heart pounded as he stood there, the reality of his decision¡ªand its consequences¡ªsinking in. He hurried through the crowd to find his friends. It was time to leave. 57. How to Win Friends and Aggravate Barons Justin approached the far corner of the hall, completely lightheaded as he weaved through the revelers. Eldrin, Lila, and Kargan had taken refuge there, unnoticed by the rest of the crowd. Justin forced himself to move casually, despite the turmoil twisting inside him. He waited until he was a suitable distance away from the Baron before he even set his thoughts on the Amulet of Equilibrium. Unlike Reginald Fairfax, who clearly had some sort of skill that allowed him to see the Amulet¡¯s value, and Percival Harrington, who¡¯d learned about the Amulet from his Gentleman¡¯s Gauntlet skill, it seemed the Baron had no inherent ability that allowed him to detect the Amulet. That was a fact the Baron hadn¡¯t counted on. It was the ace up Justin¡¯s sleeve. Within seconds, he would know whether the Mark of Death was truly gone, or if the Baron was simply playing him. If he could core the Amulet, the Baron was a man of his word. If not, it meant the Baron would eliminate Justin and his friends at the earliest opportunity. Justin had a sinking feeling he already knew the answer as he focused his thoughts on the Amulet, willing it to bind to his core. [The Amulet of Equilibrium can only be bound to Characters with a Life Affinity. Death Affinity Detected.] Justin smiled, though the reaction felt strange. Of course, he was disappointed that the Mark was still active. For a moment, he¡¯d almost believed the Baron had been genuine. And of course, he¡¯d hoped that he¡¯d finally get to unlock the Amulet¡¯s power. But that power would have to wait for another day. Knowledge, however, was half the battle. There might still be a way to save the situation, as unlikely as it seemed. That required beating the Baron at his own game. But how? As Justin reached his friends, they stood expectantly, their eyes full of questions. Even now, he could feel Valdrik¡¯s gaze on him from across the room, watching, calculating. The thought made his skin crawl. ¡°What did you talk about?¡± Lila asked, breaking the silence. Eldrin watched him intently. ¡°That was a long conversation, lad.¡± Kargan watched him intently. Justin felt bad because the Orc was in this as much as the rest of them now, but he still didn¡¯t know the full story. He knew the Baron was chasing Justin, but not the exact reason. It felt unfair that he had been kept in the dark for so long. There would be time for fuller explanations later, or so Justin hoped. ¡°It¡¯s too much to explain right now. What¡¯s important is getting out of here alive. He won¡¯t make a move in the middle of a party like this. Long story short, he faked friendship and pretended to remove the Death Mark. Only¡­¡± Justin¡¯s fingers brushed the gold chain around his neck, a subtle gesture that conveyed everything they needed to know. ¡°It doesn¡¯t work,¡± Eldrin muttered grimly. Justin nodded. ¡°We can save this still. He doesn¡¯t know that I know. It¡¯s the one advantage we have.¡± Eldrin leaned forward. ¡°While you were talking, I scouted around and found a side entrance. It leads into a courtyard garden and a ledge. If we climb down it, we can access the Undermarket. My suggestion is to lose ourselves there and figure out the next step.¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°That won¡¯t work. No matter where we go, he¡¯ll be right on our tail. We need to get distance from him, but he¡¯ll never let us get that far. The Mark will lead him right to me.¡± Eldrin frowned. ¡°What do you suggest? We can¡¯t stay here forever. Not with Gareth due to arrive in just hours. Then, the Baron won¡¯t be operating solo.¡± ¡°The mayor is working with him for sure,¡± Lila said. ¡°The whole thing with the Gate was clearly a set-up.¡± ¡°It was,¡± Justin confirmed. Justin glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of Valdrik mingling with the other guests. The Baron was the center of attention in a circle of laughing nobles, perfectly at ease. Justin turned back to his friends, lowering his voice. ¡°We have to beat him at his own game,¡± Justin said. ¡°We¡¯re safer here than anywhere else right now. The Baron won¡¯t make a move with all these important nobles around. But he¡¯s underestimating us. He thinks we¡¯re going to run at the first opportunity. That gives us an opening.¡± ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Lila asked. Justin hesitated, glancing around the room. Now, more than ever, he was convinced this wasn¡¯t the time to run. This ballroom was a battlefield. His battlefield. He wasn¡¯t without resources. He had himself, his wits, and the pieces on the board, which was every person in this room. And, of course, he had an opponent who fully expected him to resign without a fight. ¡°Follow my lead,¡± Justin said. ¡°What are we doing?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡± Straightening his posture, Justin activated his Dandy¡¯s Swagger and strolled toward the crowd with a confidence that belied the situation he was in. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced a smile onto his face, masking his fear with an air of charm. At first, no one noticed him, and Justin wondered if this was a huge mistake. But then one noble, a man with salt and pepper hair and a velvet coat, touched his arm. ¡°Mr. Talemaker, was it? Lord Marston of Greymoor. Please forgive the crude introduction, but you simply must tell me¡ªare you and the Baron of Silverton old friends? That little display earlier was just what this party needed! These events can be so dreadfully dull without a bit of excitement.¡± ¡°Well, I do my best to entertain,¡± Justin said with a wink. ¡°Are you enjoying the festivities?¡± ¡°Quite! But everyone¡¯s dying to know how you and the Baron know each other. He¡¯s such an enigma! Rarely seen at events like these, and so far from Silverton!¡± Justin chuckled, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of nearby guests. ¡°Ah, yes, the Baron and I go way back. My estate borders the County of Silverton, nestled in the Wildwood Forest. We¡¯ve hunted together a few times. Fascinating man, though often misunderstood.¡± More nobles drifted closer, their curiosity piqued. Justin could feel Valdrik¡¯s eyes on him from across the room, but the Baron made no move to approach. Perfect. ¡°Of course,¡± he said in a conspiratorial tone, ¡°I¡¯ve heard some interesting rumors about him. But you didn¡¯t hear them from me.¡± A ripple of laughter passed through the group as they leaned in, eager for gossip. ¡°I once had a courier who delivered something to me after a stop at the Baron¡¯s manor,¡± Justin said. ¡°You know how hard it is to get in there. The people of Silverton have many theories about what goes on inside. A beautiful home, but with more empty rooms than full. So, after a generous tip, I pressed the courier for details. He was nervous, but you know what they say¡ªmoney talks.¡± The nobles chuckled again, waiting eagerly for the story. ¡°Well,¡± Justin went on, ¡°the courier mentioned that the Baron¡¯s manor is filled with strange and rare artifacts, the likes of which you¡¯d never believe. He¡¯s quite the collector of treasures, some of which are rather¡­unsettling. Makes you wonder what he keeps even deeper in those halls, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°What kinds of treasures?¡± an older gentleman asked, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Oh, I couldn¡¯t say for certain,¡± Justin replied, lowering his voice. ¡°But the people of Silverton have long whispered about hidden passages beneath the Baron¡¯s manor. While some say it¡¯s filled with only artifacts, others tell darker tales. They say there¡¯s a constant stream of mysterious visitors going into his home, especially at night.¡± The nobles exchanged intrigued glances, some of them frowning in thought. Justin could almost see the wheels turning in their minds. Valdrik was always an enigma, but now he was something more¡ªsomething dangerous. ¡°Of course,¡± Justin added with a wink, ¡°eccentricity isn¡¯t a crime. But it makes you wonder, doesn¡¯t it?¡± The nobles murmured in agreement, casting furtive glances toward Valdrik, who remained across the room, apparently none the wiser. He was talking to the same raven-haired lady from earlier. Justin made his rounds, weaving through the crowd, engaging in similar conversations, each one laced with subtle hints and insinuations. As the minutes ticked by, Justin started noticing a change in the Baron¡¯s demeanor. His laughter, once rich and confident, carried a frantic edge. Valdrik¡¯s eyes flicked toward Justin more frequently, as though trying to gauge just how much damage was being done. Justin played his role perfectly, his words sliding into the ears of curious nobles like honeyed poison. ¡°Oh, the Baron? Yes, he¡¯s still a bachelor, though I can¡¯t imagine why! Quite handsome, don¡¯t you think? And richer than a dragon on its hoard! Not to mention more dangerous than a dragon, too, especially during the hunt! Would you like me to introduce you? No? Oh, your loss, truly!¡± The noblewoman blushed, laughing nervously, and Justin winked before moving on, leaving her to glance toward Valdrik with a mix of curiosity and caution. At another cluster of guests, Justin lowered his voice just enough to add a touch of mystery. ¡°Ah yes, the Baron. Quite the wizard, they say. Spends long hours in his manor, learning spells that haven¡¯t seen the light of day in centuries. It¡¯s impressive, of course¡ªtakes dedication. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s up to something very important. I have to say, it¡¯s nice to see him stretching his social muscles tonight. It¡¯s so long since he¡¯s been seen in society! I always urge him to marry, you know. As they say, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The surrounding group hummed in agreement, nodding and exchanging impressed glances as if Justin had just crafted this brilliant observation on his own. One noble even offered a polite chuckle, while another lady murmured, ¡°Well said, well said indeed.¡± ¡°On that note, I¡¯m collecting the names of a few eligible ladies for him to court. That¡¯s what friends are for. So, who¡¯s in?¡± The guests chuckled, but Justin could see the unease in their eyes. He kept his tone light, but the implications were sinking in. Valdrik, the mysterious recluse, dabbling in ancient magic¡ªwhat could he be up to? Justin continued his campaign, all while mixing in other stories of his adventures, so he wasn¡¯t too obvious. His voice carried just enough weight to stoke the flames of gossip. ¡°The Baron spends long days away from his manor in Silverton, always off on some grand adventure. They say every time he returns, his wealth doubles! Well, maybe not quite, but he¡¯s so secretive about his exploits that the rest of us lesser nobles are left to fill in the gaps. Even those of us who know him best¡­well, we don¡¯t really know him at all, do we? Some say he¡¯s cold, but I disagree. Once you¡¯ve gotten past his aloofness, he¡¯s a steadfast friend¡ªthe best you could ask for!¡± Justin could feel the whispers spreading through the room, little threads of doubt and suspicion weaving themselves into the fabric of the party. In a world where reputation was everything, those whispers would spread far beyond this one gathering. As Justin continued to work the room, Valdrik¡¯s unease and annoyance grew more visible. The Baron¡¯s smile remained fixed, but there was a tightness to it lurking beneath his composed facade. Eventually, he¡¯d be forced to make a move. And that was what Justin wanted. Justin joined a group of young nobility about his age, including Lord Harrington and Lord Bohemond Ashcroft, the blond-haired, blue-eyed one with a stern demeanor. ¡°Making waves, I see,¡± Lord Harrington said with a wink. ¡°We¡¯ve all learned a great deal about your good friend Baron Valdrik tonight!¡± Justin smiled. ¡°Well, you heard the Baron himself. He and I go way back, so it¡¯s only natural that people have questions. Consider this his grand reentrance into society!¡± Of course, Justin hadn¡¯t known for a fact that the Baron shunned company, but given the state of his home, and what he¡¯d told him about staying off the radar, it was an easy guess. And that guess was paying dividends. ¡°Ah,¡± Harrington said, a sly smile on his lips. ¡°It¡¯s all about giving the people what they want, eh?¡± Justin¡¯s heart pounded as the Baron approached, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the group. The young noblemen fell silent, their previously easygoing demeanor replaced by a palpable tension. Valdrik¡¯s smile was as charming as ever, but his eyes glinted with something darker. ¡°Ah, Mr. Talemaker,¡± the Baron said smoothly, his voice carrying the polished tones of a man who had mastered every room he entered. ¡°I see you¡¯ve been making quite an impression tonight. You always had a way of captivating a crowd.¡± Justin forced a smile. ¡°Only following your lead, Baron. You¡¯ve been the life of the party.¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes flicked to the group of noblemen, who stood awkwardly, sensing the undercurrent of the conversation but unsure of how to proceed. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been quite a lively evening, hasn¡¯t it? So many stories being shared¡ªold friends catching up, new connections being made. It¡¯s fascinating how quickly rumors can spread, don¡¯t you think?¡± Justin met Valdrik¡¯s gaze, feeling the weight of the Baron¡¯s words. ¡°Well, stories have a way of taking on a life of their own. But then again, there¡¯s always a bit of truth in every tale, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± Valdrik¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver, but there was a dangerous gleam in his eyes. ¡°Ah, yes. A slippery thing, truth is. Often dressed up in the most elaborate of costumes, making it hard to tell what¡¯s real and what¡¯s just a clever illusion.¡± Bohemond Ashcroft, oblivious to the tension, chuckled. ¡°Well, if it¡¯s entertaining, who cares? It''s all in good fun, and parties can always use a little intrigue." The Baron¡¯s gaze remained locked on Justin. ¡°Indeed. A little intrigue can be quite¡­stimulating. But one must always be careful not to let the game go too far. Some tales are best left untold, wouldn¡¯t you agree, Mr. Talemaker?¡± Justin¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, but he didn¡¯t let it show. He smiled coolly. ¡°Depends on the tale, Baron. Some stories are too important to keep hidden. How can one expect to make friends if they can¡¯t see the real you?¡± Justin leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret in confidence, even adding a friendly chuckle. ¡°We all have our little secrets, don¡¯t we? But a wise man knows when to let a friend in on a good one. After all, what¡¯s friendship without a little trust?¡± For a moment, the air between them crackled with tension, an unspoken challenge hanging in the space between their words. The Baron¡¯s smile remained fixed, but Justin could see the calculation in his eyes. He still wasn¡¯t making a move, calling Justin¡¯s bluff that he wouldn¡¯t take things any further. Of course, the point of all these rumors was to send a message. If the Baron didn¡¯t let him go, didn¡¯t remove the Mark, Justin would spill the metaphorical beans on just what he was up to in Silverton, and what Alistair had died for. ¡°You know,¡± Justin said, ¡°speaking of rumors, I heard quite an interesting one while passing through Highcliff.¡± The surrounding noblemen pretended not to be interested with Valdrik present, but Justin could tell he had them. ¡°It concerns a certain Paladin of Mont Elea. Alistair of Drakendale.¡± Justin looked at Valdrik. ¡°Have you heard the name?¡± Justin tried to communicate his thoughts with a look: I can stop anytime. Valdrik smiled. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard the name. He must be no one of true significance.¡± Bohemond¡¯s face flushed with indignation. ¡°Not of significance? Paladins are the chosen warriors of Arion, trained in both body and soul to uphold justice. Low or high, every Templar of Arion deserves our respect!¡± The young noble¡¯s outburst brought a ripple of discomfort through the group, and a few exchanged uneasy glances. Valdrik¡¯s smile tightened, but he didn¡¯t lose his composure. ¡°Well,¡± the Baron said smoothly, ¡°we all have our heroes, don¡¯t we? I¡¯m sure this Alistair is especially important¡­to some.¡± He looked right at Justin. ¡°A Paladin is always important, like good Bohemond said here,¡± Justin responded. ¡°And when one goes missing, well, can you fault the faithful for noticing, Baron?¡± ¡°If that¡¯s true, then it¡¯s most unfortunate,¡± the Baron said. ¡°That said, Paladins are not known for being in a safe line of work. The realm is grateful for their sacrifice. It lets the rest of us sleep, never fearful of the terrors of the night, of which there are many.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Justin said. ¡°They said he¡¯d passed through Silverton before going missing. Of course, everyone is familiar with the horrible news surrounding Silverton. Murder. Wanton corruption. That¡¯s the type of thing a Paladin might want to investigate, no? As the Baron of Silverton, certainly you are close to such matters. If it¡¯s not too much to ask, would you mind¡ª¡± Before Justin could finish, Justin felt a curious pressure in his mind, like fingers trying to pry into his thoughts. The Baron had made his move. But from Valdrik¡¯s outward composure, it was as if nothing had happened. [Mind Control attempt resisted by the Top Hat of Clear Thought!] Justin caught the slightest flicker of surprise in Valdrik¡¯s eyes. Justin couldn¡¯t help but smile, even tipping said hat. ¡°Now, as I was saying¡ª¡± All this was too much for the Baron. ¡°Come with me, Mr. Talemaker. There is something I wish to tell you in confidence.¡± Without drawing attention, Justin followed him through the crowd, keeping his expression calm. Inside, his heart pounded in his chest. With a simple thought, Valdrik could kill him. And indeed, from the Baron¡¯s seething expression, Justin could tell that part of him very much wanted to. They reached a secluded corner, far from prying eyes and ears. Valdrik turned on him, his face a mask of barely repressed fury. ¡°Leave, Justin,¡± he hissed through clenched teeth. ¡°Now, before I end you!¡± Justin held his ground. ¡°What? And have you hunt me down once I¡¯m isolated and alone? No, I won¡¯t be doing that. Did you truly think you¡¯d fool me about the Mark? You played me, so I¡¯m playing you right back.¡± He leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. ¡°All this rumormongering is just a taste of what I can do. So, unless you¡¯re willing to kill me in cold blood right here, with the eyes of the Aranthian nobility right on you, I suggest you do as I ask. It''ll take me just ten minutes to drive the nail in the coffin of your reputation. Twenty years of work flushed down the toilet. Maybe I die, but I''ll take you down with me.¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously, his entire demeanor radiating pure rage. For a tense moment, Justin thought the Baron might lash out, throw it all away to get his revenge. Valdrik didn''t even have to kill him outright; maybe he could just force his mouth shut with magic. But even that was a risk, because everyone who know he had done it, and it would give weight to the rumors. But then, with a forced calm, Valdrik gave a wintry smile, a smile that told Justin that he had won this battle, but not the war. ¡°Very well, Justin. While you have spurned my friendship, I can at least get something else of value. Trust me, you will be sorry you rejected my alliance. Even without the Mark of Death, I will catch you and make you wish you had never been born. North, south, east, or west: wherever you flee, I will find you, and you will wish death had come swiftly.¡± His smile stretched almost maniacally. ¡°The Mark of Death is no matter. Whatever can be removed can be replaced. I only invite you to think about the wonderful things I will do when you are bound to me in undead thralldom. That reward will be almost as grand as that Prismatic Core you stumbled upon by blind, stupid luck.¡± He leaned in closer. ¡°Because that¡¯s the only reason you¡¯re still alive, Justin: blind, stupid luck. And that can only carry you so far in this world.¡± Before Justin could respond, the Baron raised his staff and muttered under his breath. Justin felt a strange sensation ripple through him. It was like a shackle breaking loose from his soul, a weight lifting from his chest. The oppressive presence that had been lurking in the back of his mind vanished. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± Valdrik said icily. ¡°Now leave. I have a lot of damage to undo. And then, the hunt begins anew.¡± With a final, tense glance, he melted back into the crowd, his departure leaving an air of unease in his wake. Justin exhaled slowly, the tension lifting ever so slightly from his shoulders. He was far from safe, but for now, he had bought some time. [1,500 experience gained! Your experience stands at 2,819/940. Level-up available!] Justin blinked in surprise. 1,500 experience? He would almost certainly not have one, but two level-ups to process. The reward was well-earned, given the stakes and solution Justin had found. It was enough to give him and his friends a chance. He set his thoughts upon the Amulet. Now came the moment of truth. [Would you like to bind the Amulet of Equilibrium to your core?] The mere question brought a flood of relief. Justin couldn¡¯t help but smile. He was free to go all in on his Charisma Attribute and be rewarded for it. With a base Charisma of 18, he would get +3 to all other Attributes, the equivalent of 15 level ups. While each individual Attribute point only had a minor effect on his base abilities, the advantage could not be overstated, especially as he leveled up further. It was the System''s permission, in a sense, that he had its blessing. As he accepted, the Amulet¡¯s power flowed through him like a warm current, spreading from his chest to every corner of his body. His Power surged first. He felt strength flood his muscles, his body feeling more solid and capable, as if he could take on the weight of the world and still stand tall. His grip tightened around his cane, and even that slight movement felt more precise, more controlled. Then came the boost to his Endurance. The fatigue and tension that had been gnawing at him for hours melted away, replaced by a deep, steady well of energy. His breathing eased, his heart beat strongly and surely, and it felt as though he could run for miles without tiring. The ache in his legs from standing so long vanished, and even his posture straightened. Coordination followed. He could almost feel the air shifting around him, and the knowledge of how to move through it instinctively filled his mind. He flexed his fingers and marveled at the grace and speed with which they responded. His Intellect blossomed next, his thoughts quickening like a wildfire racing through dry brush. His mind buzzed with newfound energy, sharp and focused, ready to tackle any challenge. Finally, his Perception sharpened. He felt more in touch with himself, a sense of calmness that pervaded all. These newfound sensations were minor, but still quite noticeable. It was like his entire being had been fine-tuned to perfection, body and mind working together in perfect harmony. For the first time since entering this world, Justin felt fully in control, ready for whatever came next. It had been a long journey, and he had finally made it. The Amulet of Equilibrium was fully his. But it was far from over. The Baron was still a threat and could easily kill them all as soon as they left. He could no longer track Justin through the Mark of Death, but they were still stuck in Windfall with no easy way out. And with their escape routes limited, and Gareth just hours away, they had to move quickly. Justin hurried back to his friends, but as he did so, he opened his character sheet:
Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 7 Experience to Level 8: 2,819/940 (Level-up available!)
Attributes: Power: 14 (10 + 4) Coordination: 14 (10 +4) Endurance: 15 (10 +5) Intellect: 13 (10 + 3) Perception: 14 (10 + 4) Charisma: 20 (18 +2) 58. Thalgars Tunnel Quickly, Justin made his way back to the group of young nobles. As much as he was ready to run, he had other plans to ensure everyone¡¯s safety and survival. His friends, who had been awaiting his exit, rejoined him. ¡°Quite the character, isn¡¯t he?¡± Harrington said as Justin approached, trying to diffuse the tension with a light-hearted tone. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding about the intrigue.¡± Justin forced a laugh, but inside, his mind was racing. ¡°The Baron and I have come to a sort of understanding. You know how it can be between friends. I may have teased him a bit too hard. Unfortunately, my companions and I must beg our leave from your wonderful party.¡± He gave a noble bow. ¡°Thank you for the invitation, Lord Harrington. It¡¯s been¡­enchanting.¡± ¡°Likewise, Mr. Talemaker. Come back anytime. But before you go, guess what? I received word from Mayor Carlisle that the gate to Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel has been opened again.¡± Justin blinked in surprise. ¡°Wondrous news!¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Harrington said. ¡°The mayor left soon after you and the Baron first started talking. Within minutes, I had news that the traders from the north side were complaining it was a safety issue to leave it closed.¡± ¡°Gods be praised!¡± Bohemond said, his eyes lighting up. ¡°So, still heading after that Vault in the Everwood now?¡± Justin smiled, seizing the opportunity. ¡°Yes, that was the plan. Would you care to join us?¡± Bohemond¡¯s chest swelled with pride. ¡°I¡¯d be honored! I¡¯m a Level 10 Knight with a Vanguard Focus. If you need a stout defender, I¡¯m your man!¡± ¡°We already have a tank,¡± Kargan said. Justin stepped in to smooth things over. The Orc didn¡¯t seem to understand the point of involving Bohemond. ¡°We could always use another party member, Bohemond. After all, the Everwood is no place to venture lightly. Having a Knight of your caliber would be a great asset to our group.¡± He smiled warmly, making sure Bohemond felt appreciated. Bohemond¡¯s pride softened into a grin. ¡°Then I¡¯ll gather my things and meet you at the gate. The sooner we leave, the better!¡± ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Justin said. ¡°We plan to leave within minutes. Try to hurry. If you¡¯re not there we¡¯re likely to go on without you.¡± ¡°By Arion!¡± Bohemond exclaimed, his eyes wide. He gave a quick bow to Harrington. ¡°I thank you for this wonderful party, Mr. Harrington.¡± Then, to Justin: ¡°I shall we waiting.¡± As Bohemond left, Harrington chuckled. ¡°I¡¯d join you myself were it not for this blasted party!¡± Justin chuckled, giving Harrington a sympathetic smile. ¡°Ah, the burdens of hosting! Someone must keep the festivities lively while the rest of us go gallivanting through dark tunnels. But don¡¯t worry, Lord Harrington¡ªthere will be plenty of tales to share when we return. Next time, you can join us.¡± Harrington laughed, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that, Talemaker. Safe travels!¡± Justin glanced at his friends, and they all exchanged a knowing look. At least Lila and Eldrin understood that Bohemond¡¯s presence would be their insurance¡ªan important noble that Valdrik couldn¡¯t simply murder without consequence. Even a Cant of Amnesia wouldn¡¯t be enough to fully cover the Baron¡¯s tracks if he got his hands dirty. But a single high-ranking Knight wasn¡¯t enough. For good measure, Justin faced the crowd, adopting the air of a merry drunk. ¡°Hear ye, hear ye!¡± To Justin¡¯s surprise, a good half of the nobles turned, and he had their full attention. He capitalized immediately. ¡°Our party here is going to raid a Vault in the Everwood! I propose a friendly wager. A hundred crowns to the first party that clears it! Who¡¯s in?¡± A ripple of laughter and excitement spread through the room as several nobles voiced their interest. Some were already discussing their plans to join the hunt, while others laughed at the prospect of such an adventure. Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed from across the room as he watched the growing enthusiasm. His control was further slipping. With so many nobles joining the expedition, it would be far more difficult for Valdrik to act without drawing unwanted attention. He¡¯d have to wait until later to pursue them, hopefully giving enough time to lose him in the depths of Drakendir. With the Mark of Death removed, their options had opened significantly. No longer did they have to head for Mont Elea. Of course, Eldrin still might want to report Valdrik¡¯s activities, but Justin wasn¡¯t too sure about that anymore. For all the Baron¡¯s deceit, Justin was certain a lot of what he¡¯d shared was true. Justin would have time to figure all that out later. ¡°We should hurry,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It would seem things have gotten a lot more¡­interesting.¡± They headed for the coatroom, retrieving their packs. They left by the front entrance, and when Justin looked over his shoulder, they were not being followed. From the sun high above them, they¡¯d already spent far too much time in the Harrington House. Eldrin set a fast pace across the front yard and through the Gate. Only when the street turned did they run.
When they reached the entrance of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel, it was indeed open, and much to Justin¡¯s surprise and relief, Bohemond Ashcroft was already waiting. The tall, broad-shouldered Knight cut an imposing figure in his gleaming plate armor, complete with a visor with the face open. He stood out drastically from the revelers in Windfall¡¯s streets. The man looked like a born and bred from his size and broad shoulders. A large, intricately engraved shield rested against his side, featuring what had to be the emblem of his house: a roaring sabretooth cat, its fangs bared, and claws poised. His armor was adorned with small, engraved symbols of his faith¡ªa sunburst representing Arion, the God of Power. ¡°Hope this turns out okay,¡± Lila said quietly. They were still too far to be heard. ¡°It''ll be fine," Justin said. "So, what¡¯s the Knight class do, anyway?" ¡°It¡¯s like a Warrior, but more specialized in defense,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It¡¯s a Power Class as well, and they favor one-handed weapons like maces, sword, and hand-axes, along with shields. The Warrior class is more balanced and can specialize in either offense or defense.¡± Indeed, Bohemond seemed to be the quintessential heavy armor and sword-and-shield type. At least at first glance, it seemed he would be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, the steadfast tank who could hold a line against overwhelming odds. At last, they came within a few paces of the Knight. He gave a rigid nod. ¡°Well met. I¡¯m pleased you¡¯ve made all haste.¡± ¡°You as well,¡± Justin said. He quickly introduced the others, not sure if Bohemond had caught their names at the party, as well as their class and abilities. When he got to Kargan, he simply said he was a healer, knowing that Blood Wardens often faced prejudice. Thankfully, Bohemond didn¡¯t question it. Bohemond nodded impatiently. ¡°Arion willing, we¡¯ll reach the Vault before any of our competition gets too far ahead. I¡¯ve already spotted a few other partygoers nosing around down here. A few of them were even on horseback.¡± Justin nodded, pleased that his words were having the intended effect. ¡°Well, where we¡¯re going, horses can¡¯t follow. I¡¯m confident we can reach the Vault first.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad for it,¡± Bohemond replied, his eyes gleaming with fervor. ¡°As the Faithful of Arion, and those gifted by the Creator with a class, it is our sacred duty to dispatch Vaults. Allow me to lead the prayer before we go into the Tunnel.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Without waiting for approval, Bohemond kneeled, resting his armored hands on the hilt of his sword as if it were a holy relic, closing his eyes. Justin exchanged worried glances with the others as the Knight¡¯s voice spoke, deep and resonant. ¡°O Arion, Lord of Power, guide our steps through the shadows of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel. Protect our journey through the Everwood and beyond. Illuminate our path, that we may walk with righteousness and smite the darkness that festers in forgotten places. Strengthen our arms so that we may strike with your righteous fury, and grant us the wisdom to discern the true evil that lurks in the depths. And let us not forget the battle of the soul, which every man and woman on Eyrth fights in the shadows of the heart. By your grace, may we emerge victorious, cleansed in the fire of your holy light. For we are your chosen, those who wield the gifts of the Creator, and because of this grace, we will not falter. In your name, we seek the glory that awaits.¡± The last word lingered in the air, and Bohemond remained on his knees for a moment longer, his eyes closed, as though awaiting a divine sign. For a man in a hurry, he certainly wasn¡¯t rushing through this ritual. Eldrin gave a subtle shrug, while Lila raised an eyebrow, clearly unsure what to make of the Knight¡¯s fervor. Kargan looked wide-eyed, caught between awe and confusion. It was the most surprise Justin had seen out of the young Orc, and by now, he had certainly seen some things. When Bohemond finally rose, Justin couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the prayer had triggered some hidden skill or divine blessing. But there was no sudden burst of light, no aura of power surrounding the Knight. Just silence. ¡°Thank you, Lord Ashcroft,¡± Justin said, trying to sound respectful. ¡°Shall we proceed?¡± Bohemond nodded, his blue eyes shining with fierce conviction. ¡°We shall. In Arion¡¯s name, justice prevails!¡± ¡°Hear, hear,¡± Justin added, casting a quick glance back toward the city, checking for any sign of pursuit. [Bohemond Ashcroft has joined the Party. You are refreshed by his Steadfast Resolve, reducing the efficacy of Enemies¡¯ Fear Effects.] The notification appeared in Justin¡¯s mind. The Steadfast Resolve buff wouldn¡¯t do any good with his Top Hat of Mental Clarity, but it would be a boon for the others. And just like that, Eldrin led them into the gaping maw of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel.
The tunnel stretched before them, a seemingly endless corridor carved from the mountain¡¯s heart, its walls and ceiling meticulously hewn from dark stone. The craftsmanship was impressive, with smooth, uniform surfaces that could accommodate four carts traveling side by side. The ceiling was tall enough not to feel oppressive, twelve to fifteen feet, at a guess. Every few feet, enchanted torches glowed softly along the walls, casting a steady, warm light that banished the deeper shadows but never quite reached the ceiling. The path forged ahead, with only the faintest of inclines or curves, almost imperceptible. Bohemond cleared his throat, his voice echoing slightly in the stillness. ¡°So, Lord Talemaker. What has brought you so far from the Wildwood to the esteemed City of Windfall?¡± Justin¡¯s story only needed to hold up long enough to keep Bohemond satisfied. The Knight was only a temporary ally¡ªat least, that was the plan. But by now, Justin understood plans had a way of unraveling when faced with unexpected complications. ¡°We are seasoned adventurers,¡± Justin finally said, keeping his tone casual. ¡°Eldrin, Lila, and I have cleared three Vaults in the last two weeks, while Kargan joined us for the last one. We came to Windfall looking for something more challenging, something with greater rewards. Lord Harrington¡¯s party was a detour, but we thought it would be a good place to make contacts.¡± ¡°Three Vaults in two weeks,¡± Bohemond mused. ¡°Impressive. Arion¡¯s favor must be upon you.¡± Justin continued. ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re heading to the Everwood. We¡¯re after better gear and treasures. Given our skills, we thought Windfall was the perfect place to prepare.¡± Bohemond nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Treasure and fortune, yes. Many adventurers are drawn here for the same reason, even more so because of the Tunnel reopening. But surely there is more to your quest than gold and glory? Seems strange you¡¯d advertise the Vault to so many, which reduces the chance of you claiming its rewards.¡± Justin smiled faintly. ¡°There¡¯s always more to any quest, Lord Ashcroft. But some things are better discovered along the way, don¡¯t you think?¡± The Knight looked at him strangely, but he didn¡¯t question it. Justin let out a silent breath of relief. They just needed to keep this going a little longer. Bohemond¡¯s only purpose was to be a shield between the Baron¡¯s careful nature and their lives. At some point, Justin had to admit the Baron might throw caution to the wind. The monotonous journey through the tunnel continued, the steady rhythm of their footsteps the only sound. Every quarter mile, they passed small alcoves where travelers could rest. Occasionally, they encountered traders and their carts heading toward Windfall or travelers making their way through the tunnel, usually in groups of four or more, most armed. Several groups on horseback passed them, one even calling out a challenge. ¡°You¡¯ll never make it in time on foot!¡± a rider jeered as they galloped by, laughter echoing in their wake. Eldrin shook his head as Bohemond¡¯s face reddened in indignation. ¡°It won¡¯t matter in the end,¡± Lila said brightly. ¡°They still don¡¯t know where the Vault is.¡± Justin allowed himself a small smile. The tunnel had far more traffic than he had expected. It would be impossible for the Baron to ambush them here. At the same time, if nobles from the party were already passing them, the Baron could have easily caught up by now. It was an uncomfortable thought. Justin absently touched the Amulet of Equilibrium, its steady power fortifying his body. He couldn¡¯t believe that it was finally his, that it was working as intended. And in the end, it hadn¡¯t been the High Priest of Arion who had removed it, but the Baron himself. Hours passed in near silence, the monotony of the tunnel making it hard to tell how long they¡¯d been walking or how far they had to go. Finally, Bohemond yawned, breaking the quiet. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be opposed to taking a rest.¡± ¡°No rest,¡± Eldrin replied curtly. Bohemond frowned. ¡°Well, we must rest at some point. It¡¯s another three days before we reach the end of the passage.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll rest at the Drakendir Gate,¡± Eldrin said firmly. Bohemond¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°The Drakendir Gate is dangerous. Creatures of darkness lurk in those depths. Goblins, trolls, and far worse. I¡¯d rather rest at a proper inn.¡± ¡°There are inns here?¡± Justin asked, surprised. ¡°Aye,¡± Bohemond replied. ¡°Five of them, spaced every twenty miles. The dwarves built them for travelers, though they¡¯ve since been repurposed by humans. They were reopened as soon as the tunnel was unsealed.¡± As if on cue, the first inn appeared in the distance, built into the surrounding stone. Its name, Stonehearth Haven, was engraved in the stone archway above the entrance. The structure was impressive, blending seamlessly with the tunnel walls, its sturdy stonework and reinforced doors giving it the appearance of a fortified gate rather than a simple rest stop. The sight of the inn was far from tempting, knowing who was behind them. Eldrin pressed on, his pace unwavering. They passed the inn without stopping, much to Bohemond¡¯s dismay. At last, after what felt like an eternity, they reached a deviation in the tunnel¡ªa side passage that branched off from the main path. A grand gate blocked the entrance, wrought iron bars intricately carved with symbols of ancient dwarven craftsmanship. The gate led down a set of stone stairs into darkness, the faint echo of dripping water hinting at the unseen depths below. A lone guard with the griffin of Highcliff on his surcoat sat on a wooden chair by the gate, half-asleep. He rose as the party approached, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. Eldrin stepped forward with confidence. ¡°We seek passage into Drakendir,¡± he said, producing fifteen silvers. ¡°It¡¯s five silvers a head,¡± the guard grumbled. Eldrin handed over the additional ten silvers, and the guard pocketed the coins without a word. Apparently, this guard had no qualms about his corruption. The vaunted honor of the Windfall Watch apparently didn''t exist in the depths of this tunnel. The guard stepped into a small alcove, where a lever was hidden behind reinforced metal plating. With a creak and a groan, the gate lifted about four feet, just high enough for someone to pass through kneeling. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite the business here,¡± Justin said. The guard remained silent, apparently ready for them to get a move on so he could go back to sleep. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Bohemond asked, his face pale. ¡°Why are we going down to Drakendir?¡± ¡°The Everwood was a diversion,¡± Eldrin said calmly. ¡°The true Vault is down there.¡± Now that they were leaving Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel and entering the isolation of Drakendir, Bohemond could no longer be counted on as protection from the Baron. His death, along with all of theirs, could easily be blamed on the dangers of the ancient dwarven city. Bohemond¡¯s expression darkened with anger. He turned to Justin, his voice trembling with fury. ¡°You lied to me. Where is your honor, Mr. Talemaker?¡± Justin met Bohemond¡¯s gaze, trying to keep his tone measured. ¡°I must admit, honor is not always my strong suit. I feared you¡¯d turn back if I told you the truth earlier. Besides, the ruse was necessary to keep the Vault¡¯s true location secret from others.¡± Bohemond¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°Ah, so you intended to waste my time. A brilliant play indeed!¡± While Bohemond¡¯s presence in Drakendir wouldn¡¯t save them from the Baron, Justin realized they couldn¡¯t afford for him to turn back. If he left, he¡¯d surely cross paths with the Baron and reveal they had gone down to Drakendir. Besides, a Level 10 Knight could be invaluable in the dangers that awaited them below. Justin felt a moment of guilt for involving Bohemond, even if it had been necessary for their survival. The Knight had gotten involved without knowing the full extent of the danger. Bohemond stood there for a long moment, wrestling with his thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his voice firm but laced with disappointment. ¡°The Church teaches that deception is a sin, but it also teaches forgiveness. I''ll go with you, but know this¡ªI do so not for you, but for Arion.¡± Justin nodded gratefully. ¡°Thank you, Bohemond. We¡¯ll need your strength in the trials ahead.¡± ¡°Get a move on,¡± the guard said. ¡°You have half a minute before I close the gate.¡± Bohemond inclined his head, though the tension in his posture remained. He was the first to duck beneath the gate and enter the passage, much to Justin¡¯s surprise. The rest followed, and as soon as Justin brought up the rear, the gate shut behind them, locking them in. It was lowered softly, so that the sound wouldn¡¯t echo through the tunnel. Justin followed, casting one last glance over his shoulder. The path ahead was fraught with danger, and their alliance with Bohemond was tenuous at best. But with luck, they¡¯d lose the Baron for good in the darkness of Drakendir. 59. Into Darkness Baron Dragomir Valdrik sat astride his majestic black destrier, Rodan, a powerful warhorse bred for both speed and endurance. Its sleek coat gleamed even in the dim light of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel, and it snorted restlessly beneath him. The Baron¡¯s grip tightened on the reins as they descended further into the tunnel¡¯s depths, frustration simmering beneath his carefully maintained facade. Behind him, Gareth and his retinue kept a cautious distance, sensing their master¡¯s foul mood. The undead members of the party, their faces concealed by dark hoods, moved with a chilling silence. Normally, Valdrik wouldn¡¯t risk being so close to these foul beings¡ªthough they served him well, their very presence was a constant reminder of the precarious balance he maintained. Even here, in the relative safety of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel, a Level 32 Lexicant could never be too careful. The odds of encountering a Paladin or Priest who could detect Death Magic were slim, but Valdrik¡¯s paranoia had served him well in the past, and he wasn¡¯t about to let his guard down now. He kept a steady pace¡ªnot too fast, not too slow. The last thing he wanted was to trip the damnable Ranger¡¯s intuition skill. If Eldrin sensed him coming, all his careful planning might be for nothing. As they walked, all he could think was, how had it come to this? He, Baron Dragomir Valdrik, a high-level Lexicant with decades of experience manipulating the powerful and subduing the weak, had been bested by a low-level Socialite. Valdrik didn¡¯t know Justin¡¯s exact level, but it couldn¡¯t be over ten. The upstart had no business challenging him, yet somehow, he had outmaneuvered Valdrik at his own game, knowing full well he wouldn¡¯t throw everything away with everyone watching. And worse, Justin had walked away alive and unscathed, mocking him with every step while damaging his reputation almost beyond repair. The rumors he¡¯d sown would escape Windfall, the Baron was sure of it. Oh, it had been hard to let him go. Incredibly difficult. But every time he was tempted to snuff out a life, Valdrik had only to think about his journey, his past mistakes, to know that patience was key. It had been a mistake to reveal himself so soon, but the risk had been calculated. What he hadn¡¯t counted on was Justin becoming so intermeshed with the agents of this world. In hindsight, he should have expected it. Valdrik had long since divorced his own feelings from these agents¡ªhe saw them as nothing more than pieces in a game. But he had made the novice mistake of assuming others would see them the same way. The young man¡¯s attachment to them had surprised him. While Justin had been lucky enough to experience kindness early on his journey, Valdrik had the opposite experience. That might have been the simple difference between the two of them, he realized, despite their similar Earth origins. It had been absent from his mental calculus. The memory of Justin¡¯s words still burned in his mind. The audacity of the young man to make demands of him, to call his bluff in front of a crowd of nobles. To even suggest he was some recluse, tapping into dark powers for personal gain. He¡¯d been perilously close to losing everything. Valdrik had thought himself untouchable, the master of every situation. Yet Justin had shown no fear. That was what rankled most¡ªthe fact that a young upstart with so little power had stood up to him with such quiet determination. And that blasted hat! How could he have guessed it would grant Justin immunity to his Cant of Compulsion? The gall to walk away from an offer of power, of protection¡ªit grated on Valdrik¡¯s pride. He had miscalculated. It happened, even to experienced Lexicants like him. He had underestimated Justin¡¯s resolve and overestimated his own intimidation. Earthers were unpredictable, challenging. They didn¡¯t play by the same rules as the rest of this world, and that made them dangerous. And Justin Talemaker, for all his charm and social graces, had proven himself more cunning than Valdrik had expected. Recruiting Bohemond had been a clever move, Valdrik admitted. The foolish noble was no real threat, but his father¡¯s influence could complicate things if he were killed openly. Keeping Bohemond alive, for now, was the best course of action. The Baron allowed himself a small, tight smile. He had not risen to power by being easily thwarted. Justin had won this round, yes, but the game was far from over. Patience, he reminded himself. This setback was merely temporary. There would be another opportunity, and when it came, Justin would not be so lucky. The Mark of Death could be replaced. That was another thing. How had Justin figured it out? Had he merely bluffed, and the Baron had shown his cards?This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. No, Valdrik decided. He¡¯d known the truth. But how? The answer would have to wait. For now, there were more immediate concerns. The tunnel stretched on as they came to a stop at an inn, Stonehearth Haven, built directly into the rock. Gareth quickly dismounted and went inside to check for any sign of their quarry. When he emerged, he shook his head, and they were on the move again. The next place Justin and his companions could have gone was Drakendir. Valdrik knew the risks of pursuing them down there; it was the main reason he¡¯d waited for Gareth and his undead retinue. The ancient dwarven city was beyond perilous, filled with forgotten horrors and creatures that had survived centuries in the dark. It was a desperate maneuver, but Valdrik wouldn¡¯t put it past the Ranger to take such a risk in order to lose him. As the passage to Drakendir materialized in the distance, breaking off from the main tunnel, Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed. The massive iron gate loomed, an imposing barrier to the ancient dwarven kingdom below. The craftsmanship was still intact, though the centuries had worn down some of its finer details. The Baron had never been here personally, but he¡¯d read enough about it to never want to delve into its depths. A Highcliff Watchman stood outside the gate, his eyes weary as the Baron approached. Seeing the Baron¡¯s countenance and the retinue at his back caused him to straighten up quickly. ¡°Did anyone go through the gate recently?¡± Valdrik asked, his voice cold and commanding. The man licked his lips nervously. ¡°Might be I remember that.¡± ¡°Might be? Did they or did they not? Speak, worm!¡± Valdrik¡¯s words shattered whatever price the guard had been about to ask. ¡°Yes, m¡¯lord. Five people¡ªfour men and a young woman¡ªpassed through not an hour ago. A Ranger, a soldier, a dandy, a Bard, and an Orc.¡± Valdrik watched the young guard intensely. ¡°And?¡± ¡°Yes, one other thing. The soldier¡ªBohemond, I believe¡ªwas indignant that he¡¯d been lied to about going down there, but he went down with them all the same.¡± Hmm. That might be useful. Valdrik turned to Gareth, who had approached his side. ¡°Can Wolfram track them?¡± From the shadows behind Gareth, a figure emerged¡ªa tall, gaunt man with pale skin, greasy hair, and glowing red eyes. Just as Justin had a Ranger, so did Valdrik. Once a feared hunter in life, Wolfram Gravesong was now a silent stalker of the night. A large black Blood Bat perched on his shoulder, its eyes gleaming with unnatural intelligence. Valdrik tried to ignore the subtle, sickly-sweet scent emanating from the man. Wolfram inclined his head slightly, his voice escaping in a rasp. ¡°They will not escape us. Even if the Ranger leaves not a trace, Nighthollow need not see a speck of light to find his way in darkness.¡± The bat gave a hideous screech, as if in confirmation. Valdrik nodded, his gaze turning toward the steps leading downward into darkness. ¡°Then let us proceed. I have no intention of letting them slip through my fingers.¡± He turned to the guard. ¡°Open the gate.¡± The guard moved quickly to comply, the grinding of gears and chains echoing as the ancient iron gate slowly creaked open. ¡°The horses, my lord?¡± Gareth asked, glancing back at the steeds. Valdrik considered for a moment. At first, he hadn¡¯t been sure if the Ranger intended to lead them to the Everwood or Drakendir. He¡¯d brought the horses just in case it was the former. The Baron answered. ¡°Have a man take them back to Windfall. Stable them there and wait for further orders. No need to waste perfectly good mounts.¡± Gareth gestured to one of the human soldiers, who quickly stepped forward, taking the reins of the horses. ¡°Make haste.¡± The soldier nodded and led the horses away, relief clear in his eyes. Unlike his comrades, he was getting off easy. He gathered the reins into a single, firm grip, expertly looping them through a thick lead rope. With practiced skill, he clicked his tongue, guiding the horses forward as they moved in a line, one after another, obedient shadows trailing behind him. Once this was done, Valdrik¡¯s eyes peered into the yawning darkness of the passage ahead. ¡°Head in first,¡± he ordered. ¡°There¡¯s one last thing I need to take care of.¡± Without question, Gareth and the rest of the retinue moved forward, disappearing into the gloom of the tunnel. Wolfram whispered something to his bat companion, and Nighthollow launched itself from the Ranger¡¯s shoulder, screeching and flapping into the darkness beneath. The Baron turned back to the guard, who stood frozen with fear in his wide eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Valdrik said smoothly, his voice laced with an unsettling calm as he raised his hand: ¡°Thalvesh Vorritha.¡± The Cant of Amnesia settled over the guard like a veil, his eyes glazing over as his memories of the past hour unraveled and dissolved into nothingness. The fear drained from his face, replaced by a blank, passive expression. He blinked, as if waking from a dream, completely unaware of what had transpired. Valdrik watched for a moment, satisfied, then turned and descended into the depths after his men. The darkness welcomed him, and a stiff smile played on his lips. He was certain of one thing: he was far more equipped to navigate Drakendir¡¯s dangers than his quarry. With the resources at his disposal, it was absolutely inevitable that they would catch up. In the deep places of Eyrth, things were utterly silent¡ªuntil they weren¡¯t. The Drakendir Cavern was the largest in Serenthel, and sounds would echo for miles. If one of them so much as kicked a rock, the Blood Bat would pick it up. And if they faced any sort of interruption, it would just speed up their demise all the more. In a way, Drakendir was the best place they could have gone, from the Baron¡¯s perspective. With no sun to slow his minions down, with no witnesses, he could at last be fully in control. But Justin and his companions had to be stopped here. Within days¡ªperhaps sooner¡ªthe Prismatic Core was as good as his. 60. Beneath the Mountains Heart Justin was beyond exhausted, but the dark tunnel leading down to Drakendir had yet to deviate, which meant there was no chance of losing the Baron yet. The mood dark and oppressive. The only light came from the two torches carried by Eldrin and Bohemond, their flickering flames revealing little more than the stone walls of the tunnel and the path ahead, which led deeper into the heart of the mountains. ¡°They say this wasn¡¯t the main entrance,¡± Bohemond said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°During the height of the kingdom, the dwarves had moving floors that carried people and goods directly from the city itself to Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel.¡± ¡°Moving floors?¡± Justin asked, curiosity piqued. He almost let the word ¡°elevators¡± slip, but he caught himself in time. That was a term from Earth, and Bohemond didn¡¯t know the full extent of Justin¡¯s origins. Neither did Kargan, for that matter. He had to be careful not to reveal too much. ¡°Of course, they were repurposed centuries ago,¡± Bohemond continued. ¡°Now they¡¯re just the way stations we passed back in the Tunnel. The magic that powered them died out long ago.¡± He paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Probably for the best. Nyrritic Magic has no place on Eyrth.¡± ¡°Nyrritic Magic?¡± Justin asked, trying to keep his tone casual. ¡°Also called Chaos Magic,¡± Eldrin answered. ¡°It¡¯s immensely powerful, but also incredibly dangerous. Like Death Magic, it¡¯s forbidden by the Church of Light. Has just as much chance to harm the caster as it does to help.¡± Justin resisted the urge to look at Kargan. He wondered if there was any connection between it and Blood Magic, because the Orc¡¯s spells fit the description to a tee. Bohemond turned to Justin, a look of surprise on his face. ¡°You¡¯ve never heard of Nyrritic Magic? It¡¯s the magic of the Dread Goddess, Nyriss. Every faithful adherent of the Church learns about its dangers. Surely, a man of your talents and experience should know, too.¡± Justin felt a cold sweat on the back of his neck as Bohemond¡¯s gaze bore into him. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of it,¡± he said, forcing a small smile. ¡°But it¡¯s not something I¡¯ve ever had to deal with directly. I prefer to avoid such dark powers when I can. Better to leave that knowledge to experts like you, Lord Ashcroft.¡± Bohemond studied him for a moment longer, then nodded, satisfied with the answer. ¡°Wise choice, Mr. Talemaker. It¡¯s best to avoid such corrupting influences. Only those truly blessed by Arion¡¯s Light should dare face the forces of Chaos. Vile creatures like Goblins dabble with Chaos Magic, and they can be found in dark places like this.¡± Justin exhaled quietly, grateful that Bohemond had let the matter drop. The last thing he needed was the knight digging too deeply into his past¡ªor worse, realizing that Justin was hiding something far more dangerous than a lack of knowledge about forbidden magic. The tunnel¡¯s monotony abruptly ended as they stepped into a massive underground cavern, and Justin¡¯s breath caught in his throat. Before them stretched an enormous subterranean expanse, illuminated by clusters of glowing blue crystals embedded in the ceiling and walls. It was no mere cavern, but a vast underground space that seemed to extend for miles, the distance lost in blue haze. It was like stepping into another world. And at the heart of the cavern, sprawling across the cavern floor, lay the ruins of an ancient city. Its towering structures, built from dark stone, loomed in silence. The city of Drakendir, once a bustling metropolis of dwarven civilization, now stood as a testament to a forgotten age. It was hard to tell at a glance just how large it was, but it was far bigger than even Windfall, and was clearly once home to hundreds of thousands of dwarves. The broken path they were on wound its way around the outer edge of the cavern, alternating between exposed ledges that offered a breathtaking¡ªif dizzying¡ªview of the city below, and narrow tunnels that plunged them back into darkness. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint echo of their footsteps on stone. ¡°Keep moving,¡± Eldrin urged, his voice low but firm. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to rest yet.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not going down there, are we?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Arion willing, no,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ll stay on the periphery and hope for a tunnel that leads to the surface.¡± Bohemond frowned. ¡°Where is this Vault, if not down there?¡± ¡°Not far,¡± Eldrin promised. ¡°My information is good.¡± Bohemond grit his teeth but said nothing. Eventually, the man would grow suspicious, if he wasn¡¯t already. Justin nodded, though his legs were screaming for rest. Every muscle in his body ached from the relentless pace, but he knew Eldrin was right. They couldn¡¯t afford to let their guard down until they were certain they had lost him. In this depopulated place, Justin was once again fair game. They pressed on, following the winding path along the cavern¡¯s edge. The air was cool and damp, carrying with it the faint, musty scent of decay and stagnant water. As they passed through ancient tunnels that led deeper into the Drakendir Cavern, the eerie quiet seemed to press in on them from all sides, amplifying every creak and shuffle of their gear.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Lucky those crystals are there,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°It¡¯d be pitch black otherwise.¡± Kargan leaned toward them, his voice coming out in a low rumble. ¡°Ether crystals. Not idly did the Dwarves choose this site to build their city. The crystals were not only their chief export, they carried Ether itself, the essence that powers all Eyrth¡¯s magic.¡± ¡°There are so many,¡± Justin said, passing by a patch of them on the trail. ¡°No one has harvested them in years,¡± Kargan said. ¡°One of those bigger could probably be sold for two crowns or more.¡± ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Highcliff take advantage?¡± Justin asked. ¡°That only speaks to the danger of this place,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Where a few harvesters might sneak by undetected, an entire mining operation has no such luxury.¡± Bohemond shot them a look of warning. Despite their whispers, sounds had a way of carrying in utter silence. They continued to follow Eldrin along the path. Occasionally, they passed through small periphery towns¡ªclusters of buildings built from the same hewn stone as the metropolis below. These outlying settlements showed signs of recent habitation. Abandoned cookfires, charred and cold, sat in the center of town squares. Gnawed bones, still fresh, were scattered around the edges of the fire pits, though thankfully, they were definitely not human. The stone houses, once home to dwarven families, now stood hollow and vacant, their doors hanging loosely on rusted hinges. As they moved deeper into the settlement, Justin¡¯s gaze was drawn to a building that stood apart from the rest. It was larger, more imposing, with weathered columns flanking its entrance. The building had the distinct air of a temple, though its purpose had long since faded into obscurity. Above the entrance, carved into the stone, was the graven image of a goddess, naked from the waist up. She was beautiful, but in a way that made Justin uneasy¡ªa figure with flowing hair and eyes that seemed to follow him as he passed. Yet, there was something undeniably sinister about her. Her features, though exquisite, held a sharpness that hinted at malice, and the faint, cruel curve of her lips suggested a nature far more dangerous than benevolent. Her hands clutched a scepter entwined with serpents, their heads poised to strike. Justin assumed the goddess was Nyriss, the Dread Goddess of Chaos that Bohemond said goblins revered. The image was a stark reminder Morvath wasn¡¯t the only deity to watch out for, and it sent a shiver down his spine. Eldrin kneeled near one of the fire pits, his eyes narrowing as he examined the grisly scene of bones. ¡°Trolls. They¡¯ve been here sometime recently. See how the bones are cracked open? They do that to get at the marrow.¡± Justin shuddered, glancing around as if expecting a monster to emerge from the shadows at any moment. ¡°How recently?¡± ¡°Hard to say. A few days, maybe a week. But trolls are territorial, so they¡¯re probably not far.¡± Eldrin stood, his expression tense. ¡°We need to move quickly.¡± The tension among the group was palpable as they continued, their eyes scanning every dark corner and shadowy alcove for signs of movement. The vastness of the space around made him feel small and vulnerable. He hoped maybe even the Baron wouldn¡¯t follow them into such a dangerous place. It would be against his careful nature. It was the only possible glimmer of hope Justin could find. After what felt like hours of navigating the twisting paths and deserted settlements, Eldrin finally led them into what appeared to be an abandoned home at the edge of one town. The structure was small and unremarkable, built from the same dark stone as the rest of the city, with a low ceiling and a single narrow entrance. Unlike most others, this one still had the door intact. After they entered and secured the home, Eldrin barred the door behind them, locking it with a heavy iron latch that groaned as he slid it into place. ¡°This will have to do,¡± Eldrin said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°We¡¯ve walked through most of the night already. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s better than staying out in the open.¡± Justin collapsed onto a stone slab near the back of the room, his body aching with fatigue. The others followed suit, finding whatever spots they could to rest. The interior of the home was sparse¡ªbare stone walls and floors, a few pieces of broken furniture, and a cold hearth that hadn¡¯t seen a fire in centuries. The air was damp and musty, carrying the scent of old, forgotten things. Bohemond and Eldrin each placed their torches on opposite sides of the home, providing a minimum of light. Once done, Bohemond took a seat near the door, his sword resting across his lap. His eyes scanned the room, sharp and alert despite the weariness etched into his features. ¡°We should take turns keeping watch,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll take the first shift. Arion will keep my eyes ever vigilant.¡± Eldrin nodded, settling down near the entrance as well. The strangest thing about the house was that it had no windows. That was a good thing, but it made everything feel claustrophobic. ¡°I¡¯ll keep watch with you, at least for an hour.¡± Justin went to Kargan, who had taken a seat near the hearth, his broad shoulders slumped in exhaustion. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ve lost him?¡± He asked it quietly, so Bohemond wouldn¡¯t overhear. Kargan shook his head. ¡°Hard to say. It doesn¡¯t sound like the Baron is one to give up easily. But we¡¯ve done all we can for now. We¡¯ll just have to hope it¡¯s enough. We can hardly walk another step.¡± Justin nodded, though the unease gnawing at his gut refused to go away. He laid down and closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Sleep wouldn¡¯t come easily, not in this place, not knowing that the Baron could be just around the corner, hunting them through the labyrinth of tunnels and forgotten towns. Lila took the slab next to him. Her presence was a slight comfort, at least. For a long moment, the only sound in the room was the soft crackle of Bohemond¡¯s armor as he shifted his weight, his eyes never leaving the door. Justin turned to Lila, his voice barely audible. ¡°Do you think there¡¯s a way out of here?¡± Her eyes found his in the dim light. ¡°I hope so. Drakendir¡¯s a maze, but it stands to reason there¡¯s more than one way out. The key is avoiding detection.¡± Justin nodded, though he knew it would be tough. The Baron was relentless, a predator that wouldn¡¯t stop until he had what he wanted. More than that, it was personal now. And here, in the depths of Drakendir, they were little more than prey, not just to the Baron, but anything that could end them. Sleep, when it finally came, was restless and filled with dark dreams of shadowy figures and endless tunnels. But in the back of his mind, Justin knew that when morning came¡ªif morning even existed in this place¡ªthey would have to keep moving, deeper into the heart of the darkness that lay ahead. At least he had another level up to look forward to upon waking. 61. Welcome to Level 8 Justin stretched as he stood from his bedroll, feeling the tension in his muscles ease as he shifted from the uncomfortable stone surface. The others were still asleep, except for Kargan, who sat near the door, keeping a silent vigil. The home was eerily quiet, save for the faint sound of dripping water echoing from somewhere deep within the old stone walls. As he moved away from his resting spot, the System¡¯s voice resonated in his mind. [You have reached Level 8. Sometimes, taking a significant risk can pay off. But always be mindful that the biggest gains come from simply showing up every day, doing what you¡¯re supposed to do.] The System¡¯s words lingered in Justin¡¯s thoughts. The massive experience from his tense encounter with Baron Valdrik had clearly pushed him forward, but the System seemed to be cautioning him against reckless behavior. [You have unlocked the next tier in your Cane Proficiency Boon: Improved. This increases the damage dealt and defensive capabilities with your cane, refining your technique.] Justin felt a twinge of excitement. His trusty Cane of Valoria, which had served him well in various situations, was now even more formidable. [As a Level 8 Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute.] Without hesitation, Justin allocated the point to Charisma. [Your Charisma is now: 19.] A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he reflected on his choice. He was just one more point away from getting up to 20, an important milestone. [You have also unlocked a new skill. Choose wisely! There is no going back.] Justin perused both options presented to him: Singular Persuasion: Once per day, double your Charisma during a single conversation with one target when trying to persuade or negotiate. If successful, the target remains favorably inclined toward you for 24 hours, treating you as if you have +5 Charisma. Charm Offensive: Once per day, boost your Charisma by +1 for each person successfully charmed. The boost caps at double your base Charisma. Each successful charm adds 1 minute to the effect duration (multiple people can be charmed at once). If a charm attempt fails, the chain is broken. Justin considered both options carefully. Neither was a combat bonus, so both offered an excellent opportunity to increase his social game. Already, he had a feeling he knew which one would be better, but he still forced himself to think them through. Singular Persuasion had a certain appeal. The ability to double his Charisma during a single, crucial conversation could be a game-changer, especially when dealing with key figures or negotiating delicate agreements. It was straightforward, powerful, and reliable¡ªa sure thing in a tight spot. Plus, if the persuasion attempt was successful, that same person would be positively inclined toward him for the next twenty-four hours. But Charm Offensive offered something more dynamic, more exhilarating. Unlike Singular Persuasion, the potential to stack his Charisma with each successful charm was tempting, and assuming he could max it out, that boost would remain with him for a decent amount of time, ten minutes or even more. It had the potential to snowball him into a formidable presence that could turn the tide in a social situation similar to Lord Harrington¡¯s party. The risk, of course, was the possibility of failure breaking the chain, but the rewards seemed worth it. And of course, as his base Charisma increased, the skill would scale powerfully, not only allowing his Charisma to be boosted further but also to allow the effect to last longer. It was easy to imagine a situation where he could pop off a Dandy¡¯s Swagger, go on a Charm Offensive, and then finish with a Dazzling Display if he truly wanted to get people¡¯s attention. He weighed the pros and cons, considering his recent experiences. Singular Persuasion would be invaluable in one-on-one encounters, perfect for a high-stakes negotiation or persuading a single influential figure. However, in a group setting, Charm Offensive could turn the entire room to his favor. The prospect of expanding his Charisma to such heights was hard to resist. Ultimately, it came down to versatility. Charm Offensive wasn¡¯t just about charm; it was about momentum. Justin made his decision. [You have chosen: Charm Offensive.] As the choice solidified in his mind, Justin felt a surge of energy course through him, as if the System was acknowledging his decision. The path ahead was uncertain, but with his newfound skill, he felt more prepared to face whatever challenges lay in wait. [Remember, Adventurer: hope can be found in even the darkest of places¡­] The System¡¯s voice faded, leaving Justin alone with his thoughts. He glanced at his cane, the polished Ebonwood gleaming faintly in the dim light. There was something different about it now¡ªa subtle shift in balance, a newfound sense of precision in his grip, a function of his Improved Cane Proficiency. He moved to the center of the room, twirling the cane experimentally.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. With each movement, he felt the new knowledge flow through him¡ªnot just from his own experience, but from the System itself. Now, every strike, block, and parry came with a sense of purpose and refinement. He executed a series of deft cane moves against an imaginary opponent, his body moving fluidly, almost as if on instinct. He swung the cane in a sharp arc, imagining an assailant¡¯s head as the target, then brought it down to intercept a low blow. His footwork was more confident, his movements precise and controlled. The cane whistled through the air with a satisfying swoosh, each strike feeling more powerful than before. He spun it in his hand, transitioning effortlessly from an offensive stance to a defensive one, and then back again. ¡°Not bad,¡± a familiar voice said from the shadows. Justin paused, glancing over his shoulder to see Eldrin leaning against the wall, a faint grin on his face. How long had the Ranger been watching him? From his expression, he was clearly impressed. ¡°Care for a spar?¡± Eldrin asked, his tone light but his gaze serious. He reached over to a nearby hearth and grabbed a fire poker, twirling it experimentally. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡± Justin hesitated for a moment but then nodded. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s give it a go.¡± Eldrin wasted no time, lunging forward with a swift strike aimed at Justin¡¯s midsection. Justin reacted instinctively, his cane sweeping up to block the attack. The impact resonated through the cane, but instead of being knocked off balance, Justin absorbed the blow with surprising ease. The newfound strength in his grip held firm, and with a flick of his wrist, he deflected the poker to the side. Eldrin¡¯s eyes gleamed with approval as he pressed the attack, coming at Justin with a series of rapid strikes. But Justin was ready. He sidestepped one swing, then ducked under another, his movements graceful and fluid. With a quick flick of his wrist, he pulled out his pocket kerchief and flicked it toward Eldrin¡¯s face, momentarily blinding him. Taking advantage of the distraction, Justin hooked the poker with the mouth of the stag¡¯s head, twisting sharply, disarming Eldrin with a smooth, practiced motion. The fire poker clattered to the floor, and Justin stepped back, holding his cane at the ready. Eldrin rubbed his chin, clearly impressed. ¡°Well, well. Looks like you¡¯ve been holding out on us. That was good. Really good.¡± Justin glanced around the home, noticing that everyone was now awake and watching him. Even Kargan seemed to have a flicker of approval in his eyes. Lila, who had been rousing from sleep, now sat up, blinking away the remnants of her rest. Justin couldn¡¯t help but grin, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins. ¡°Thanks. Feels like I¡¯ve got a bit more finesse with this thing now.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not just swinging a stick around anymore,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°You¡¯ve got the makings of a real fighter.¡± Even Bohemond had a slight smile. ¡°Turns out Socialites aren¡¯t all talk! It is proof that the gods have a place for all of us, each according to our abilities.¡± Justin twirled the cane once more before resting it against his shoulder. ¡°Talking¡¯s still my strong suit. But a gentleman is always prepared for when words fail.¡± Eldrin nodded in agreement. ¡°True enough. But remember, down here, it¡¯s not just about fancy footwork and clever tricks. It¡¯s about survival. We¡¯ve got a long road ahead of us.¡± Justin¡¯s smile faded slightly at the reminder of their precarious situation. ¡°Yeah, I know. We¡¯ve got to stay sharp.¡± As they prepared for the day ahead, Eldrin retrieved several pounds of boar meat, enough for everyone to have a satisfying breakfast. But before anyone could take a bite, Bohemond clasped his gloved hands in prayer. ¡°Allow me.¡± The Knight kneeled, bowing his head in solemn reverence before anyone could say otherwise. ¡°O Arion, Lord of Power and Justice, bless this food we are about to partake in. Guide our steps through the treacherous paths of Drakendir and may your divine favor light our way as we seek the Vault, clearing it for your glory.¡± Justin exchanged a knowing glance with Lila. This was going to get old, fast. Bohemond finally broke his prayer, tearing into his food with zeal. As they ate, the Knight¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°So, I¡¯ve been quite patient so far, but I must insist on details of this Vault. I am here at significant risk, and I could have left at the entrance of the Gate but chose not to. I have taken part in the deception; this area is forbidden unless adventurers have the City of Windfall¡¯s permission, and the consequences could be great if we¡¯re caught. In this way, I have lapsed in my own morals, and as Arion¡¯s Faithful, we will have to seek Absolution from a Cleric or Priest as soon as we return. I also can¡¯t help but feel that all of you are keeping something from me. I¡¯ve noticed the furtive whispers, along with Justin, who keeps looking over his shoulder like something is chasing us.¡± Justin glanced at Eldrin, who nodded. It was time for some honesty, even if it wasn¡¯t the full story. They needed Bohemond¡¯s strength and loyalty, and that meant giving him enough to keep him invested in their cause. ¡°We¡¯re being pursued,¡± Justin began carefully, choosing his words. ¡°By someone powerful. The Vault we¡¯re after¡­it¡¯s tied to him. We needed to throw him off our trail, which is why we couldn¡¯t be upfront about our destination. With luck, he¡¯s headed for the Everwood, just like the others. But I promise you, Bohemond, you¡¯ll be well-rewarded for your efforts.¡± Bohemond¡¯s face reddened with anger, his fist clenching around the handle of his sword. ¡°You lied to me. Not once, but twice. I am an utter fool¡­¡± Eldrin stepped forward, his voice steady. ¡°We deceived you, and for that, we apologize. But understand this: your involvement is not just for our sake. If we succeed, you¡¯ll not only walk away richer, but knowing that you¡¯ve played a part in something far greater. This was a necessary risk to prevent something worse, even if we can¡¯t explain everything now.¡± Bohemond¡¯s expression remained stern, but then something clicked in his mind. His eyes narrowed as he connected the dots. ¡°This powerful someone you¡¯re running from¡­it¡¯s the Baron, isn¡¯t it? All those rumors at the party¡­they¡¯re true, aren¡¯t they? He had something to do with this death of Alistair of Drakendale. Didn¡¯t he?¡± The silence that followed was answer enough. Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of guilt. He¡¯d used Bohemond as a shield, and now the Knight, just like them, was no longer safe. He had been a fool to think Bohemond could walk away unscathed from this. The Baron couldn¡¯t afford to leave loose ends. But Bohemond¡¯s reaction surprised him. Rather than anger, the Knight¡¯s expression softened into grim determination. ¡°It¡¯s clear to me now. Arion guided me to this party for a reason. The Creator turns the designs of the wicked into instruments of His will. It¡¯s hard to imagine a greater crime than killing an anointed Paladin. Only an Agent of Morvath would dare such a thing, and if those rumors are any sign, then Morvath¡¯s evil is involved in this.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°You¡¯ve guessed rightly, Bohemond.¡± ¡°Then it is our duty to deliver justice. The deception was wrong, but I see now that it led me here to serve a greater purpose.¡± Justin let out a quiet sigh of relief. ¡°You¡¯re right. That¡¯s exactly it. We need you, Bohemond.¡± Before anyone could say anything more, Eldrin¡¯s expression sharpened, his hand drifting to his weapon. The others froze, sensing the shift in the air. ¡°What is it?¡± Justin whispered. His question was answered as the stone floor rumbled, a deep, tremulous vibration that shook the surrounding walls. It was as if something truly heavy and lumbering was moving right outside their door. Eldrin¡¯s voice was barely audible, yet tense with warning. ¡°Troll. It would seem it has caught our scent.¡± 62. Just A Bit of Trolling Silence met Eldrin¡¯s words as everyone strained to listen to the street outside their door. From Eldrin¡¯s behavior, it was obvious the best move to sit still and not make a sound. The rumbling of the floor had ceased, and the silence stretched. Justin held his breath, hoping that the trolls had moved on. He exchanged glances with the others. Bohemond had his sword and shield ready, his jaw clenched in grim determination. Kargan clutched his Staff of Aegis, its smooth wooden finish glowing with Elven runes. Justin remembered the treasure he¡¯d earned from Eldareth, which would cast a Ward of Aegis as soon as it sensed danger. Eldrin had an arrow nocked on his Bow of Eagle¡¯s Sight, while Lila¡¯s fingers danced over the hilts of her silver Echoing Knives. Justin, for his part, gave his cane a practiced twirl. Then, without warning, the wall in front of them exploded. Kargan¡¯s ward activated, protecting them from the dust and debris, but not from a hulking mass of brown, gnarled flesh. A troll barreled into the room with a deafening roar, swinging its tree-like arms wildly. Its bark-like skin crackled against Kargan¡¯s ward, immediately obliterating it. Its ghastly, eyeless face turned toward them, nostrils flaring as it sniffed. Justin twirled his cane, and the whistling of the weapon was enough for the troll to lunge at him with another roar. Its long claws swiped as Justin dodged in time, rolling to the side and coming up with his cane ready. He swung his cane in a wide arc, aiming for the troll¡¯s knee. The stag¡¯s head carved through the air as he extended the blade, which connected with a deep gash. The troll staggered a bit, causing its knee to buckle. But it didn¡¯t fall. ¡°Bohemond, to the front!¡± Eldrin¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be tanking!¡± The knight charged forward, his face a mask of fear, but at least he had been shamed into action. He screamed as he raised his shield high, bashing it into the troll¡¯s chest. The strike forced the monster back a step, some sort of bashing skill. He followed up with his sword, slashing downward in a powerful arc, cutting deep into the creature¡¯s bark-like armor. The troll bellowed, but Bohemond held his ground. He raised his shield to absorb the force of a retaliatory strike. As he gave a battle cry, the Knight¡¯s fear seemed to dissipate, becoming a wall of steel and faith. Eldrin shot an arrow, the projectile flying true and striking the troll square in the chest. The impact barely seemed to faze it, but Eldrin didn¡¯t stop. He fired again, each arrow aimed with expert precision at the weak spots in the troll¡¯s bark-like exterior. The Ranger¡¯s steady focus was a stark contrast to the surrounding chaos. With each shot, the troll¡¯s movements became more sluggish, more pained. Lila¡¯s voice cut through the din of battle, clear and melodic. As in the arena of Eldareth, she was singing the Hymn of Elyndra, As Quick As Sunlight. Justin felt the effects immediately. His movements became sharper, faster, as if a guiding hand were leading him. The others felt it, too. Bohemond¡¯s strikes became more precise, Eldrin¡¯s arrows flew truer, and even Kargan moved with newfound agility. The Blood Warden landed a pivotal heal on Bohemond, who had taken quite the clobbering. Once things felt under control, that was when another troll lumbered from the side. It flanked the party, its massive bulk sending broken masonry flying. Kargan slammed his staff into the ground with a roar, creating a shimmering circle of blue light. The troll roared in frustration as it tried to enter, only for the ward to knock it back. But the barrier wouldn¡¯t hold forever¡ªalready, Justin could see it flickering at the edges. The second troll¡¯s relentless attacks were weakening it. Kargan¡¯s face was tight with concentration as he channeled more of his Life Force to refresh the ward. ¡°Stay inside the circle! I¡¯ll keep it up as long as I can!¡± The second troll snarled, slamming its fists against the weakening ward. Kargan¡¯s magic faltered for a moment, but he didn¡¯t let it fall. Instead, he raised his hand. With a pained expression, a blue shimmer enveloped him as he went to stand between the troll and the party. Justin¡¯s cane spun as he ducked beneath the first troll¡¯s wild swing, intended for Bohemond. The Knight was doing a respectable job of commanding its attention. Justin aimed for its ribs this time, driving the blade of his stag¡¯s head deep into the creature¡¯s side. The troll howled, crumbling to its knees, its bark-like armor cracking and splintering. It swiped at Justin, but he dodged to the side, his movements swift and precise thanks to Lila¡¯s song. ¡°Finish it!¡± Eldrin shouted as he shot another arrow, this one embedding itself in the troll¡¯s throat. The creature gurgled, its body convulsing. Bohemond struck the final blow, his sword cleaving the creature¡¯s neck, severing its head from its shoulders. The troll collapsed, its massive form disintegrating into a pile of earth. The second troll, now enraged, charged at them with renewed fury. It slammed into the ward, each blow causing the barrier to flicker. Kargan¡¯s face was pale. Despite the enchantment of his Blood Warden¡¯s seal, blood still covered his skin. ¡°I¡­can¡¯t cast another one!¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Lila¡¯s knives flew, each one finding its mark in the troll¡¯s tough hide. The creature roared in pain, its movements becoming more erratic. Two of the knives loosed themselves, stabbing the troll again. Eldrin fired another arrow, this one piercing the troll¡¯s chest, but it wasn¡¯t enough to bring it down. Justin knew they needed to act fast. He darted forward, using the ward¡¯s protection to get close to the troll. The monster was focusing on Bohemond, so Justin drove his cane into the back of the creature¡¯s knee, forcing it to stumble. Bohemond raised his sword high and brought it down in a powerful overhead strike. The blade cleaved through the troll¡¯s bark-like armor, cutting deep into its flesh. The troll let out one final, agonized roar before crumbling into a pile of dirt and dust, like the first. For a moment, there was silence. The only sound was their heavy breathing. The ward flickered once more before finally dissipating. Kargan sank to one knee, exhausted but relieved. ¡°We did it,¡± Justin breathed, his voice barely louder than a whisper. His heart still raced, the adrenaline of the fight surging through his veins. He looked around at the others¡ªBohemond, Eldrin, Lila, and Kargan. They were bloodied, bruised, and battered, but they were alive. Bohemond¡¯s eyes were fixed on Kargan, his expression darkening. The silence stretched on, until finally, Bohemond broke it. ¡°That magic¡­¡± His voice was tight with barely controlled fury. ¡°You¡¯re using Blood Magic, aren¡¯t you? Speak truly!¡± Kargan grimaced, his tusks protruding as he met Bohemond¡¯s glare. ¡°Without it, you¡¯d be dead, Knight.¡± ¡°Blood Magic!¡± Bohemond spat the words as though they burned his tongue. His voice, normally steady and commanding, was now laced with disgust and revulsion. ¡°That¡¯s the power of Nyriss, the Demon Goddess of Chaos! You¡¯re an abomination!¡± Lila stepped forward, placing herself between Bohemond and Kargan. Her voice was calm but resolute. ¡°Kargan saved your life, Bohemond. Without his magic, none of us would be alive right now.¡± Bohemond¡¯s face twisted in fury, his hands gripping his sword so hard his knuckles whitened. ¡°I don¡¯t consort with followers of Chaos! This is an affront to everything I believe in! I should have known better than to follow you down here. I¡¯ve compromised my faith, my honor!¡± ¡°Bohemond, listen to reason,¡± Eldrin said, his voice calm but with an edge of urgency. ¡°We¡¯re all in this together. The Baron is the real threat here, not Kargan. We need to stick together if we¡¯re going to survive.¡± But Bohemond wasn¡¯t listening. His face was a mask of righteous fury as he turned toward the street, in the direction they had come from. ¡°I won¡¯t stay here with an adherent of Nyriss, even if it means taking my chances with the Baron. I¡¯d rather face death than consort with Chaos.¡± Justin knew he had to act fast. If Bohemond left, they¡¯d lose their tank¡ªand he might not make it far before the Baron found him. If he didn¡¯t die first. And assuming he survived, Valdrik could find the Knight and manipulate him. Or worse, turn him into an undead thrall and used against them. Justin had to say something that would cut through the Knight¡¯s blind anger. Already, he was stalking toward the rubble of the collapsed wall. ¡°Bohemond, wait!¡± Justin called, his voice strong despite the pounding in his chest. He had to risk being loud, given the stakes. ¡°Think about what you¡¯re doing. You¡¯re not just walking away from us¡ªyou¡¯re walking right into the Baron¡¯s hands. He can use Death Magic. He has the power to turn you into a perversion of everything you believe in. Do you want that? If it¡¯s Morvath or Nyriss, which would you choose?¡± Bohemond hesitated, pausing in his steps. Justin pressed on. ¡°You¡¯re a Knight of Arion, a defender of justice,¡± Justin continued. ¡°But justice isn¡¯t about slaying monsters and demons. It¡¯s about protecting the innocent, standing with your comrades. Even when it¡¯s hard, even when you¡¯re conflicted. We need you, Bohemond. If we¡¯re going to make it out of here alive, we need to stay united. If you leave now, you¡¯ll be playing right into Valdrik¡¯s hands. Into Morvath¡¯s hands. And more than that¡ªyou¡¯ll be abandoning the mission Arion has set for you. Arion sent you here for a reason, and I don¡¯t believe that reason was for you to walk away.¡± The silence that followed was tense, each heartbeat echoing in Justin¡¯s ears. Bohemond¡¯s face remained contorted with anger. But when he turned his head, something in his eyes flickered¡ªuncertainty, hesitation. For a moment, Justin thought he might still walk away. Bohemond let out a breath, turning to face the group, though his eyes remained cold as they settled on Kargan. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll stay. But know this¡ªI¡¯ll be watching you, Orc. If the Ranger has any potions, I¡¯ll take them, but I won¡¯t have any more of your Chaos Magic touching me. I feel¡­ defiled beyond words.¡± Kargan¡¯s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, nodding in acknowledgment. The relief Justin felt was fleeting. Their group was still together, but the cracks in their unity had been exposed. And with the dangers of Drakendir still looming, those cracks could prove fatal. Eldrin gestured for them to move on, his eyes scanning their surroundings. ¡°We need to keep moving. The sounds of that battle could have drawn attention.¡± One by one, they filed out of the ruined home. Their steps were cautious and quiet as they made their way through the abandoned town. The buildings loomed around them, a ghost town of hewn stone and forgotten lives. Shadows clung to the crumbling walls. Every sound seemed magnified in the oppressive silence. Justin kept close to Eldrin, his eyes darting around. The battle had left him on edge, and every crunch of stone underfoot, every flicker of movement, sent a jolt of fear through him. They moved further from the heart of Drakendir, following the road surrounding its outskirts. They had been walking for five minutes when Justin thought he heard something. Something that sounded like the faint flutter of wings above them. He looked up sharply, his eyes scanning the darkness, but there was nothing. Just the endless shadows of the cavern. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± he whispered to Eldrin. The Ranger glanced at him, his expression unreadable. ¡°Hear what?¡± Justin hesitated. ¡°Sounded like wings, is all.¡± Eldrin¡¯s face paled under the light of the blue crystals hanging from the ceiling. ¡°I pray it was your imagination, lad, because I heard nothing. Either way, we need to keep moving.¡± The Ranger¡¯s attention was already back to their surroundings. Justin hurried after Eldrin, forcing himself to focus on the path ahead. If Eldrin had heard nothing, then maybe it had been Justin¡¯s imagination. But as they continued onward, Justin couldn¡¯t help the feeling that they were being watched. 63. Bad Luck and Bat Wings The blue crystals flickered dimly along the path as the group moved cautiously along the periphery of Drakendir. The ancient city lay beneath them like a sleeping giant, its darkened streets and towering ruins sprawling across the vast cavern floor. Even among the broken buildings, gargantuan jagged stalagmites and natural columns reached upward like fingers, while stalactites hung down, casting eerie shadows. Justin was surprised to see that within those natural formations, windows could be discerned, and sometimes even bridges connected the larger ones. Justin walked near the rear of the group, taking care not to tap his cane too loudly on the cavern floor. Eldrin led them, scanning every shadow and corner ahead. Lila walked beside him, her Echoing Knives strapped securely to her waist, her hands never far from her weapons. Kargan followed with his wooden staff, his expression set in grim determination, while Bohemond brought up the rear, his shield held close to his chest, his eyes peering into the surrounding darkness as if the God of Death himself was lurking there. Justin¡¯s mind kept drifting back to the Baron. Valdrik was out there, somewhere, hunting him. The memory of the Blood Bat at the Pine and Hearth haunted him. He wanted to believe the sound had only been his imagination, that Eldrin would have heard it if it had been real. Was it really possible Eldrin would miss something Justin hadn¡¯t? Justin¡¯s thoughts were interrupted when they approached a fork in the path. To the left, a set of ancient stone steps descended deeper into Drakendir, toward the heart of the ancient dwarven city. To the right, the path angled upward, offering what seemed like a way out¡ªperhaps a route to the surface, to safety. Eldrin paused, studying the paths. ¡°The upper path should take us out of Drakendir.¡± ¡°Then we take it,¡± Bohemond said firmly. ¡°The sooner we leave this cursed place, the better. Never mind the chance for treasure. Getting out alive, and forgiveness from Arion, I shall count treasure enough.¡± Justin nodded in agreement. The city below was a maze of dark streets and crumbling buildings. It was a place where danger certainly lurked in every shadow. The trolls they¡¯d encountered earlier were likely only a taste of the horrors the city held. They moved toward the upward tunnel, Eldrin and Lila ahead, with Justin, Kargan, and Bohemond bringing up the rear. But just as Eldrin and Lila entered the narrow passage, a sudden, violent tremor shook the ground beneath them. The walls shuddered, and a deafening crack echoed. Justin barely had time to react, jumping backward into Kargan, before the ceiling caved in front of him. His last vision, before the rubble completely blocked his view, was of Eldrin and Lila diving ahead, hopefully out of range of the falling debris. Then there was nothing, only the scattering of rocks down the trail. Dust filled the air, choking his lungs as he tried to steady himself with his cane. When the tremor subsided, and the dust settled a bit, he examined the tunnel to see that it had been completely sealed off by a massive pile of stones. ¡°Eldrin!¡± Justin shouted, his voice hoarse. He and Kargan worked at the debris, trying to dig through the rocks, but it was hopeless. The stones were too large, the collapse too extensive. It would take hours, if not days, to excavate. ¡°Arion is punishing us for our faithlessness,¡± Bohemond said gloomily. ¡°We have no choice but to turn back and fall upon the Baron¡¯s mercy.¡± Justin ignored him, looking at Kargan. ¡°Can you move the stones with your Ward of Aegis?¡± ¡°I doubt it,¡± Kargan said, ¡°but I can try.¡± With a grunt, Kargan cast the ward, but the stones didn¡¯t so much as budge. The young Orc shook his head. ¡°The spell only affects anything trying to attack us.¡± ¡°There has to be a way around,¡± Justin said, frustration creeping into his voice. ¡°Another path.¡± ¡°There was nothing on the way here,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Turning back is the only option.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Justin said. ¡°Why did it fall at this exact moment?¡± ¡°Arion¡¯s judgment,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°What else?¡± Kargan growled. ¡°Simple bad luck, that¡¯s all. Perhaps this is a test of your Arion to see if our faith is pure.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t preach at me, Orc. Whether it¡¯s Nyriss, or your accursed Duology, I want nothing to do with it.¡± ¡°Sure, let¡¯s argue about religion,¡± Justin said. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can work it all out in a couple of minutes!¡± Bohemond glowered, while Kargan said nothing. ¡°No one knows why this tunnel collapsed,¡± Justin went on. ¡°Bad luck, some ward or ancient spell, or something else we can¡¯t even imagine. No one is stating the obvious. There¡¯s another path we can take, and it¡¯s our only shot.¡± Bohemond looked as if he were about to argue when a new sound interrupted their debate, silencing them¡ªthe unmistakable soft flutter of wings. Justin froze, his eyes scanning the shadows above the collapsed passage. And there it was, perched on a ledge above the collapsed tunnel. The Blood Bat¡¯s red eyes gleamed in the dim light. The hideous creature seemed to mock him. ¡°There¡¯s our answer,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Begone, vile Servant of Darkness!¡± He hurled a rock at it, but the bat simply skirted to the side, landing anew. Unlike the bat at The Pine and Hearth, it wasn¡¯t fleeing, and Justin doubted it was because of bravery. The true reason filled Justin with an icy dread. The bat¡¯s master, whether that was the Baron or someone else with him, was close. ¡°Damn it,¡± Justin said, his voice tight with urgency. ¡°We need to move. Now.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Kargan said, whose expression said he understood, too. ¡°It¡¯s Drakendir or death.¡± Bohemond muttered something under his breath, his knuckles white as he gripped the hilt of his sword. ¡°This is madness. Arion save us!¡± ¡°Arion saves those who save themselves,¡± Justin said. ¡°We need to run.¡± Without waiting for an answer, he set off at a sprint down the trail toward Drakendir. ¡°Are you insane?¡± Bohemond shouted. ¡°Talemaker!¡± Kargan followed, and with a curse, Bohemond did too. As they ran, Justin could still hear the fluttering of bat wings. The creature was following them¡ªno, stalking them. It easily kept pace. As long as it lived, there was no way they¡¯d be getting any rest. It had been a grave mistake to keep both ranged members at the front of the party. The path grew darker as they descended, the blue light of the crystals fading as they made their way down the switchbacks toward the city below. The air became colder, heavier, and the silence more oppressive with each step. Justin¡¯s breaths came in shallow bursts, his heart pounding in his chest. He was thankful for the extra strength lent by the Amulet of Equilibrium. Suddenly, a sharp whirring sound echoed from above. Justin barely had time to register the danger before a spinning bladed disc hurtled toward them. Kargan¡¯s Ward of Aegis flared to life, an automatic activation from his Staff of Aegis, deflecting the deadly weapon with a pulse of blue energy. ¡°Keep moving!¡± Kargan shouted. They ran as fast as they could, but another bladed disc came spinning toward them. This one broke through the ward and struck Bohemond in the leg, bringing the knight crashing to the ground with a cry of pain. Such had been the force of the attack that a deep and nasty gash had cut clean through the steel mesh. Kargan didn¡¯t hesitate. Despite Bohemond¡¯s earlier words, he cast Vital Surge to heal the Knight. Bohemond gritted his teeth, pushing himself to his feet. He was hobbling, slowing them down. There were no more attacks, a stalagmite formation thankfully providing some cover as the switchbacks evened out, allowing them to gain some distance. Once clear of the obstruction, a few more of the bladed discs were thrown, each missing and clattering on the surrounding stones. A couple of fireballs exploded around them, but a hastily created Ward of Aegis absorbed the brunt of the damage.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Looking back at Kargan, Justin could see the strain was showing on his face. Blood covered his gray skin, though it was quickly absorbed thanks to the enchantment of his Blood Warden¡¯s Seal. Bohemond and the Orc were both flagging. Over his shoulder, Justin saw the Baron¡¯s group charging down the switchbacks. From their torches, it seemed there were about ten of them, maybe five minutes behind. The city itself was getting closer. Once there, Justin figured they could lose them in Drakendir¡¯s maze of ruined streets. But that was when the Blood Bat swooped down from the darkness above, claws extended, right toward Justin. Without even thinking, he swung his cane with lightning precision, sending the creature sailing toward a nearby boulder with a screech. [Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has shielded this attack!] Justin wasted no time. Before the bat could recover, he charged and thrust with his cane, extending the blade, impaling the horrid creature right through its fat, furry body. The Blood Bat hissed in pain before crumpling into a heap, dead. ¡°Come on, keep moving!¡± he said. As they continued running, he could only be grateful none of the Baron¡¯s men had directly targeted him, allowing his one and only Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff for the day to trigger when he needed it most. They hurried down the path, a mix of dirt and broken paving stone, toward the looming gates of Drakendir. As they ran through the massive entrance, the ancient streets opened up before them, wide and desolate, flanked by towering, angular buildings that had long since crumbled into ruin. Justin threw a look over his shoulder, only to see the Baron¡¯s party still pursuing them, gaining ground. A lightning bolt cracked through the air, striking the gatehouse. The top of the structure crumbled, urging Justin onward. They sprinted through the winding streets, the architecture eerily similar to that of Windfall on the surface. If anything, the city¡¯s scale was even grander, with just as much to see underground as above, judging by the large number of dark tunnels branching off from the surface streets. Justin didn¡¯t dare try his luck down there. Not unless it came to that. He kept the lead, sticking to the shadows as much as possible, along with the narrow alleyways rather than the wide avenues. Many times, their passage was completely blocked by a collapsed building. Sometimes, chewed up bones and cold ashes were evidence of previous passersby. The city was a labyrinth, filled with crumbling stones and broken statues, each turn leading them deeper within. Justin¡¯s lungs burned, his legs screamed in protest, but he pushed forward. ¡°A rest,¡± Bohemond managed. ¡°This armor¡­¡± Justin came to a stop at a corner, unable to go a step further. They panted for breath, never minding the noise they were making. They just had to hope the city was truly empty. But when Justin heard the harsh garble of some unknown language around the corner, he knew this was too much to ask. ¡°Goblins,¡± Bohemond said softly. Justin¡¯s heart fell. ¡°Sounds like a lot of them.¡± ¡°Get inside this doorway here,¡± Kargan said, pointing behind him. ¡°Let me block it with my ward.¡± Justin and Bohemond rushed to do just that as the first of the goblins rounded the corner. The small wiry creatures, bearing rounded shields with spikes and rusted spears and axes, fanned out around Kargan, not attacking, at least not at first. There were at least twenty of them, all led by a larger war leader, who wore battered iron armor that had likely once belonged to a dwarf. It was an entire war band, the strength of which was likely far too much for them to handle alone. The small, wiry creatures¡¯ eyes gleamed in the darkness. Justin readied his cane, while Kargan cast his ward. Still, the goblins didn¡¯t attack, instead chattering in their harsh dialect, staring at Kargan especially with wide, curious eyes. Justin didn¡¯t understand a word, except one kept coming up: Nyriss. The goblins were pointing at Kargan, their voices rising in reverence as they repeated the word. Justin exchanged a bewildered glance with Kargan, who looked equally confused. Bohemond¡¯s face darkened, but he said nothing. Before they could react, one leader stepped forward, his spear lowered. His skin was a mottled gray, and he wore a crude necklace of bones around his neck. He barked a command in a harsh, guttural language, and the goblins surrounding them fell silent. It tried to say something in its own language, pointing to Kargan. The goblin let out an exasperated breath and then gestured for them to follow. ¡°It wants us to follow them,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Madness,¡± Bohemond said. Justin hesitated. This could be a trap, a way to lure them deeper into danger. But what choice did they have? They were surrounded, outnumbered, and the Baron was closing in. If the goblins wanted to kill them, they would have attacked by now. Something else was going on. With luck, it could be a way out. ¡°We should follow,¡± Kargan said quietly. ¡°They might offer us protection.¡± Bohemond looked as if he wanted to argue, but he held his tongue, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. As Justin saw it, they had no choice. Reluctantly, the group followed the goblins as they led them deeper into the city. They wound through the ancient streets, past crumbling buildings and broken statues, until they reached an enormous structure at the center of the city. Something that looked like a dwarven palace loomed before them. Its once-grand pillars were now cracked and weathered, covered in glowing moss and blue ivy. The heavy stone doors, ornately carved with dwarven runes and reliefs of armored kings, stood wide open. But it wasn¡¯t just the palace¡¯s architecture that caught Justin¡¯s attention. A shimmering green veil cloaked the entrance. The magical energy pulsed faintly, casting an eerie glow over the ancient stone. ¡°A Vault,¡± Kargan said quietly. The goblins disappeared inside, leaving Justin and the others to decide on their next move. He watched them vanish beyond the veil, wondering if the goblins were mere manifestations of the Vault itself or if this community had somehow become the Vault, just as the Cult of Morvath had. Whatever the case, a choice lay before them. ¡°Leave the little demon-worshippers on their own,¡± Bohemond said with disdain. ¡°It would seem we¡¯ve lost the Baron.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t so sure. Valdrik was cunning, and there was always the chance he was still trailing them. But there was another reason to hesitate¡ªentering the Vault would be a clear signal of their whereabouts. They had no guarantee they could find a different way out, and Valdrik might simply wait for them to reappear. Then again, leaving the goblins behind could spark hostility. They had been brought here for a reason, and abandoning the tribe might provoke an attack. ¡°We can¡¯t just leave them,¡± Kargan said firmly. Bohemond snorted. ¡°Why am I not surprised?¡± ¡°Then leave,¡± Kargan shot back, his calm demeanor finally cracking. ¡°I know they¡¯re just goblins, but they could have killed us. They need us for something, and I mean to find out what it is. Besides, it¡¯s a way to buy some time. Valdrik can¡¯t follow us in there, but we have to move quickly.¡± Without waiting for a reply, Kargan strode toward the entrance of the palace, his shoulders squared with determination. Justin shrugged and followed, unable to ignore the pull of curiosity and obligation. ¡°Blast it all,¡± Bohemond grumbled. ¡°To think I¡¯m going to be helping little Chaos-worshipping gremlin-spawn¡­¡± Justin ignored the knight¡¯s mutterings. As he approached the entrance, a message appeared on the interface before him.
Vault Discovered: The Poisoned Legacy Recommended Party Level: 9 Average Party Level: 7.333 (repeating, of course) Risk Level: This Vault¡¯s challenges are well above your current party level. While your party can clear it with planning and finesse, you must tread with utmost caution.
Description: The Blackfang Goblin Clan is in peril. Rumors whisper that the recent poisoning of Princess Nyrissa, heir to the tribal throne, was no accident. Someone within the tribe seeks power, willing to risk the very future of their people for personal gain. Your party has been called to uncover the truth behind the treachery and to retrieve the rare ingredients needed to save the princess¡¯s life. But danger lurks in the shadows of the palace, where the ghosts of dwarven creations still haunt forgotten halls. As you delve deeper into the mysteries of the tribe¡¯s inner politics and the remnants of ancient alchemical knowledge, you must navigate both deceit and deadly threats. This Vault will only be cleared when a culprit has been named to the satisfaction of Queen Grizshara.
Rewards Upon Completion: ¡ªExperience: Scaled to party member level and individual contribution. ¡ªGuaranteed Bronze-Level Item: For each party member. ¡ªThe chance for a Rare Artifact. ¡ªKnowledge: Mastery of Goblinese: Eastern Seraphim Dialect Do you accept the Vault¡¯s challenge?
¡°Sweet,¡± Justin said. ¡°A new language! We didn¡¯t get to keep the language from the last Vault.¡± ¡°I¡¯m more interested in the Rare Artifact,¡± Kargan said. ¡°It might be a class core.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Well, who gets it?¡± ¡°Well, the Vault will decide that,¡± Kargan said. ¡°It¡¯s just a guess. It could be anything, really.¡± Bohemond scowled. ¡°Level nine. We¡¯re below that, but not by much. We might take it easily, though the Vault itself warns caution.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve faced worse odds,¡± Justin said. ¡°Besides, this isn¡¯t just about fighting. It sounds like we¡¯ve got a mystery to solve.¡± ¡°There will be physical danger, too,¡± Kargan added, his voice somber. ¡°But we would be fools to step inside without being sure we can work together as a team.¡± The weight of his words hung in the air. It was a good point. The tension between Kargan and Bohemond had been simmering for hours, and if they didn¡¯t find some way to cooperate, this Vault could easily become their tomb. Justin took a deep breath and stepped between the two of them. ¡°Look, we¡¯re in a tight spot. There¡¯s a deadly Vault ahead, and Valdrik is still out there somewhere. We can¡¯t afford to be divided. I know we don¡¯t agree on everything, but right now, we need to work together. Not just for the goblins, but for ourselves. We¡¯ve come too far to let everything fall apart now.¡± Kargan nodded, his expression softening. ¡°I¡¯ll do my part. For everyone¡¯s sake.¡± Bohemond hesitated, his jaw clenched as he glanced between Justin and Kargan. After a long, tense moment, he finally let out a deep breath. ¡°Fine. I¡¯m in. But don¡¯t expect me to make friends with the little fiends.¡± It wasn¡¯t a perfect resolution, but it was enough. ¡°Let¡¯s go, then,¡± Justin said, his voice firm with determination. He mentally accepted the Vault¡¯s challenge. [You have accepted the Challenge of The Poisoned Legacy. May courage be your guide and resolve your shield. Remember, the greatest deceptions are often found in the smallest details. Good luck, Brave Adventurers.] The message flickered in his mind for a moment, and Justin couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was a hidden meaning in those words. But now wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on it. Wasting no more time, they moved toward the shimmering green veil that marked the Vault¡¯s entrance. It pulsed with an eerie light, casting long shadows across the crumbling stones. Together, they stepped through the veil, the cold magic of the Vault enveloping them as they crossed the threshold. [Language Stack added: Goblinese¡ªEastern Seraphim Dialect] 64. A Goblins Gamble As they moved through the entrance, the goblin leader was already waiting for them on the other side. His mottled gray skin blended into the shadows, and his beady eyes watched them warily. Several more soldiers in battered iron armor, wielding curved scimitars, stood close behind. The leader¡¯s voice escaped high and harsh. ¡°I am Borgruk. Queen Grizshara awaits.¡± Despite the guttural words of Goblinese, Justin understood it perfectly. Kargan seemed to take it in stride, while Bohemond frowned, as if the very words were defiling his ears. Borgruk led them deeper into the palace. The interior was as decrepit as its exterior¡ªdark stone walls marred by centuries of neglect, with dim blue crystals casting uneven light. The goblins scurried forward, casting anxious glances back, mostly at Kargan. They whispered to one another in hushed tones. Justin caught snippets of their conversation¡ªwords like ¡°blood magic¡± and ¡°Chaos.¡± At last, they entered what must have once been the dwarven throne room. Grand stone columns flanked the chamber, though many were cracked. The large stone throne at the far end had been claimed by none other than Queen Grizshara herself. The goblin queen was imposing, tall for her kind, with deep green skin and sharp, angular features. She wore a long robe of black silk trimmed with gold, her crown spiked and set with rough-cut emeralds. Around her neck was an ornate necklace of polished obsidian stones. Several goblins milled about in the room¡ªadvisors draped in patchwork robes, guards armed with pikes, and a few lower-ranking figures scribbling notes on pieces of parchment. All of them kept a respectful distance from the queen. Apparently, these goblins¡ªlike the Snow Goblins¡ªwere far more intelligent than the ones that had attacked Justin in the Wildwood Forest. Either that, or Justin had unfairly maligned an entire race based on preconceived fictional stereotypes. He pushed the thought away; they had a job to do. Borgruk approached her first, bowing low, his voice reverent. ¡°Queen Grizshara. We found a Blood Mage, bearer of the Greatest Gift of Nyriss. Maybe he can cure the poison within Princess Nyrissa.¡± Bohemond¡¯s face set into a grim line, his lips pressed tightly together. Justin glanced at him with a subtle shake of his head, hoping to stop him from speaking. If the Knight could just keep his temper in check, they might get through this without incident. Grizshara¡¯s gaze flicked to Kargan, her expression cold and unreadable. ¡°Your name, orc?¡± ¡°Kargan. Kargan Durzag. This is Justin Talemaker and Bohemond Ashcroft, mighty warriors both.¡± ¡°It is not strength of arms I want. It¡¯s healing magic. Can yours save my daughter?¡± Kargan¡¯s hand tightened on his Staff of Aegis. ¡°I can try, Queen Grizshara. But I don¡¯t wish to harm her any further.¡± ¡°What is your level?¡± ¡°Level 4, Queen Grizshara.¡± The Queen¡¯s eyes narrowed in skepticism. ¡°Level 4? And you claim to wield the magic of Nyriss?¡± Kargan hesitated. ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m still mastering it. I¡¯ve healed wounds, but poisons are new to me.¡± Grizshara studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. ¡°New to you? You would risk my daughter¡¯s life? You would gamble with the heir to my throne?¡± Kargan swallowed but met her gaze evenly. ¡°I won¡¯t lie, Queen. My magic isn¡¯t perfect, but I¡¯m willing to try. I¡¯ll do all I can to save her, but I can make no promises.¡± Grizshara stood from her throne, towering over them, her eyes flashing with a mix of desperation and authority. ¡°Before you touch my daughter, I would test you. A simple task.¡± To Justin¡¯s complete surprise, she drew a knife, and without hesitation, cut herself deeply in the arm. Her surrounding advisors and supplicants gasped in shock. The wound gushed blood, enough that she¡¯d bleed out in minutes if untreated. Kargan snapped into action. Blue magic pulsed from his hands, surrounding the Queen in a soft glow. The Queen¡¯s flesh mended before their eyes, the torn skin sealing itself. Within moments, the injury had completely healed, leaving no trace of the wound or even blood. Grizshara watched Kargan closely, her eyes narrowing as she inspected her arm. ¡°You may have skill, orc. But healing a wound is one thing. Healing my daughter is quite another. If you fail¡­¡± She let the unspoken threat linger in the air. Kargan nodded solemnly, seeming to understand the weight of the task before him. ¡°Come with me,¡± Grizshara said, her voice hard. ¡°We¡¯ve run out of options.¡± Without waiting, she strode toward a side corridor, her steps echoing in the cavernous room. Several goblin guards shifted nervously, eyeing the group¡¯s weapons. Justin glanced at Bohemond, whose hand had already moved to his sword hilt. The Knight looked ready to strike, his patience clearly worn thin by their circumstances. ¡°Bohemond, relax,¡± Justin said in Aranthian. ¡°We¡¯re here to solve a mystery, not start a war.¡± Bohemond sniffed. ¡°Always be looking for an opportunity.¡± ¡°An opportunity for what? To get us killed? Not a brilliant plan.¡± Bohemond¡¯s jaw clenched, but he remained silent, though his eyes flashed with frustration. Queen Grizshara turned, casting a brief glance at the exchange. ¡°They keep their weapons. They have no reason to attack.¡± The tension eased slightly, and with that, the party followed Grizshara out of the throne room, deeper into the winding stone hallways that seemed to twist endlessly in the dark. Ether crystals lined the walls, their faint blue glow offering just enough light to navigate the corridors. At last, they reached what had to be the princess¡¯s bedchamber. The Queen opened the door, and the room within was dimly lit, a single torch casting flickering shadows on the walls. Princess Nyrissa lay on a stone bed, her small body frail and bundled in animal furs. She was barely clinging to life, her breathing shallow. Like her mother, she had the same green skin, though hers was a much paler shade, like a wilting leaf. Justin, unfamiliar with how goblins aged, guessed she was about ten or eleven in human terms.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. By the bed stood an elderly gobliness, hunched over and focused on her work. Her gnarled hands moved deftly as she applied a salve. Her golden eyes flicked briefly to the group as they entered. Though aware of their presence, she said nothing, too absorbed in trying to keep the princess alive. The Queen looked at Kargan expectantly. The orc went to the bedside and kneeled beside it. ¡°When did this happen?¡± ¡°Three days ago is when the symptoms started showing,¡± Queen Grizshara said. ¡°We suspect the poison was administered during the Feast of Fates, six days ago. It''s slow acting.¡± She nodded toward the caretaker. ¡°This is Zuldir, my shaman. It¡¯s only by her efforts that my Nyrissa is still¡­¡± Grizshara¡¯s voice trailed off, and Justin¡¯s gaze shifted to the queen¡¯s expression. Her love for her daughter was unmistakable. He realized these goblins weren¡¯t just mindless monsters¡ªthey were intelligent, emotional beings, capable of deep familial love. Zuldir scrutinized Kargan up and down. Her face was hard with skepticism, and her voice escaped reedy. ¡°And who are these, my Queen? They speak our tongue?¡± ¡°The orc, Kargan, is a Blood Mage. All three speak our tongue.¡± ¡°Quite convenient, I¡¯d say,¡± Zuldir said, her tone skeptical. ¡°It would seem as if Nyriss herself has taken an interest in our predicament.¡± ¡°Perhaps it means we¡¯ll have our answer soon enough,¡± Grizshara said. Justin wondered what Zuldir meant by that. Maybe they understood that their tribe had ¡°become¡± a Vault, which meant that this scenario wasn¡¯t isolated from the realities of the world. Justin wondered what mechanics were required for a Vault to be triggered. It was a question for another day. ¡°This poison is truly a terrible thing,¡± Zuldir said. ¡°Only advanced Blood Magic will do the trick, and mine is not strong enough. Are you up to it, boy? You¡¯re young, and I don¡¯t want you going in and making things worse.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been asked to try, and I mean to do that,¡± Kargan said. ¡°There¡¯s no antidote?¡± Justin asked. Zuldir¡¯s eyes snapped up to him, her gaze filled with irritation. ¡°Boy, don¡¯t you think we¡¯d have used it by now? How foolish do you think we are?¡± Justin kept his peace, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. ¡°Forgive us. We didn¡¯t mean to imply that. We¡¯re just here to help.¡± Zuldir sniffed. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± Thankfully, Bohemond remained silent, though Justin could see the effort it took from the Knight¡¯s reddening face. Kargan stood next to the princess¡¯s bed. He took a moment to concentrate. Magic stirred in the surrounding air, and a blue pulse of energy encompassed Princess Nyrissa. Kargan''s skin became coated in blood, too fast to be absorbed back into his body, despite the enchantment of his Blood Warden¡¯s Seal. It was a testament to just how hard he was trying. Bohemond turned away from the sight, disgust twisting his features. Kargan was clearly pushing himself too hard, his breathing labored, his strength waning. ¡°Kargan, stop!¡± Justin shouted. The orc was on the verge of collapse. Thankfully, Kargan stopped, though he fell to the floor, gasping for breath. After a few moments, he stirred and regained enough strength to stand. The blood had already absorbed into his skin, leaving him pale but coherent. Once he had gathered his senses, Kargan shook his head in frustration. ¡°My magic isn¡¯t strong enough. This poison¡­it¡¯s far beyond my abilities to heal.¡± Queen Grizshara¡¯s expression hardened, though the pain in her eyes was unmistakable. ¡°Then we must find Glamshara. She is the only one who can undo this.¡± ¡°My Queen,¡± Borgruk said, his voice hesitant but firm, ¡°Glamshara is surely the one who did this in the first place. Why else would she flee to the Underdeep, before the poisoning was discovered?¡± The Queen regarded him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But if she truly made the poison, she would know the antidote. It stands to reason, does it not?¡± ¡°Glamshara ran away?¡± Justin asked. Zuldir nodded, rising from the Princess¡¯s bedside. ¡°Glamshara is the Queen¡¯s sister, a strong Alchemist. She even has a class for it, unlike our own bumbling potions master, Zogmar.¡± The way she said ¡°potions master¡± told Justin that Zuldir very much doubted Zogmar¡¯s skills. ¡°If she¡¯s so good with alchemy, then why isn¡¯t she the potions master?¡± Justin asked. ¡°A good question. It¡¯s because she specializes in poisons. She creates them for our tribe¡¯s arrows. As Borgruk said, she fled shortly around the same time the poison would have been administered, into the Underdeep. Those are the vast halls that stretch beneath the palace and Drakendir itself. That¡¯s where we think she brewed the poison.¡± ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± Justin pressed. ¡°Seems entirely too obvious, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Zuldir said. ¡°But the poison is of a rare kind, one she might have thought Zogmar wouldn¡¯t guess. He scoured the texts for anything that fit the symptoms. He came upon something this morning. If you speak to him, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll tell you more. To my surprise, the poison¡¯s effects seem to match the Princess¡¯ symptoms. And the ingredients match those that were recently uncovered.¡± ¡°Recently uncovered?¡± Kargan asked. Zuldir nodded. ¡°Two weeks ago, an earthquake opened a new area in the Underdeep. Among these exposed chambers was a dwarven alchemical lab. Glamshara, along with Zogmar, Borgruk, Grashuk, plus Ralthog, went to investigate. She must have taken the ingredients while they were down there, while my husband didn¡¯t notice.¡± ¡°Your husband?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Grashuk. He¡¯s Warlord of the Tribe.¡± ¡°I see. I thought that was Borgruk.¡± ¡°Borgruk leads a single war band of the tribe, the Threshers. Grashuk is chief of them all.¡± Justin filed that away. So many names, so many suspects. It was hard to even know where to start. ¡°Maybe we can start with Zogmar?¡± Kargan said. ¡°I have questions about the poison itself.¡± ¡°The potions master will tell you all about it, Blood Warden. You can find him in the alchemical lab, near the throne room.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Kargan said. The Queen turned to Borgruk. ¡°Captain, guide the Blood Warden and his companions around the tribe. Answer questions they have, give them anything they need to sort this out. They have my full permission. Whatever food or rest they require, make sure you provide it. And of course, ensure their safety. I shouldn¡¯t have to say that, but the would-be killer might get desperate once they see an outside force has gotten involved.¡± Borgruk¡¯s eyes widened at the command. ¡°Of course, my Queen. They are safe with me. Anything else?¡± The Queen¡¯s voice trembled, though her resolve remained firm. ¡°I don¡¯t want to believe my sister would do this. But I cannot deny what is before me. If she crafted the poison, then she must answer for it. I know we have our history, with the succession¡­but treason? It¡¯s difficult to believe.¡± Zuldir nodded somberly. ¡°One can never truly know the heart of another. Not until they show you what lies beneath the mask they wear.¡± ¡°Perhaps, Zuldir,¡± Grizshara conceded, before turning back to Kargan, her eyes filled with hope. ¡°Please. Find an antidote. Ask Zogmar what¡¯s needed to make it. Maybe he¡¯s worked something out by now. That¡¯s your priority, my daughter¡¯s life. And of course, I want to know the truth. Wherever it leads.¡± Kargan rose to his feet, his face grim. ¡°We¡¯ll find Glamshara. And we¡¯ll find an antidote.¡± ¡°How much time do you think she has left?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°That¡¯s hard to say,¡± Zuldir replied. ¡°The girl is strong, and my shamanic training has slowed the poison¡¯s progress. But without an antidote, you have two, perhaps three days, before the damage becomes permanent. After that¡­even Nyriss herself wouldn¡¯t be able to save her.¡± Justin didn¡¯t think it was nearly enough time. Hopefully, the mystery wasn¡¯t as complicated as it seemed. Grizshara nodded, her sharp features softened by a mix of hope and desperation. ¡°Go then, with my blessing and that of Chaos. I¡¯m trusting you because you''re outsiders¡ªneutral in our affairs. It¡¯s become clear to me that our tribe is too entangled in suspicion and politics. Only a fresh perspective can uncover the truth.¡± Bohemond looked like he was about to object, but Justin quickly stepped on his foot. ¡°Of course, Your Majesty,¡± Justin said, bowing slightly. ¡°We¡¯ll get to the bottom of this.¡± Borgruk nodded toward the door. ¡°Come. I¡¯ll take you to Zogmar.¡± Borgruk led them back to the throne room, his steps brisk. As they walked, Justin¡¯s thoughts spun in all directions. Glamshara, the poison, the earthquake, the dwarven ruins¡ªit all seemed too tangled. But if they were to complete this Vault, then they had to figure it out. It was time to pay this Zogmar a visit. 65. Meet the Suspects As they walked toward Zogmar¡¯s workshop, Justin thought it a good opportunity to ask their guide some questions. ¡°Borgruk,¡± Justin asked, ¡°You said Glamshara left before the poison was discovered. This would have been during this Feast of Fates?¡± Borgruk didn¡¯t turn but answered swiftly. ¡°That¡¯s right. She left six days ago, before the feast was even finished. That was days before Princess Nyrissa even showed signs of being poisoned.¡± ¡°And no one has gone after her?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°Unbelievable.¡± ¡°You heard it up there,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°This poison works slowly. No one even knew it was poison until Zogmar tested her blood this morning. Besides that, no one¡¯s eager to go into the Underdeep. It¡¯s not just Glamshara. The constructs that guard those ruins¡­well, you¡¯d be lucky to come back in one piece. It¡¯s the perfect place to flee if you¡¯re trying to cover your tracks.¡± Kargan¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°She¡¯s strong enough to survive down there?¡± Borgruk snorted. ¡°She¡¯s cunning. Plus, with full access to the dwarven alchemical lab, she¡¯s like a grub in the root cellar. She has access to a lot of rare ingredients down there. A lot of things to defend herself with. Before we deal with something like that, we need to be prepared.¡± ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll react with hostility?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I would think she¡¯s more interested in trying to prove her innocence.¡± ¡°Hard to say,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°Only time will tell.¡± Bohemond, who had been quiet thus far, suddenly spoke up. ¡°She sounds guilty to me. Fleeing right after her niece was poisoned? What more proof do we need?¡± Borgruk glanced at him, nodding. ¡°Exactly. She¡¯s had her eye on the throne for a long time. If Nyrissa dies, Glamshara¡¯s next in line. Simple as that. She just didn¡¯t think she¡¯d get caught. We are lucky Zogmar detected the poison, even if he doesn¡¯t know how to cure it.¡± Bohemond grunted in agreement. If the Knight was to bond with the goblin over something, it seemed fitting that it would be a mutual suspicion. At last, they arrived at Zogmar¡¯s workshop. It was a cluttered space, stone shelves overflowing with vials, strange plants, and oddly shaped containers. Various alchemical instruments¡ªglass tubes, brass measuring devices, and burners¡ªwere scattered haphazardly across a wide stone table that dominated the center of the room. The air smelled of burned herbs and something faintly acidic. Zogmar himself was a hunched goblin with an eyepatch over his left eye. His remaining eye was bright and piercing, watching them as they entered. He took a break from his stirring of a mixture in a small flask. ¡°Zogmar,¡± Borgruk said, ¡°this is Kargan the Blood Warden. He and his companions are here by the Queen¡¯s order. They''re helping us bring Glamshara to justice.¡± Zogmar turned, his voice crackling with age but also enthusiasm. ¡°Ah, good! About time. Everyone¡¯s too scared to go into the Underdeep to apprehend her. But my guess is she¡¯s already dead. All those dwarven contraptions probably got to her first!¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel that Zogmar sounded gleeful at the thought of Glamshara¡¯s potential demise. ¡°What can you tell us about the poison?¡± Zogmar grunted, reaching for a worn leather book from a cluttered shelf. ¡°The symptoms point to Shadow¡¯s Kiss.¡± He flipped through pages filled with strange symbols and diagrams. ¡°A very rare poison. It kills slowly. It¡¯s a thing you use when you truly hate someone and want them to suffer.¡± Justin considered this. This pointed the murderer to being to someone quite close to the Queen, someone who hated her enough to want to watch her suffer. Given Glamshara¡¯s storied history with he Queen, it seemed she fit the bill in that way. Zogmar¡¯s fingers traced a drawing of a twisted violet plant. ¡°The first ingredient is Gloom Lotus. It¡¯s common enough in the caverns of Drakendir. A strong sedative, but not lethal on its own. A bit of at night will give you deep slumber, while a smaller dose will loosen your tongue and give you a burst of confidence.¡± Next, he turned the page, showing them an illustration of a dried desert flower. ¡°The second ingredient, Sandbloom, can only be found in the deserts of Farun in the south of Serenthel. Nearly impossible to acquire here. But the dwarves had some in stock at the excavation site.¡± Finally, Zogmar showed them a beautiful blue bloom, its petals in the shape of a five-pointed star, glowing faintly. ¡°And the last ingredient, Starflower. It¡¯s found only in the foothills of the Western Seraphims, in the north of Daeloria. Not hard to acquire, so it could have come from anyone''s stocks, really.¡± The name sparked something in Justin¡¯s memory. He remembered the song Lila had sung when they left Mistwatch, a song about Elara. The tune had mentioned starflowers. It was a fleeting connection, but it tugged at him. Justin studied the images, his mind racing. ¡°Glamshara could have gotten the Gloom Lotus from here, along with the Starflower. But from what you''re telling me, there¡¯s no way she could have gotten the Sandbloom except from the excavation site. Correct?" Zogmar¡¯s good eye gleamed with satisfaction. ¡°Exactly. She was particularly excited about the Sandbloom essence. It¡¯s a very potent poison, you see." ¡°And progress on an antidote?¡± Kargan asked. Zogmar¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Nothing yet. Most poisons have antidotes, of course. But a rare poison like Shadow¡¯s Kiss requires rare ingredients to counteract. It¡¯s tricky when there are two poisonous agents that fuse in a single draught. I¡¯m trying, of course, but my skill can only go so far. I¡¯m more known for mixing up medicines for the tribe. Zuldir, too, in a pinch. Glamshara is the one who¡¯s skilled with poisons.¡± Kargan crossed his arms. ¡°Anything else we should know?¡± Zogmar nodded gravely. ¡°If you¡¯re going after Glamshara, be careful. She¡¯s deadly with her blowgun, and one shot of her poisoned darts will send you to an early grave.¡± ¡°Thanks for the warning,¡± Bohemond said, breaking his silence. ¡°Rest assured, we¡¯ll bring the little gremlin to justice.¡± Borgruk stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his scimitar. ¡°We should get moving.¡± They left Zogmar¡¯s workshop, Borgruk leading them toward the back of the throne room where an iron gate loomed, sealing off a dark, wide corridor. Justin assumed this led to the Underdeep itself. Blocking their path stood a towering goblin, nearly as tall as a human, with dark green skin and broad shoulders that strained against the battered iron armor he wore. A jagged scar cut across his cheek, and yellowed tusks jutted from a mouth twisted into a smirk. He had an air of dominance. To Justin, it seemed this fellow was the goblin equivalent of the alpha male archetype, the Chad of goblins. He was practically brimming with raw testosterone and an overconfidence that made it clear he was used to getting his way.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The goblin smiled, showing his sharp teeth. Unlike most other goblins, his voice was quite low. ¡°Heading off so soon?¡± Borgruk gave him a quick bow. ¡°Warlord Grashuk. To what do we owe this honor?¡± ¡°Rise, Captain Borgruk,¡± Grashuk said, his voice deep and commanding. ¡°I came to wish you and the investigating party well with your hunt. Maybe a neutral party is just what we need to get to the bottom of this.¡± His gaze lingered on Kargan, then flicked to Justin and Bohemond. ¡°I trust Zogmar warned you about Glamshara¡¯s poisons?¡± ¡°He did,¡± Justin replied. ¡°But we¡¯re professionals.¡± Warlord Grashuk chuckled darkly. ¡°Of course. My warriors are brave, but many quail at the thought of facing her. And the constructs that roam the Underdeep? Well, they¡¯ll be just as eager to tear you apart.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the Warlord here?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°Aye,¡± Grashuk confirmed. ¡°I am the strongest warrior in the tribe, and I lead all the war parties.¡± He cast a steady gaze over the group. ¡°May the power of Chaos guide you in the deeps. Glamshara¡¯s guilt runs deep. Remember, if Nyrissa dies, Glamshara inherits the throne. Bring her back for judgment, and you will be handsomely rewarded.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Justin said, nodding. ¡°We should get moving.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Grashuk replied. ¡°If you need anything, ask.¡± Justin nodded again, though something about Grashuk¡¯s demeanor unsettled him. Like Zogmar, he seemed very eager to bring this to a quick resolution. Perhaps too eager. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Borgruk urged. ¡°It¡¯s already late.¡± Justin wondered how Borgruk could tell the time down here, but his body told him it was likely mid-afternoon. He was already tired from the day¡¯s ordeal, but there was still work to be done. They could at least figure things out with Glamshara before returning to get some sleep. As Borgruk opened the iron gate and they stepped into the shadowed hall beyond, Justin¡¯s mind churned with everything they had learned. So many names, so many motives. Everyone seemed happy to point the finger at Glamshara, and at first glance, she was definitely the prime suspect. But Zogmar with his knowledge of potions was also of interest. Maybe he was framing Glamshara. Then there was Grashuk, who had offered a reward for Glamshara¡¯s quick apprehension. That was a bit suspicious. Zildur, even, was not above suspicion. She was close to the Queen, and could have easily attempted to poison her. There was no motive that Justin could see, though. Not yet. Justin and the others had neglected to even ask how the poison was even administered. It had happened during the Feast of Fates, given the timing, but he was certain they would learn more.
The group followed Borgruk into the winding depths of the Underdeep beneath the palace. The labyrinth of ancient dwarven ruins stretched ahead of them, the narrow corridors twisting and turning in an endless maze of stone. Each footstep echoed, swallowed by the vast silence of the place. To Justin, this place was downright creepy. From time to time, he caught strange mechanical sounds drifting through the darkness, the distant whirring and clanking of long-dead machines still going, even centuries after the dwarves¡¯ demise. The space was lit with blue crystals, similar to the palace above. The air grew heavier with every step, laden with the musty scent of age and decay. It reminded him a lot of the Highcliff catacombs in that way, but the angles here were sharper, more grid-like, as if the dwarves hadn¡¯t been shy about carving their will into the mountain. ¡°What must this place have been like back in the day?¡± he muttered to himself, though loud enough for Kargan and Bohemond to hear. ¡°A kingdom,¡± Kargan said, his voice low. ¡°A proud one.¡± Bohemond scoffed, glancing at their guide. ¡°A kingdom of rats, now. Devious beings, these goblins are!¡± Thankfully, the Knight has said it in Aranthian, but from the way their guide leered at him, he knew it was an insult. Unlike Bohemond, at least he had the grace to bear it. He continued to lead them ahead, his eyes flicking nervously toward the shadows. For now, all was quiet. After a few moments, Justin risked a question he¡¯d been wondering for a while. ¡°What caused the fall of the dwarves, anyway?¡± Borgruk¡¯s shoulders stiffened at the question. His pace faltered slightly, but he didn¡¯t turn to face Justin. ¡°Best not to ask.¡± Justin pressed on. ¡°You must know something. This place didn¡¯t just fall into ruin on its own.¡± Borgruk stopped abruptly, turning to face Justin with narrowed eyes. ¡°You ask too many questions, human. Some things are better left forgotten. Some things, once named, have a knack for showing up.¡± The way Borgruk spoke sent a chill down Justin¡¯s spine. Justin opened his mouth to press further, but before he could speak, Borgruk turned away again, quickening his pace. The rest of the journey passed in a tense silence, the oppressive atmosphere growing heavier with each step. The deeper they went, the more ancient and crumbling the stone became. Occasionally, they passed through grand halls, their vaulted ceilings lost in shadow. He spared a thought for the Baron. He was likely parked right outside the Vault, or trying to surround it and secure every exit. From the way the Underdeep was laid out, it seemed there were a lot of potential escape paths. Assuming they survived the trials of the Vault. At last, after what felt like hours of walking, they reached their destination. The entrance to the excavation site was marked by a massive stone archway, half-collapsed from the weight of centuries. Borgruk led them over the rubble, his movements nimble. Justin and the rest followed behind, more clumsily. Once on the other side, Justin found a vast chamber, the walls lined with rows of ancient alchemical equipment. Dusty vials and broken retorts littered the ground, their glass surfaces cracked and worn. Strange machines hummed faintly in the background. Their purpose was lost to time, but they were still functioning on some long-forgotten power source. The air was thick with the smell of chemicals, sharp and acrid, even after all these years. Justin¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he gazed at the remnants of the lab. The machinery, the vials, the strange, faintly glowing liquids¡ªthey all gave him the sense that the dwarves had been playing with forces they couldn¡¯t control. ¡°What in the Nether were they doing down here?¡± Kargan muttered, his amber eyes scanning the room. Borgruk''s expression was grim. ¡°Who knows? When you mix potions with Chaos Magic, the results are¡­unpredictable. When we found this place, I remember Glamshara talking about how they were trying to unlock eternal life or something. How they¡¯d ended up killing themselves in the attempt. But maybe some things are not meant to be unlocked.¡± As if on cue, three ghostly sentinels materialized in the chamber before them. Their forms were barely visible, just faint outlines of dwarves wearing flowing robes and bearing ethereal weapons. There was something malevolent about them, something twisted. ¡°Ghosts?¡± Bohemond asked, his voice low and tense. Borgruk nodded. ¡°They were here before, too. Glamshara said their failed potions bound them to this place, even after their bodies died. They exist somewhere halfway between this world and the Nether. It would seem it¡¯s our job to encourage the transition.¡± Justin took a step forward, his cane tapping lightly against the stone floor. ¡°And we need to get through them, don¡¯t we?¡± Borgruk¡¯s eyes flicked to Justin, then to Kargan and Bohemond. ¡°If you want to find Glamshara, yes.¡± A heavy silence fell over the group as they processed Borgruk¡¯s words. The air in the chamber seemed to grow colder as the ghostly figures drifting closer. ¡°Get ready,¡± Justin said quietly, his hand tightening around his cane. Bohemond drew his sword, the blade glinting faintly in the dim light. Justin hoped the Knight¡¯s weapon and armor would be enchanted, which would allow him to attack the ethereal enemies. Kargan raised his Staff of Aegis, the blue glow of its magic swirling around him. ¡°Stay inside the ward.¡± Bohemond moved in front of the party, ready to be the first line of defense. The first spirit let out a wail and darted forward, ethereal war hammer swinging. It crashed into the ward, which shattered, but not without obliterating the ghost. Bohemond met the second ghost head-on, raising his shield just in time. It flashed red with enchantment. ¡°For Arion!¡± the Knight cried. As Bohemond engaged the first ghost, Justin slipped to the side, his cane striking out. The blow landed on the specter with a flash of yellow magic. It screeched, but still clung on. Borgruk was already in motion, a whirlwind of iron. His scimitar flashed, cutting through the third ghost with deadly precision, flashing red at the point of impact. The specter howled and flickered before dissipating into nothing. Apparently, his blade was enchanted, too. Justin focused on the remaining sentinel, his cane dancing fluidly in his hands. He struck again and again, weakening the ghost with each blow. Justin definitely felt the benefits of his Amulet; he was hitting harder than before, moving with steady grace. The ghost raised its axe, but Justin was quicker, slipping out of range before the weapon could connect. With precision, he extended the hidden blade from the cane¡¯s tip and pierced its core. The ghost flickered violently, its form unstable, before dissolving into vapor. ¡°Well, that was easy,¡± Justin said, allowing himself a moment of satisfaction. But from the shadows, a soothing, female voice interrupted. ¡°Oh, you think so?¡± Justin spun, cane raised. At the far end of the chamber, a figure emerged¡ªGlamshara. 66. Poison and Pie Glamshara stepped forward tentatively, blowgun in hand, her eyes cold and calculating. Her features bore a strong resemblance to Queen Grizshara¡¯s, but her hair was a vivid purple, and her glowing violet eyes only accentuated her striking appearance. ¡°If you¡¯ve come for my head, you¡¯re wasting your time,¡± she said, her voice sharp and steady. ¡°I didn¡¯t poison the princess.¡± ¡°Trickster witch!¡± Bohemond spat, lunging forward with his sword drawn. Justin reacted quickly, stepping into Bohemond¡¯s path, raising his cane defensively. ¡°Hold on, wait a second! Let¡¯s hear her out.¡± ¡°Smart one,¡± Glamshara said, her lips curling into a slightly mad smile. ¡°So, Borgruk, I guess this little mystery is beyond the abilities of the goblins, to where you have to bring in two humans and an orc?¡± Borgruk scowled. ¡°The orc is a Blood Warden. His magic was nearly powerful enough to counteract the poison. So now, they have offered to find an antidote. And justice, if it¡¯s to be had.¡± ¡°Ah, justice,¡± Glamshara said. ¡°You have a funny sense of it if you¡¯re coming after me. It¡¯s easy to blame the crazy poison mistress, isn¡¯t it? Especially when she¡¯s so jealous of her dear baby sister who stole the succession!¡± Kargan shot her a wary look. ¡°You¡¯re¡­not helping your case here.¡± Borgruk growled from behind them, his hand gripping his scimitar as. ¡°She¡¯s sly, this one. She¡¯ll twist your brain with her lies!¡± Glamshara¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Your brain? You¡¯re not so much brain as earwax, Borgruk. Besides, you were here during the excavation. Same as me.¡± ¡°You think I could make a poison like you?¡± He laughed harshly. ¡°You¡¯re dreaming!¡± ¡°No,¡± Glamshara said, her tone turning deadly serious. ¡°You didn¡¯t make the poison. Takes a bit of intellect, not to mention the ability to follow directions and read. Then again, you are most definitely someone¡¯s useful idiot. Of that, I assure you.¡± Borgruk growled again, his patience thinning. ¡°I¡¯ve heard enough. Let¡¯s bind her and bring her back.¡± He took a step forward, but Glamshara raised her blowgun in warning. ¡°You know my aim is true, Captain. I¡¯d think twice if I were you.¡± Borgruk hesitated, eyes narrowing. Kargan shook his head in frustration. ¡°None of this helps. If she¡¯s telling the truth, then that means the actual poisoner is still out there.¡± Glamshara gave a yellow smile. ¡°And what¡¯s your name, love?¡± ¡°Kargan,¡± he said. He nodded next to him. ¡°This is Justin and Bohemond. Like Borgruk said, we¡¯re here to investigate.¡± Bohemond stepped forward. ¡°You have one chance to explain yourself, Glamshara. If I even think you¡¯re lying¡ª¡± ¡°Yes, yes, I know what¡¯ll happen,¡± Glamshara interrupted, stepping closer. ¡°But I¡¯m not the enemy here. I didn¡¯t poison my niece. That work was far too sloppy.¡± Her smile stretched. ¡°If I wanted her dead, trust me¡­she would be.¡± ¡°She will be dead if no antidote is found,¡± Justin said. ¡°So, what you said doesn¡¯t really make sense. The princess has two, maybe three days left.¡± She looked at him, seeming to get the measure of him. Justin met her gaze. ¡°Why did you flee?¡± Borgruk demanded. ¡°That¡¯s something only the guilty do!¡± Glamshara clenched her jaw, anger flashing in her eyes. ¡°Is it, Borgruk? If that¡¯s what you think, then you suffer a shameful lack of imagination. The truth is far more complex.¡± ¡°Get to the point,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°This is a stalling tactic.¡± ¡°As you wish.¡± She seemed to gather her thoughts. ¡°As soon as I saw the poison working, I knew what it was. I¡¯m of the Alchemist class. I have a boon called Venomous Insight. It allows me to see what''s inside a poison at a glance. Not only that, but to see what kind of poison is at work in others. So, I knew exactly what it was as soon as it passed Nyrissa''s lips: Shadow¡¯s Kiss. Rather than give everything away and let the would-be murderer be tipped off, I left. I had to act quickly and work on an antidote and administer it before anyone was the wiser. Luckily, the right ingredient was down here. I remembered seeing it during the expedition.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I¡¯m getting to that. I thought I could whip something up in a few hours. Be the hero for once. And that would¡¯ve worked, except¡­¡± She trailed off, frustration creeping into her voice. ¡°The Heart of the Moonflower¡ªthe main ingredient for the antidote¡ªwas missing from the supplies, not to mention the Sandbloom extract, and a few other items we catalogued.¡± Justin¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°And all that was here when you first investigated the lab?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I saw these ingredients during the initial expedition. We all did. No one knew their significance, so I had to explain it to everyone. Heart of the Moonflower will cure any poison produced by a blooming plant. Even when two or more blooms are combined, like in Shadow¡¯s Kiss. It¡¯s what we call a Universal Antidote, at least in regard to poisonous flowers. But it was gone. Someone took it and I don¡¯t know who. In the meantime, I¡¯ve been trying to come up with something else to buy the princess more time. So far, my efforts have failed. There are a lot of ingredients down here. A lot of combinations to go through.¡± ¡°How was she poisoned, anyway?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°No one explained that part.¡± ¡°That¡¯s simple. You probably already know this, but the poisoning of Nyrissa was a mistake. The Queen is the more logical target, and they attempted it by poisoning her dessert. Everyone knows my sister loves Ember Yam Pie. She¡¯s absolutely crazy for the stuff. But the murderer hadn¡¯t counted on my niece stealing the Queen¡¯s pie piece during the Feast of Fates.¡± ¡°Seems like a strange coincidence,¡± Justin said. ¡°Nyrissa just happened to steal the Queen''s dessert, thus foiling the attacker¡¯s carefully laid plot.¡± ¡°It is a strange coincidence,¡± Glamshara agreed. ¡°But think about it. It¡¯s hard to imagine why someone would want to kill Nyrissa. But rather than fess up, the true poisoner pinned the blame on me. I knew they¡¯d do that as soon as I left, but all I cared about was saving Nyrissa.¡± ¡°That¡¯s noble of you," Justin said. "And why would this other person want the Queen dead?¡± ¡°That¡¯s anyone¡¯s guess. Power? Revenge?¡± Bohemond leered at her. ¡°As things stand, if Nyrissa dies, you¡¯re next in line after the Queen. And the Queen herself mentioned you have your differences.¡± ¡°Yes. But I¡¯d never kill her over them.¡± Justin needed to focus on the details. Glamshara could talk in circles all day. ¡°Tell me more about this sharing of food. Of the pie piece, did the princess eat every bite?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Glamshara said. ¡°Every bite.¡± ¡°I trust you were present at this dinner?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°Of course I was! I¡¯m family and it was the Feast of Fates. Comes but once a year. Even Pervy Uncle Jorkus was there, and nobody likes him.¡± ¡°I was there, too,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell anything was wrong at the time. No one could. It was only three days later that we noticed something was wrong with the Princess, and that Glamshara was missing. Only this morning was it was confirmed to be Shadow''s Kiss poison by Zogmar.¡± Justin watched Glamshara closely. ¡°Was the Queen the only one who was served this pie, or was it just a piece of a bigger pie? Did others eat it?¡± ¡°Why are you asking about the pie, Justin?¡± Kargan asked, his voice laced with frustration. ¡°She mentioned the pie was poisoned. Well, it would be strange if the Queen were the only one who was served a single piece of pie.¡± ¡°I can only assume it was baked into her piece in particular,¡± Glamshara said, thinking. ¡°The pie was precut, and the pie server already in place. The Queen is always served first. Doesn¡¯t take a genius to figure out how it happened.¡± ¡°The devil is in the details,¡± Justin said, not to be dissuaded. ¡°And who is responsible for checking the food before it goes out?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°The Head of Kitchens,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°A gobliness named Halkra. She¡¯s been questioned extensively already. She has served the Queen well for years, and her father before her. She claims to test each item of food before it gets sent out, and that¡¯s backed up by the cooks and servers. Her horror at being involved seems genuine. I know her as well. She¡¯s not one to lie.¡± ¡°She could have tested the wrong part of the pie,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Only one piece had it, after all. The Queen¡¯s piece, which was absconded by the daughter.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Glamshara said. ¡°Can we move on now?¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± Justin said. ¡°I have one last question. Why would Nyrissa steal the pie? I would assume as the Queen¡¯s daughter, she would be served next. So why would she suddenly jump to get the pie, unless she has a rabid affinity for it?¡± ¡°The child is notoriously impatient,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°That she would steal her mother¡¯s food, if stealing it can be so called, isn¡¯t unusual. It¡¯s been known to happen if it¡¯s a dish she really likes." Justin thought it over. It was clear this murder plot was far more intricate than he¡¯d first thought. Glamshara had mentioned the Princess stealing the pie was an unfortunate coincidence, while Borgruk had said it was somewhat common. It was hard to know which one was more accurate, and it might be smart to question others about this detail later. Why poison the Queen''s pie piece if there was even a small change it would go to the wrong target? ¡°Let¡¯s get back on track,¡± Kargan said, ¡°before all this pointless pie talk. Let¡¯s talk about the missing alchemical ingredients. How do we know you didn¡¯t take them for yourself? Set up this whole situation to make yourself look innocent? You¡¯ve had plenty of time to come up with a story.¡± Glamshara¡¯s eyes flared with anger, but she kept her voice controlled. ¡°If I wanted my sister dead, I would¡¯ve done it far more discreetly. Poison is too obvious. That¡¯s my specialty, and I¡¯m not a fool. Whoever came up with this plan wanted the blame to fall on me. It¡¯s easy to blame me. I have a motive; my sister and I don¡¯t get along. But my sister knows me better than that. She knows I wouldn¡¯t act this recklessly.¡± Justin held back the thought of revealing the Queen¡¯s doubts. It seemed she was slowly leaning toward blaming Glamshara. Could someone else be poisoning the Queen¡¯s mind? Zildur, perhaps? ¡°Who else is close to the Queen?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Anyone who disagrees with her on something important? Anyone who¡¯s been wronged in the past? Someone who wants her power?¡± ¡°All her advisors are likely suspects,¡± Glamshara said, her voice bitter. ¡°Grashuk, Zogmar, Zildur. As for the disagreement, I wouldn¡¯t know. I don¡¯t move in that circle anymore.¡± ¡°Aside from odd family dinners,¡± Justin said. ¡°I¡¯ll give you that.¡± Kargan watched her closely. ¡°If you didn¡¯t take the ingredients, who do you think did?¡± Glamshara¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°There were only a few of us present when the lab was first discovered¡ªme, Zogmar, Borgruk, Grashuk, and Ralthog. Any of them could have taken it. Or, more likely, someone came down later. Zogmar and I never left the supplies alone, and the others were guarding us. If it¡¯s the second option, it could be anyone in the tribe, really. That would have been the smart thing to do.¡± Borgruk grunted. ¡°As for me, I¡¯m loyal to the Queen.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that,¡± Glamshara said, though from her tone, it was hard to tell if she was being sincere. ¡°Now, as for the missing ingredients. The Heart of the Moonflower is rare¡ªextremely rare. It doesn¡¯t grow here. It¡¯s found miles underground, in very dangerous places. There was only one, and it¡¯s gone. The poisoner likely has it in their possession; perhaps you can start with searching their rooms. As for the Sandbloom essence, they are from Farun, in southern Serenthel. We just don¡¯t get access to that kind of stuff, so I was excited about it. As for the other stolen items, they were red herrings to throw us off the scent, to make the theft look more general. But the thief left marks unintentionally. The Sandbloom essence has been tampered with, and I can prove it.¡± ¡°You can?¡± Justin asked. ¡°And you can prove that you didn¡¯t do it yourself?¡± "I can," Glamshara confirmed. Bohemond crossed his arms, frustration etched on his face. ¡°So, let me get this straight. Your story is: someone, not you, stole the Moonflower to make sure there¡¯s no cure for the princess. And they knew to steal it because you blabbed about how it¡¯s a universal antidote. Because everyone knew of its importance, anyone could have taken it, assuming they were the poisoner. But the person who would most know its importance would be Zogmar, would it not?¡± ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Glamshara admitted. ¡°But I think it runs deeper than that. Whoever did this didn¡¯t just want the Queen dead¡ªthey wanted to ensure there was no way to save her at all. Nyrissa was just caught in the crossfire. The would-be murderer is someone close to the Queen for sure. Someone who could slip into the kitchen unnoticed and add poison to her sweet treat. That would not have been me.¡± Borgruk sneered. ¡°I¡¯m with the others. You took the ingredients to make yourself look innocent. You knew someone would come for you eventually, so you made up this story.¡± Glamshara shook her head, her voice tight with frustration. ¡°If I had the Heart of the Moonflower, I¡¯d already have the antidote prepared. Do you really think I¡¯d be wasting time down here otherwise? If I was trying to escape, I¡¯d be far away from the tribe by now.¡± Justin stepped forward, his mind racing with possibilities. ¡°If what you¡¯re saying is true, then Zogmar is a prime suspect. Besides you, he¡¯s the only one with advanced alchemical knowledge. Does he have any issues with the Queen?¡± ¡°No,¡± Glamshara replied, her lips thinning. ¡°I¡¯ll admit that Zogmar and I have had our differences, too. He¡¯s always hated me for my talents, especially since I found the class core he thought he deserved ten years back. I¡¯ve a Level 12 Alchemist now, no easy feat.¡± ¡°Damn,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯s impressive.¡± ¡°Thank you. But while Zogmar would be happy to throw me down a chasm, he¡¯s loyal to the tribe and the Queen, by my estimation. Grashuk¡ªhe¡¯s ambitious. He¡¯s married to Zildur, and they both live in the palace. If anything happens to the Queen and the Princess¡­¡± ¡°Grashuk would be the natural one to take over the tribe, as the Warlord,¡± Justin finished for her. ¡°Assuming he got you out of the way first. Maybe their plan was to kill the Queen and isolate Nyrissa so she¡¯d be easy to control. Except the plan went off script.¡± ¡°My niece is already under Zildur¡¯s tutelage, learning Chaos Magic,¡± Glamshara added. ¡°They are quite close, especially owing to the fact that Nyrissa has taken on the Shaman class.¡± ¡°She can¡¯t be twenty yet,¡± Justin said. ¡°No way.¡± ¡°Well, we Goblins can take our classes a bit younger, at age ten. Perhaps it¡¯s in exchange for our shorter life spans. Plus, as heir to the tribal throne, Nyrissa has access to resources most don¡¯t. Anyway, Zildur almost treats her as if she¡¯s her own. If her hand is in it, then I¡¯m sure she¡¯s grieved by how it backfired.¡± It painted a convincing picture, but Justin still wasn¡¯t sure who to trust. ¡°That¡¯s a tidy story. You mentioned you had proof about the extracts?¡± Glamshara nodded. ¡°Come with me.¡± The party followed her to a set of shelves, where she opened a small chest and revealed a row of vials filled with a bright magenta liquid. ¡°These are the Sandbloom extracts,¡± she said. ¡°When I returned to the lab, I noticed several had been tampered with.¡± Justin and the rest watched as she explained. She held one vial up to the faint light of a nearby ether crystal. ¡°This is one of three vials that was opened and resealed poorly. See the bubbles in the mixture? Air was introduced. Whoever did this wasn¡¯t skilled in alchemy. They left evidence behind.¡± ¡°Would Zogmar be that sloppy?¡± Kargan asked. Glamshara grunted. ¡°He¡¯s sloppy, but not like this. He knows the value and it would go against his nature to ruin that. As it would mine. That leaves the other three that were here¡­Ralthog, Grashuk, and¡­¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t me,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°No way!¡± Justin was quiet. Could their guide somehow be involved? It was an uncomfortable thought. They were relying on him for information. He¡¯d have to watch him closely while pretending not to. ¡°That leaves this Ralthog, then,¡± Kargan said. ¡°And Grashuk. Although, as mentioned before, they could have sent someone else down who wasn''t connected to the original excavation at all. That would''ve been the smart thing to do." Glamshara nodded. ¡°The shoddy job could explain why the poison is taking longer to act than expected. Nyrissa should¡¯ve been dead by now. Thank the Goddess she isn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Why not simply take the Sandbloom essence?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°Why take it out of the vials and try to make it look like it wasn¡¯t touched?¡± ¡°They didn¡¯t want both the Sandbloom and the Moonflower to be found missing at the same time¡ªit would¡¯ve been too obvious. That¡¯s why they stole a few other high value items, too. They took what they needed of the Sandbloom, then resealed the vials sloppily, adding a bit of water to disguise their actions. Sandboom is so vibrant that no one would have noticed it¡­except for the bubbles. They were wise enough to take it from three vials rather than from one or two, so the colors wouldn¡¯t be off too much." Bohemond, still unconvinced, growled. ¡°And how do we know you didn¡¯t tamper with these yourself?¡± Glamshara sighed in exasperation. ¡°Because I don¡¯t benefit from this! I¡¯ve been down here working nonstop to find a solution. Without the Moonflower, I¡¯m running out of time. Do you think I¡¯d use poison to kill my family? Me, a poison specialist! It¡¯s so crude, it¡¯s insulting!¡± ¡°Yes, but maybe you are counting on us thinking that,¡± Bohemond said. Glamshara looked as if she wanted to shoot him with her blowgun. Justin turned to Kargan. ¡°What do you think?¡± Kargan¡¯s expression was thoughtful but serious. ¡°We need more information. If Zogmar or this Ralthog are involved, we need to follow that lead. Maybe we can question Grashuk and Zildur more closely. Search their rooms. I doubt it¡¯ll turn up anything, now that we¡¯re hunting for clues, but it¡¯s worth a shot.¡± Borgruk shook his head. ¡°This reeks of manipulation. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve got to say about it.¡± Bohemond rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°You know, there¡¯s one thing no one is mentioning. Grashuk was eager for us to resolve this quickly. He wants this done fast.¡± ¡°That cave rat was never known for subtlety,¡± Glamshara quipped with a smirk. ¡°Did he offer you a reward?¡± ¡°He did,¡± Justin confirmed. ¡°Though he didn¡¯t give details. The case is settled in his mind.¡± Her eyes darkened as she spread her long hands, stained with silvery residue of ingredients, as if to say, ¡°there you go.¡± Justin knew they could name Glamshara and be done with the Vault, but it didn¡¯t sit right. The truth felt more complicated than that. They had to dig deeper, untangle the full web, uncover the story. ¡°We¡¯re not naming anyone yet,¡± Justin said. ¡°Like Kargan said, we need more information. If Grashuk, Ralthog, or Zogmar¡ªor even Zildur¡ªare involved, we need to find out.¡± Justin left Borgruk out of the equation, since he was present. Something told him Borgruk wasn''t involved. The Queen would not have appointed him unless she fully trusted him. Then again, he didn''t want to leave anything to chance. Glamshara¡¯s eyes narrowed, but she nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯ll need to question them, then. Start with the ones who were here. They¡¯ll have answers, I¡¯m sure of it.¡± Justin took a deep breath, weighing their next move. ¡°We¡¯ll go back to Zogmar again. Let¡¯s see how he reacts when we ask about the Sandbloom and Moonflower. Then see if we can find Ralthog. He''s the only one we haven''t met yet.¡± Borgruk hesitated. ¡°And while we¡¯re gone, she¡¯ll have time to escape.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find me here, working,¡± Glamshara replied calmly. ¡°Like I said, if I wanted to leave, I''d have been gone long ago.¡± ¡°We should go,¡± Kargan said, stepping forward. ¡°Keep me updated,¡± Glamshara said as they turned to leave. ¡°Who knows? I might have something for Nyrissa when you come back. It won¡¯t cure her, but it could buy some time.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Justin replied. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± As they left Glamshara in her lab, Justin lingered, glancing back around the corner to watch her. She stood among the ancient alchemical equipment. Her face was a mix of frustration as she worked. He could have stayed to watch longer, but time was pressing. It did indeed seem as if she was looking for a solution. But wasn¡¯t that what she would want them to think? Innocent or guilty, the truth needed some time to be worked out. 67. Secrets and Swill By the time they returned to the main hall of the palace, Justin was beyond exhausted. Whatever magic powered the Vault didn¡¯t seem to affect life¡¯s natural rhythms. Justin suspected more complicated Vaults might take days, or even weeks, to complete. His body told him it was late, probably close to midnight, as Borgruk turned to face them. ¡°There are some spare cots in the barracks,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°But with Grashuk being a suspect, that might not be the best idea.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll accept nothing less than the palace itself,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Your Queen said to give us whatever resources we require to conduct our investigations.¡± ¡°Of course. I can lead you there right away.¡± ¡°Before we turn in, I¡¯d like to meet this Ralthog,¡± Justin said. ¡°Where can he be found?¡± ¡°Ralthog? Tavern, most likely. Hangs out with his mates there till well past midnight.¡± ¡°How can you even tell the time down here, anyway? It¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to ask.¡± Borgruk gave him a flat look, as if Justin had asked a child¡¯s question. ¡°The crystals. They dim a bit with the hours and are brightest around high noon. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t know what¡¯s what.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Justin said. Now that Borgruk mentioned it, he noticed the blue crystals scattered throughout the hall were indeed dimmer than when they had first entered. ¡°You¡¯ll find the tavern on the opposite side of the hall,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°Goblins are a rowdy lot. A few broken chairs and tables are considered a quiet evening.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Is Zogmar still awake, you think?¡± ¡°Doubtful. The man closes shop by early evening. He¡¯s private. If you want to talk to him again, morning¡¯s best.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± Bohemond said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. ¡°If one of these beasts tries anything, they¡¯ll get a taste of my steel.¡± ¡°Relax, Sir Gallant," Justin said dryly. "We¡¯re just going to have a friendly chat." He led them across the vast hall, which was mostly quiet save for the occasional groan or snore from a few blacked-out goblins. Borgruk stepped carefully around them as if this was nothing new. Justin heard the tavern long before he saw it. The sounds of rowdy goblin laughter, the clatter of tankards, and the occasional crash of what he assumed were chairs being overturned echoed toward them. As they rounded a pillar, the open doorway of the tavern came into view, its warm glow spilling into the hallway. They stepped inside. It was a rough, dingy place. The walls were lined with jagged stone shelves holding up half-empty bottles, and the floor was strewn with sawdust to soak up spilled drinks¡ªand, Justin suspected, blood. The air was thick with the smell of ale and unwashed bodies. A few goblins were passed out at tables, while others were engaged in loud, drunken conversations. When Justin and his group entered, every pair of goblin eyes turned toward them, sizing them up like outsiders trespassing in forbidden territory. Borgruk pointed with his sharp chin. ¡°He¡¯s over there. See him?¡± Justin wasn''t sure who he meant, until Borgruk stepped up onto a nearby empty table and whistled sharply. ¡°Oi, Ralthog! Turning in early?¡± Ralthog gave an ugly scowl, his piggish features twisting in irritation. He was short, even for a goblin, with a crooked nose and small, beady eyes that gleamed with a certain slyness. His leather armor was worn and greasy, and his fingers were stained with dirt. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going nowhere, Borgie," Ralthog said in a low growl. "Did you get her?¡± Several of the patrons stopped their conversations to watch, waiting for Borgruk¡¯s answer. ¡°Still questioning witnesses,¡± Borgruk said, his tone nonchalant. ¡°Your number¡¯s up.¡± Ralthog smirked, leaning back in his chair, clearly trying to look casual. ¡°Yeah, all right. Happy to talk. Ain¡¯t got nothing to hide.¡± Borgruk picked an empty table in the corner, further from the commotion than the rest of the tavern. It was at least a little quieter here, though "quiet" was a relative term when it came to drunk goblins. The clatter of mugs, raucous laughter, and the occasional brawl still echoed across the room, but at least it wasn¡¯t directly in their faces. The noise should serve to cover their conversation. Ralthog finished whatever swill he¡¯d been drinking and collapsed into a chair across from them, grinning lazily. ¡°All right. Hit me.¡± Justin took the lead. ¡°Tell us what happened when you uncovered the alchemical lab for the first time.¡± Ralthog¡¯s eyes were glassy, and Justin wondered just how much of what he said could be trusted. Then again, as the old saying went: in wine, veritas. Or, in this case, goblin swill. ¡°Well, it was pretty boring, if you ask me. Creepy place. Borgruk and I were mostly playing guard duty while Glamshara and Zogmar acted like kids in a mushroom patch.¡± ¡°Did you steal the ingredients?¡± Bohemond asked, his eyes narrowing like thunderclouds. ¡°Speak truly, or else!¡± Ralthog laughed in his face. ¡°I am speaking truly, Knighty. For me, it was just a job. Underpaid, underappreciated, underfed. That¡¯s the life of a goblin warrior!¡± Ralthog leaned back in his chair, his beady eyes darting between them. Despite his cocky half-smile, there was a twitchiness to him. At least the goblin seemed willing enough to talk. Justin decided to ease into it, rather than outright accuse him of anything. ¡°So, I take it they were pretty excited about the find?¡± "It was like that at first. Of course, it didn''t take them long to start bickering. From the way they carried on, I thought they¡¯d call the dwarven automatons down on us.¡± ¡°Bickering about what?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°Nothing unusual. Those two hate each other. Given their expertise, though, sometimes they have to work together.¡± Justin pressed. ¡°Did you notice anything strange while they were working? See anyone handle certain ingredients?¡± Ralthog shrugged. ¡°Like I said, Borgruk and I were mostly keeping watch. But I remember Glamshara and Zogmar going through the vials and all that.¡± ¡°What about Grashuk?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°He was there too, right?¡± ¡°He was guarding the entrance, while Borgruk and I were watching out for ghosts. We had to kill a few of them. Nasty buggers.¡± ¡°That much is true,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°Like Ralthog, I didn¡¯t see anything useful.¡± Justin didn¡¯t feel like they were getting anywhere with Ralthog. Kargan chimed in. ¡°So, who was running the show? Glamshara or Zogmar? Who discovered this lab in the first place?¡±This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Grashuk did. I was a part of the patrol, but we didn¡¯t go in. Grashuk poked his head in enough to see what it was we were dealing with, then decided it was best to inform the Queen first. That''s how the expedition got formed. We warriors cleared it out while the potion folks did their work.¡± ¡°Did the Queen appoint Zogmar to be in charge, or Glamshara?¡± Justin asked. Ralthog wiped his nose with the back of his hand. ¡°Well, that¡¯s a funny thing. You¡¯d think Zogmar would be in charge, him being the potions master and all. But Glamshara? She was the one calling the shots. Zogmar followed her lead. She had a kind of¡­what¡¯s the word¡­authority. Zogmar seemed to be doing the grunt work and hating every minute of it. What do I know, though? Goblin politics are above my pay grade, you know?¡± Bohemond¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°And what about Grashuk? Or Zildur? Did either of them have any interest in the lab or what you were doing down there?¡± "Grashuk¡¯s my boss. Ain¡¯t no way I¡¯m talking about him, unless it¡¯s good. He¡¯s higher up the chain, but he was just doing his job, like me.¡± ¡°And Zildur?¡± ¡°Zildur is above reproach, in my opinion. She loves her dear Nyrissa and wouldn¡¯t do anything to harm a hair on her chin.¡± Kargan was about to speak, but Justin raised his hand. ¡°Harm the princess? Don¡¯t you mean ''Harm the Queen?''¡± Ralthog paused, his grin fading slightly. ¡°Right. The Queen. Either way, I wouldn¡¯t expect Zildur to be too interested in that sort of stuff. Not unless it helped with her Shamanism. She became more interested when she learned about the poison this morning. She¡¯s hardly left the girl¡¯s side since she came down sick.¡± Justin remembered what Glamshara had said about it being someone close to the Queen and her heir. Who fit the bill better than Zildur? ¡°Tell me about Zildur,¡± Justin said. ¡°Does she have beef with the Queen?¡± Ralthog looked like he wanted to squirm. ¡°Look, this isn¡¯t really right for me to say. And I think I¡¯ve said enough already.¡± Borgruk slammed his fist on the table, his lips curling in frustration. ¡°Out with it, Ralthog. If you know something, you better say it! Nyrissa¡¯s life is on the line.¡± Several goblins turned at this outburst, but one look from Borgruk sent them back to their drinks. Ralthog hesitated for a moment longer, but then sighed. ¡°All right, fine. It¡¯s probably nothing, but I heard Zildur and Grashuk talking. A few days ago, when Nyrissa had gotten quite ill.¡± He leaned in, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ¡°She was saying that Queen Grizshara was to blame for her daughter¡¯s death.¡± ¡°Zildur¡¯s daughter?¡± Justin asked, his ears perking up. ¡°That¡¯s right. She died around the same age Nyrissa is now. Ralthog should know a bit about it. Grizshara sent her off for Shamanic training at another tribe. Ryn was a bit of a troublemaker, so everyone thought it was punishment. Turns out the Shaman there pushed her too hard. The girl¡ªRyn¡ªdied." Justin digested the story. In the back of his head, he wondered why Borgruk wouldn''t mention it himself, since it seemed like a major event that was possibly related to the investigation. He decided to file the question away for now. ¡°What specifically did Zildur say?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Her exact words.¡± Bohemond slid a silver coin toward Ralthog, who snatched it up. ¡°There¡¯s another silver if you tell us. Then we¡¯ll let you go.¡± It was enough for the inebriated goblin. ¡°Zildur was upset¡ªreally upset. She said something like, ¡®She sent her away to die, and now the Hand of Fate is finding her.¡¯¡± Justin blinked. ¡°The Hand of Fate?¡± Borgruk interjected. ¡°Goblin expression. Nyriss gives, but she also takes, as it pleases her. The Goddess of Chaos can sometimes have a funny sense of balance, especially if it causes¡­well, Chaos.¡± Ralthog shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s all I heard before Grashuk hushed her. He said something like, ¡®You crazy witch, talking like that! Your very life is at stake.¡¯¡± ¡°And then?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I was out of there in a flash. I don''t think nobody heard me.¡± Justin exchanged a glance with Kargan, his mind turning over the new information. It was nearly damning information, but it wasn¡¯t the full picture. ¡°Well, thank you, Ralthog,¡± Justin said. ¡°We¡¯ll take it from here.¡± Ralthog snorted, leaning back in his chair once again. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear nothing. Just don¡¯t come crying to me when things go sideways.¡± Justin gave Ralthog a second silver coin, and together, the party left the tavern. Once out in the silence of the hall, Justin turned to Borgruk. ¡°We didn¡¯t know that about Ryn,¡± Justin said, keeping his voice low. Borgruk paused, his face hard to read in the dim light of the hall. ¡°One thing you need to know about me. I¡¯m a Queen¡¯s man through and through. All this was five years ago. At the time, I agreed with Queen Grizshara that sending Ryn away was right. I¡¯m loyal to her to the last drop of blood. No one knew that would happen to Ryn. It was a tragedy, but hardly the Queen''s fault.¡± ¡°But it''s easy to see how Zildur would blame her,¡± Kargan said, crossing his arms. ¡°Though I can see you respect Zildur, too, and don¡¯t want to add to her pain.¡± Borgruk shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not that. If I believed her guilty of the crime, I¡¯d come after her like a grawl in the darkness. Her relationship with Nyrissa is a bit¡­strange sometimes. But Nyrissa has the gift, and the Shaman Class. Zildur is the only teacher who can help her, so Grizshara turns a blind eye to it. Zildur claims to have forgiven the Queen, and from what I can tell, that seems true. Maybe all this poisoning business is dredging up the past.¡± ¡°Do you think she¡¯s using Nyrissa as a proxy of sorts for her lost daughter?¡± Justin asked. Borgruk¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Maybe. But these things are not openly discussed.¡± ¡°And yet they must be if we are to uncover the truth,¡± Bohemond added, giving a jaw-cracking yawn. ¡°Alas, this one isn¡¯t going to solve itself tonight.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°Tomorrow, we can speak with Zogmar again, and Zildur if you¡¯d like. The Queen will also want an update.¡± Justin nodded, though he couldn¡¯t help but feel dejected. Right now, they had some pieces of the puzzle, but they still lacked solid evidence. The tampered vials weren¡¯t enough on their own; Glamshara could have messed with them herself. He remembered the Vault¡¯s description when they first accepted the challenge: ¡°The greatest deceptions are often found in the smallest details.¡± Justin mouthed the words to himself. That had to be the key. What small details were they missing? "We need to sleep on it," Justin said. "No doubt Ralthog is telling Grashuk everything we talked about.¡± ¡°Probably,¡± Borgruk said, his tone resigned. ¡°But he¡¯ll leave out the part about Zildur, though.¡± They walked in silence as they headed toward the throne room. But just ahead, Justin noticed the shadowed frame of Grashuk himself. It didn¡¯t seem the warlord noted them in the darkness. Borgruk was about to hail him, but Justin held up a hand. Thankfully, Borgruk stayed silent. They paused in their tracks and saw Grashuk go off to the side, near the entrance to the throne room. They waited a couple of minutes before following. When they reached the entrance, Justin looked the direction Grashuk had gone, noticing a side door. Flickering candlight was visible beyond, but there was no sign of the goblin warlord. Above the threshold of the small door was a small, bare-chested statue of Nyriss, demonic wings outspread. ¡°What¡¯s this place?¡± Justin whispered. ¡°Shrine of Nyriss,¡± Borgruk said softly. ¡°A place of prayer...and sometimes, sacrifice.¡± Justin felt a strange pull, an impulse he couldn¡¯t quite explain. ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll be back.¡± Before anyone could argue, he stalked forward. Slowly, very slowly, he poked his head through the open threshold. The shrine was a small, humble space, illuminated by the soft glow of candles. At the altar, Grashuk knelt in deep prayer, unaware of Justin¡¯s presence, not ten paces away. His voice was low, but Justin could make out the words. ¡°Nyriss,¡± Grashuk muttered. ¡°Forgive me. Forgive us. She didn¡¯t mean to go this far. Heal the girl. That¡¯s all we ask. What I wouldn¡¯t give to go back! I told her it was a bad idea, but she just won¡¯t let go.¡± Justin¡¯s breath caught in his throat. He backed up carefully, grateful that Grashuk seemed too absorbed in his meditation to notice. He heard Grashuk murmur one final plea. ¡°Nyriss, guide us through the Chaos. Bring back what is broken.¡± That was all he dared to listen to. Justin slipped away from the shrine, nodding at the others. A few minutes later, Borgruk led them to a room where a few cots were set up. ¡°I¡¯ll post a couple of guards by the door,¡± he said. ¡°You have nothing to worry about tonight.¡± ¡°Thanks, Borgruk,¡± Justin said. ¡°See you in the morning.¡± Their guide gave him a questioning look, but in the end, left them there, shutting the door behind. The room they found themselves in was simple, of bare stone, with four cots. There seemed to be no way in or out but the door. It felt claustrophobic, but there was probably no safer place for them to be tonight. Justin didn¡¯t think the Vault would try to kill them in this man. If the goblin behind the plot wanted to try something tonight, they risked tipping their hand. Justin didn¡¯t trust the goblins¡¯ food, so they ate a simple meal from their packs instead. As they ate, Justin related the details of Grashuk¡¯s prayer to the others, recounting everything he had overheard. ¡°So, it¡¯s Zildur,¡± Bohemond said, his brow furrowed. ¡°She¡¯s the guilty one, not Glamshara. As her husband, Grashuk is covering for her, trying to pin the blame on Glamshara.¡± Kargan nodded. ¡°It makes sense. Zildur has the motive, and Grashuk¡¯s prayer suggests he regrets being part of the plan. As a Shaman, she has knowledge of potions, and easy access to the kitchens. We need to search her rooms while she''s away. Figure out how she delivered the poison.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t find fault with their words, but it all felt a bit tidy. It seemed strange that as soon as Ralthog told them about Ryn, not a few minutes later, they¡¯d stumble upon Grashuk praying about her. Justin was much too tired to puzzle it out right now. As they prepared to sleep, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something still didn¡¯t add up. They had pieced together most of the story, but something small, something crucial, was still missing. ¡°The greatest deceptions are often found in the smallest details,¡± he whispered to himself again. He wondered if he¡¯d level up upon waking up. So far, he had yet to sleep in a Vault. He supposed he¡¯d find out in the morning. 68. Reading Between the Lies [You have reached Level 9. For every crest you ascend, a newer, larger mountain awaits on the horizon.] The words stirred Justin from sleep, pulling him into wakefulness with a familiar rush of anticipation. [As a Level 9 Socialite, you have unlocked a new Boon Path. Choose wisely! There is no turning back.] Justin lay still for a moment, glancing around. Bohemond and Kargan were still fast asleep, their deep breathing the only sound in the quiet room. With the stillness surrounding him, Justin turned inward, ready to explore the boons that awaited him.
Insightful Gaze: You can better read facial expressions and micro-expressions of sapient races with uncanny precision, allowing you to better discern their true emotions and hidden motives. The effectiveness of this ability scales with your Charisma Attribute. Grace Under Pressure: Gain a 50% resistance to Mind Control, Intimidation, and Fear Effects. Disarming Words (Rare): When someone becomes hostile toward you, you know the exact words or approach to completely pacify them for a short time. This boon triggers automatically when violence is imminent, giving you a chance to salvage the situation or exit gracefully.
Justin weighed the options carefully. Each came with distinct advantages¡ªand limitations. Insightful Gaze seemed the most practical. The ability to read someone¡¯s emotions or spot deception with pinpoint accuracy would be incredibly useful. Deception often hid behind polite smiles, and this boon would allow him to cut through the fa?ade. But as powerful as it sounded, the description made it sound like no guarantee. It would enhance his own natural abilities rather than making him an outright mind-reader. And of course, it still required him to act on the information. Would he be quick enough to use the knowledge it gave him? Grace Under Pressure offered protection from mental manipulation, but with his Top Hat of Mental Clarity, he already enjoyed immunity to such effects. He suspected that if this boon upgraded at Level 18, it might even offer full immunity. It was redundant, given his current gear. It would be better to fill this boon slot with something more versatile. Then there was Disarming Words, a Rare Boon. At first glance, Justin didn¡¯t quite see why it was marked ¡°rare.¡± But as he considered it more deeply, its value became clear. This boon would give him the precise words he needed to pacify a foe when things went south. There was no guesswork involved, and it wasn¡¯t tied to a cooldown. It triggered automatically, and would allow him to take greater social risks, knowing this boon could be his saving grace. However, it was reactive, not proactive, meaning it would only help once things had already gone wrong. Ideally, he wouldn¡¯t let himself get into such situations¡ªbut having a safety net was always nice. Justin quickly dismissed Grace Under Pressure, leaving him with two choices: the ability to read others like a book, or a guaranteed way out ¡°when words failed, and fists flew.¡± Insightful Gaze would let him get ahead of situations, spotting hidden emotions before they spiraled into bigger problems. Disarming Words could salvage dangerous situations, but only after they¡¯d already escalated. After some thought, Justin decided not to let the ¡°Rare¡± label sway his judgment. His high Charisma Attribute would scale well with Insightful Gaze, making it the ideal match for his current build. It was the smart choice. He locked in his selection. [You have chosen: Insightful Gaze.] A surge of knowledge flowed into Justin¡¯s mind. This was definitely going to be useful. [As a Level 9 Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute.] Without hesitation, Justin placed it into Charisma. [Your Charisma is now: 20. With every word you speak, hearts sway, and doors open¡­] The others soon woke. As they ate breakfast, Justin wondered if Kargan had leveled up to 5, since he¡¯d used his magic quite a bit since coming into Drakendir. "Did you level up, Kargan?" Justin asked. ¡°I did,¡± he said. Justin was almost going to ask what it was, but Justin detected a hint of discomfort in his features, so faint is to almost be imperceptible. His new boon at work, perhaps? Whatever the case, it was obvious Kargan didn¡¯t want to talk about it. Probably some Blood Magic skill he didn¡¯t want Bohemond learning about. He''d have to ask about it later. Justin changed the subject. ¡°Well, my new boon will come in handy. Especially for this investigation.¡± ¡°How so?¡± Bohemond asked, tearing into his boar meat. ¡°It lets me read facial expressions better. It¡¯ll help spot lies.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Bohemond grunted. ¡°The sooner we¡¯re done with these goblins, the better.¡± Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Justin answered, finding Borgruk waiting. ¡°All ready? I¡¯ve arranged an interview with Zildur. She¡¯s waiting for you in her chambers.¡± ¡°Sounds good,¡± Justin replied. They followed Borgruk past the empty throne room. The Queen wasn¡¯t present. The goblin led them down the same hallway where Nyrissa¡¯s room was. A few doors down was Zildur¡¯s chamber¡ªquite close to the Princess¡¯s. Certainly, the Shaman was well-placed if she was the culprit. Borgruk knocked softly before opening the door. Inside, Zildur sat by a hearth, wrapped in a shawl, her sharp features and gray hair framing intense amber eyes. Despite her outer expression of defiance, Justin could sense unease beneath the surface. Zildur lifted a kettle from the fire and poured herself a cup of light green liquid. ¡°Grimroot Tea? Can¡¯t start my mornings without it.¡± ¡°We¡¯d better not, given the circumstances,¡± Justin said. This elicited a dry chuckle from her. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure you have your questions, so out with it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re married to Grashuk, then?¡± Justin asked, watching for any subtle reaction. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly before settling back into place. The movement felt drawn out, as if he was perceiving every nuance in slow motion. Interesting, Justin thought. That¡¯s new. One thing was for sure, there was animosity there. ¡°Yes, Grashuk is my mate. Going on twenty years now,¡± she replied, her voice steady. ¡°He seems to really love you,¡± Justin added, testing the waters. This time, her reaction of distaste was a bit more obvious. ¡°And how would you know that?¡± Justin shrugged. ¡°Caught him in prayer at the Shrine of Nyriss last night.¡± Zildur pretended not to care, but Justin could feel the weight of her attention lingering on his words. She was interested in her husband¡¯s exploits. ¡°Oh? He¡¯s not much of a praying goblin, so that¡¯s¡­rather strange.¡± Justin mentally filed that away for later. ¡°He said something interesting.¡± ¡°And what¡¯s that? Out with it, young human. I¡¯m too old for riddles.¡± Justin recalled Grashuk¡¯s words with perfect clarity. ¡°She didn¡¯t mean to go this far. Heal the girl. That¡¯s all we ask. What I wouldn¡¯t give to go back! I told her it was a bad idea, but she just won¡¯t let go.¡± Zildur fell silent, her gaze distant. The pause stretched on long enough to be uncomfortable. She was clearly thinking deeply.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I¡¯ll just come out and say it,¡± Kargan said, breaking the silence. ¡°It was you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Zildur was quiet for a long time, the accusation laying heavily. Then, she let out a breath. ¡°It¡¯s¡­my failure. This is probably what I deserve.¡± ¡°You poisoned her,¡± Bohemond said bluntly, his tone accusatory. ¡°We know about your daughter. Your resentment. Your desire for revenge. You have easy access to the kitchens, and you know enough about poisons, even if Glamshara¡¯s skills surpass yours. You¡¯re clearly the culprit. You wanted to kill the Queen but ended up poisoning Nyrissa instead. It was always your plan to frame Glamshara, and perhaps eliminate her later. Grashuk is just trying to cover for you. You¡¯re saying it''s what you deserve, because you never intended to poison Nyrissa. Your guilt and shame must be unbearable.¡± Zildur chuckled darkly. ¡°Oh, you think you have it all figured out, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°You said the Hand of Fate was finding the Queen,¡± Kargan said, his voice low. ¡°We have a witness that attests to that.¡± ¡°Grashuk?¡± ¡°Does it matter?¡± Her expression was cold and defiant. ¡°Oh, all this was cleverly done. You won¡¯t hear me argue against that.¡± Despite her defiant words, Justin could read her with clarity. There was something about the way her eyes crinkled, the pain of being accused injustly, that didn¡¯t match her outwardly cold disposition. The certainty of it settled in his chest like a stone. ¡°It¡¯s not her.¡± Both Kargan and Bohemond looked at him in confusion. Even Zildur seemed surprised by his sudden shift in demeanor. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°You blame yourself for failing the Princess,¡± Justin said calmly, his words more like a revelation than an accusation. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re not fighting back. As for what you said about the Hand of Fate, it implies the poisoning was outside your control. Ergo, you didn''t do it. Yes, you blame the Queen for what happened to Ryn, but you love Nyriss like she¡¯s your own. And now, for failing to protect her, you¡¯re willing to die rather than help us find the real culprit.¡± ¡°Justin,¡± Kargan interjected, his brows furrowing. ¡°What are you saying? Who else could it be?¡± ¡°Is it Glamshara?¡± Bohemond asked, his eyes narrowing. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure,¡± Justin admitted, shaking his head. ¡°But I know it¡¯s not Zildur.¡± ¡°The Head of the Kitchens, maybe,¡± Kargan suggested. ¡°Halkra, right?¡± ¡°We can question her if needed,¡± Justin said, glancing back at Zildur. ¡°But for now, we need to find Zogmar. Something¡¯s been nagging at me. We¡¯re still missing the most important piece of the puzzle.¡± Zildur¡¯s voice was quiet, almost resigned. ¡°You are missing something.¡± ¡°Like what?¡± Bohemond demanded. ¡°If you know something, tell us!¡± ¡°I know nothing,¡± Zildur replied, her gaze steady. ¡°I refuse to point the finger at anyone. I only have¡­suspicions.¡± ¡°What suspicions?¡± Kargan pressed. ¡°Ask Zogmar if he knows about it,¡± Zildur said simply. ¡°Tell him that exactly. That¡¯s all I can say.¡± Justin gave her a nod. ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ll do that.¡± ¡°Come on,¡± Borgruk said. The group left Zildur in her chambers and headed toward the potions master¡¯s workshop.
When they entered the workship, they found Zogmar scrutinizing a mixture under the light of a glowing crystal. The old goblin jumped slightly at their sudden entrance. ¡°By Nyriss, announce yourselves next time!¡± Zogmar snapped, nearly spilling the contents of a vial. ¡°I almost ruined this healing potion.¡± ¡°We have more questions,¡± Justin said, not bothering with pleasantries. ¡°Zildur mentioned you might know something. She said ¡®Ask Zogmar if he knows about it.¡¯¡± Zogmar looked at each of them, letting out a long, suffering sigh. ¡°I¡¯m too old for this.¡± ¡°Nyriss¡¯s life is at stake, Zogmar,¡± Kargan added, his voice urgent. ¡°If you know something, now is the time to speak. There won¡¯t be another chance. What¡¯s more, we¡¯ll have to assume you¡¯re a part of this conspiracy.¡± ¡°Truly, I know nothing about it. As for whether I¡¯m a part of this, witnesses can account for every minute I¡¯ve spent between when we discovered the excavation, all the way to the poisoning. You¡¯ve got nothing on me.¡± Justin knew for a fact Zogmar was lying about not knowing anything. It wasn¡¯t just what Zildur said¡ªhe could see it in the potions master¡¯s eyes, clear as day. His new boon was working, and Zogmar¡¯s lack of ease practically screamed through his expression. Justin stepped forward, his voice low and steady. ¡°Zogmar, I can see right through you. You¡¯re a smart goblin¡ªtoo smart to think we¡¯d fall your lie. But if you keep hiding the truth, the Princess¡¯s death will be on your hands. And when it all falls apart, you won¡¯t just be known as a liar¡ªyou¡¯ll be known as the goblin who could¡¯ve saved her but chose to stay silent. Do you really want that on your conscience?¡± Zogmar¡¯s face tightened, his eyes darting nervously between them. He opened his mouth to protest, but Justin wasn¡¯t finished. ¡°We¡¯re not here to take you down, Zogmar. We¡¯re here to stop a would-be murderer and save Nyrissa. But if you don¡¯t talk, she dies. And what¡¯s more, your potions won¡¯t save you from what comes next.¡± The potions master studied Justin¡¯s face for a long moment, weighing his options. Finally, with a reluctant sigh, he shut the door to his workshop, sealing them inside. ¡°All right,¡± he muttered. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to say anything before. I still don¡¯t, honestly. If this goes wrong, everything will point back at me.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t finish the job without all the facts,¡± Justin said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s a risk you¡¯ll have to take.¡± Zogmar sighed deeply, his expression growing more resigned. ¡°Fine. It¡¯s not direct proof, but¡­it¡¯s about Grashuk and Glamshara.¡± ¡°What about them?¡± Justin asked, leaning in slightly. ¡°They¡¯re having an affair,¡± Zogmar said flatly. Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Grashuk hates Glamshara. Are you saying his hatred was just a misdirection?¡± ¡°Well, maybe hate is too strong a word,¡± Zogmar corrected, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ¡°It¡¯s more like indifference that¡¯s turned into hostility since this poison business came up.¡± ¡°So how is it they¡¯re having an affair?¡± Justin pressed. ¡°I can¡¯t prove it,¡± Zogmar admitted, ¡°but ever since that expedition uncovered the lab, I¡¯ve caught them together once. This was before the poisoning, but after the expedition. They were¡­clearly involved.¡± ¡°Involved?¡± Justin repeated, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Where and when did this happen?¡± ¡°The day after the expedition,¡± Zogmar replied. ¡°I wasn¡¯t even supposed to be there. I had gone to check on some herbs growing in the underground storage chambers. It¡¯s a secluded spot, used for keeping volatile ingredients.¡± ¡°That¡¯s where you saw them?¡± Justin asked. Zogmar nodded. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting anyone else to be there. I turned a corner and there they were¡ªGrashuk and Glamshara. They didn¡¯t see me. They were¡­preoccupied.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°Preoccupied how?¡± Zogmar shifted uncomfortably. ¡°They were¡­in an embrace. Clearly more than just talking.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re sure it was them?¡± ¡°As sure as I can be. I didn¡¯t stick around, but it was unmistakable. I¡­tried to tell Zildur, of course. We work together a lot. But before I could say anything, she stopped me. I guess she already knew.¡± ¡°Yesterday, Grashuk offered us a reward to apprehend Glamshara,¡± Bohemond said, his brow furrowing deeper. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like they¡¯re having an affair.¡± ¡°Either that, or he¡¯s stabbing her in the back,¡± Kargan said. ¡°I¡¯m only telling you what I¡¯ve seen,¡± Zogmar said. ¡°As for why the sudden turnaround, I have a theory about that.¡± ¡°What theory?¡± ¡°Glamshara has bewitched him. The excavation site definitely had all the right ingredients to create a powerful love potion.¡± ¡°A love potion?¡± Justin asked incredulously. ¡°Is that even possible?¡± ¡°Minor ones can be made from common ingredients found right here in Drakendir Cavern,¡± Zogmar replied. ¡°Enough to induce a slight infatuation, though with some adverse side effects. But if I¡¯m right, the potion affecting Grashuk would be extraordinarily potent. It would last much longer. It would make him completely beholden to her.¡± Justin could finish the rest himself. Maybe Glamshara didn¡¯t have ready access to the palace, but Grashuk certainly did. ¡°Can¡¯t we test his blood?¡± Justin suggested. Zogmar smiled bitterly. ¡°Do you really think Glamshara would allow that? He would never do so willingly. Besides, if you tried, it would tip her off that we¡¯re onto her. We need to be more subtle.¡± Bohemond¡¯s frustration boiled over. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you tell us this from the beginning? You could¡¯ve saved us so much trouble!¡± ¡°I just got this idea about the love potion last night, after all of you went into the Underdeep. The idea still needs testing. If it can be proven, then Glamshara is clearly behind it.¡± ¡°How would we go about proving it?¡± Justin asked. ¡°There is a way,¡± Zogmar said. He rummaged through a chest, pulling out a small blowgun. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Justin asked. ¡°What do you think? A blowgun. I can prepare you a basic antidote that works on all love potions. You¡¯ll need to find a suitable spot for an ambush, then hit him with this. If I¡¯m right, the potion¡¯s effects will wear off immediately.¡± ¡°How do we know you¡¯re not lying to us right now?¡± Bohemond asked sharply. ¡°Maybe this is poison, and you¡¯re the real poisoner.¡± Zogmar bristled at the accusation. ¡°What would I gain from killing Grashuk? It¡¯s Glamshara who¡¯s behind all this! She¡¯s created all these distractions to cover her tracks.¡± Justin watched Zogmar carefully but couldn¡¯t detect any obvious signs of deceit. He got the feeling that Zogmar was pretty smart, as goblins went. He truly believed in this love potion theory and thought he was clever for coming up with it. ¡°We¡¯re not using that weapon just yet,¡± Justin said. ¡°But we still need to prove that Grashuk is under a spell. Something that¡¯ll bypass any orders Glamshara might¡¯ve given him.¡± ¡°There¡¯s one way,¡± Zogmar said after a moment. ¡°If Grashuk believes Glamshara is in danger¡ªtruly in danger¡ªhe¡¯ll act irrationally, whatever orders he might have.¡± Justin noticed Kargan¡¯s eyes widen slightly, as though an idea had struck him. Justin quickly held up a hand, signaling him to stay quiet. He didn¡¯t want to reveal everything just yet. ¡°Anything else?¡± Zogmar asked, clearly nervous. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to try the blowgun?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll keep it as a backup plan,¡± Justin said. ¡°But I have one last question.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Zogmar asked, his voice tense. ¡°What color is Heart of the Moonflower?¡± Zogmar blinked, then answered slowly. ¡°It¡¯s a vibrant silver, like the surface of the moon. When ground up, it glows. It¡¯s simple to turn it into a potion. Dissolve it in water, heat it, and administer.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Thanks for the information.¡± He motioned to the others, and they left Zogmar¡¯s workshop.
Name: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite Level: 9 Experience to Level 10: 659/1590
Attributes: Power: 14 (10 + 4) Coordination: 14 (10 + 4) Endurance: 15 (10 + 5) Intellect: 13 (10 + 3) Perception: 14 (10 + 4) Charisma: 22 (20 + 2)
Equipment: (Weapon) The Cane of Valoria: +1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill ¡°Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff.¡± (Chest Piece) The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: +1 to Endurance and Coordination. Enchantment of Featherweight. (Headpiece) The Top Hat of Mental Clarity: Immunity to Fear, Intimidation, and Mind Control effects. (Arm Piece) Squire¡¯s Armlet: +1 to Power. (Leg Piece) Common Traveler¡¯s Pants. (Foot Piece) Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance. Enchantment of Dry Stride. (Accessory 1) The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications. (Accessory 2) The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. 69. The Silver Fork Once in a quiet corner of the main hall, everyone turned to Justin. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Bohemond asked, his voice low. ¡°It¡¯s Glamshara now, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°I believe that¡¯s where the evidence is pointing,¡± Justin said. ¡°Assuming this love potion theory holds up.¡± ¡°But why use a love potion in the first place?¡± Kargan asked, frowning. ¡°What¡¯s the point of her involving Grashuk at all?¡± ¡°He¡¯s her way of accessing the royal table,¡± Justin explained. ¡°Zildur already suspects something¡¯s going on between them, and Zogmar confirmed it. Grashuk is the perfect tool for Glamshara to manipulate. Unlike her, he can move freely inside the palace without raising suspicion, handling tasks Glamshara couldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°So, how do we prove the love potion theory?¡± Bohemond asked, crossing his arms. ¡°I have an idea,¡± Kargan said, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. ¡°We could stage something. Make it look like Glamshara is in mortal danger¡ªenough to trigger Grashuk¡¯s instincts and force him to act. If he¡¯s under the influence of a potion, he should react without thinking. If not, he¡¯ll be more cautious.¡± Justin nodded, considering the plan. ¡°What if we tell him that Glamshara is under attack by an army of constructs in the Underdeep? That should get him moving.¡± ¡°It would,¡± Bohemond agreed. ¡°But if he checks and finds nothing, it could backfire.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to take that risk,¡± Kargan said. ¡°It would also give us a chance to check his quarters and find more solid evidence.¡± Their conversation was abruptly cut short as Justin spotted Grashuk approaching from across the hall. ¡°Speak of the devil,¡± Justin said. ¡°Let me do the talking.¡±. They began walking toward the warlord, who hailed them from a distance. ¡°How¡¯s the investigation going?¡± Justin shook his head, feigning frustration. ¡°Unfortunately, we¡¯re running in circles. It doesn¡¯t seem to be Glamshara after all.¡± Grashuk¡¯s eyes narrowed with suspicion, but Justin caught a subtle glint of satisfaction in his gaze¡ªa crinkling of the eyes that signaled hidden pleasure at the news. ¡°Not her? That¡¯s strange. Then who?¡± Justin remained silent, allowing Grashuk to fill in the blanks. Sure enough, the goblin¡¯s expression shifted into exaggerated dismay. ¡°No,¡± Grashuk said, shaking his head with overly dramatic concern. ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­not Zildur?¡± Justin suppressed a smile. Grashuk wasn¡¯t much of an actor. His feigned concern was almost laughable. ¡°We¡¯re still following leads,¡± Justin said, keeping his tone neutral. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your daughter, by the way. Ryn, wasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Ryn? Oh¡­yes, right. Damn shame what happened,¡± Grashuk muttered, his voice flat and emotionless. Whether it was his natural indifference or the potion dulling his feelings, Justin wasn¡¯t sure, but the lack of genuine sorrow was clear. Before Justin could continue, Bohemond interjected. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear about the constructs, did you? Glamshara¡¯s down in the Underdeep, barely holding them off. Her testimony is vital!¡± Justin winced internally at Bohemond¡¯s awkward delivery, but to his surprise, Grashuk took the bait. ¡°Constructs?¡± Grashuk¡¯s face twisted in genuine fear. ¡°And we¡¯re just standing here talking?¡± Without waiting for a response, Grashuk drew his scimitar and rushed toward the gate, glancing back over his shoulder. ¡°Well? Are you coming or not?¡± ¡°We need to gather a larger force,¡± Justin said calmly. ¡°You think the five of us can take on an army?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no time for that! Glamshara¡¯s in danger! If we don¡¯t act now, I could lose¡ª¡± He paused, catching himself. ¡°We could lose a valuable witness! Bah! Rot for all I care!¡± With that, Grashuk stormed through the gate and disappeared into the darkness of the Underdeep. Borgruk turned to the group, his expression grim. ¡°We¡¯ve got about two hours. We should move.¡± The goblin captain led them through the palace to Grashuk¡¯s quarters. Justin supposed Grashuk and Zildur didn¡¯t share a living space. As they entered, Justin did a quick scan. The warlord¡¯s quarters were utilitarian and sparse. The main room was dominated by a large stone table with a worn map of the Underdeep spread across it. Several daggers were haphazardly strewn over the map, which appeared to detail strategic points throughout the underground tunnels. Justin studied it briefly, noting a faint drawing near the palace that could show an elevator, but the runic script, what he assumed to be dwarven, made it difficult to confirm. It was a possible escape route once they were done with this Vault. For an hour, they combed through the space, searching for anything that could be considered evidence. But Grashuk¡¯s quarters were well-organized, almost sterile, with nothing incriminating to be found. Bohemond growled in frustration, clenching his fists. ¡°He¡¯s not foolish enough to leave evidence out in the open. There must be something we¡¯re missing.¡± ¡°We¡¯re running out of time,¡± Kargan said, glancing toward the door. ¡°He¡¯ll be back soon.¡± That was when Justin had a realization. ¡°If there¡¯s anything incriminating, it wouldn¡¯t be in Grashuk¡¯s home¡ªit would be in Zildur¡¯s. That¡¯s where Glamshara wants the blame to fall, right?¡± Borgruk nodded, already leading them out. ¡°Let¡¯s move. Zildur¡¯s likely with the princess, but she takes a nap shortly after lunch.¡± They slipped quietly into Zildur¡¯s chambers, just a few doors down from Grashuk¡¯s own. The space was unoccupied, allowing them to search freely. It wasn¡¯t long before Justin spotted something gleaming beneath the bed¡ªan ornately carved silver fork, partially hidden in the shadows. He bent down and picked it up carefully by the handle, a nagging suspicion already forming in his mind. Borgruk¡¯s eyes widened as he recognized it. ¡°That¡¯s from the Feast of Fates!¡± Justin quickly wrapped the fork in a nearby cloth, taking care not to touch it directly. Kargan frowned in confusion. ¡°It¡¯s just a fork, Justin. You¡¯re treating it like it¡¯s an adder.¡± ¡°It may be more dangerous than you think,¡± Justin said. ¡°We need to get this to Zogmar.¡± Without further explanation, Justin headed out of the room, the others following behind. It didn¡¯t take long to reach Zogmar¡¯s workshop. The potions master looked up in alarm as they burst through the door. ¡°What is it this time?¡± Zogmar asked, blinking in surprise. Justin held up the wrapped fork. ¡°Test this. Could it be poisoned?¡± Zogmar¡¯s brow furrowed suspiciously. ¡°Where did you get that?¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°Zildur¡¯s quarters,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Under her bed.¡± Zogmar looked thoughtful, then nodded. ¡°I see. That¡¯s¡­troubling. You¡¯re thinking it¡¯s poisoned?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re here,¡± Justin said. ¡°Can you do anything?¡± ¡°I suppose I have a bit of Revelation Solution left,¡± he said, his tone stingy. ¡°It will use up the last of it.¡± He retrieved a flask of clear liquid from the shelf. ¡°I mean¡­are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Justin said firmly. ¡°There¡¯s no time to waste.¡± ¡°All right, then.¡± Zogmar dipped the fork into the flask, and almost immediately, the liquid turned a murky gray. His eyes widened in alarm. ¡°Shadow¡¯s Kiss,¡± Zogmar said, his voice low. ¡°This fork was at the feast, you say?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°You should know that yourself, being at the Feast yourself.¡± ¡°As if I pay attention to such minor details!¡± Zogmar said in a huff. ¡°Well, it¡¯s poisoned. That much is clear. Probably Glamshara trying to plan evidence and frame Zildur. Sounds like something the conniving wench would do!¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Justin replied, his tone serious. ¡°But more specifically, it was the princess¡¯s fork. After all, the Queen and Princess didn¡¯t trade utensils¡± Zogmar frowned. ¡°Huh. So, the true target was Nyrissa all along?¡± ¡°It¡¯s obvious now,¡± Justin said, feeling the pieces finally click into place. ¡°The Queen was a decoy. The poisoned pie was just a misdirection.¡± ¡°Glamshara gains the most from the heir being killed,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°She¡¯s next in line.¡± ¡°We need to move quickly,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°Grashuk may have already reached Glamshara.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°We have the evidence we need. Let¡¯s present our findings to the Queen before it¡¯s too late.¡±
Within minutes, Borgruk escorted the party into an intimate audience chamber within the palace. Unlike the imposing throne room, this space was more personal, furnished with low, comfortable chairs and a grand hearth where a fire crackled softly. Queen Grizshara awaited them, her expression somber as she took in the serious looks on their faces. ¡°Well?¡± she asked, folding her hands in her lap. ¡°I take it you¡¯ve uncovered the truth?¡± Justin stepped forward, not wasting time. ¡°We believe so. After a thorough investigation, we¡¯ve determined that all evidence points to your sister, Glamshara.¡± Grizshara¡¯s expression remained composed, but there was a flicker of emotion behind her eyes¡ªperhaps disappointment, perhaps resignation. ¡°I had suspected as much, but I didn¡¯t want to believe it. What proof do you bring before me?¡± ¡°This was a well-constructed plot,¡± Justin explained, his voice steady, ¡°but there were small details that betrayed her. The poisoned pie was just a distraction. The true target was Nyrissa all along. Glamshara¡¯s plan was to eliminate your daughter while making it appear as though you were the intended victim.¡± He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing. Justin recounted everything they had uncovered, piece by piece. He detailed Glamshara¡¯s manipulations, Grashuk¡¯s erratic behavior, the false trail hinted at by Ralthog, catching Grashuk ¡°praying¡± in the shrine, the love potion theory, and how Zildur was framed by planting the poisoned fork from the Feast of Fates under her bed. Justin knew he might have missed a few smaller details, but he was sure the Queen would have more questions. Queen Grizshara sat in silence for a moment, processing the information. Her fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of her chair as she considered what Justin had said. ¡°So,¡± she said at last, her voice steady, ¡°Grashuk was bewitched by Glamshara through the use of a love potion? Is there any evidence of this?¡± ¡°Nothing direct,¡± Justin admitted. ¡°Zogmar himself came up with the idea. Both Zildur and Zogmar noticed that he¡¯s been acting strangely around her lately. Zogmar even testified that he caught them in the act a day after the expedition set out. We couldn¡¯t test him directly, but his reaction to hearing that Glamshara was in danger was telling. He became completely frantic, acting without regard for his own safety.¡± ¡°And the fork?¡± Grizshara asked, her voice sharpening slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve proven it¡¯s poisoned?¡± Justin stepped forward, recalling a key detail. ¡°Yes, we had it tested by Zogmar, who confirmed traces of the poison, Shadow¡¯s Kiss. But that¡¯s not all, Your Majesty.¡± Grizshara raised an eyebrow. ¡°What else?¡± Justin took a breath before continuing. ¡°When we questioned Glamshara earlier, something stood out to me¡ªher fingers. They were stained with a shining, silvery residue.¡± Kargan¡¯s eyes widened as he caught on. ¡°The Heart of the Moonflower. That¡¯s why you asked Zogmar about that.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Exactly. Zogmar said it was silver, like the surface of the moon. Glamshara claimed the Heart had been stolen, but it¡¯s clear she was lying. She was grinding it herself.¡± Grizshara¡¯s face hardened. ¡°So, she not only had the Heart but was in the process of preparing it? If not for my daughter, then for what other reason?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not clear,¡± Justin said. ¡°But I intend to ask her when we go down there again. Whatever the case, it means she already had what we need to make the antidote for Nyrissa. But instead of using it to save your daughter, she was keeping it for herself.¡± Grizshara clenched her fists, her voice now edged with anger. ¡°What a fool I¡¯ve been to trust her even a little.¡± Grizshara¡¯s brows furrowed as she absorbed this. ¡°So, the fork was meant to poison Nyrissa all along. And Grashuk supposedly planted it, on her orders. I wondered if it could be Zildur herself, given what happened to Ryn¡­¡± Justin took a moment before responding. He chose his words carefully. ¡°Glamshara was definitely trying to implicate Zildur, and she knew Ryn could have provided a powerful motive.¡± ¡°Glamshara would not have ordered Grashuk to plant the fork,¡± Grizshara said. ¡°She¡¯s too smart for that.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying Grashuk isn¡¯t clever,¡± Justin said, ¡°but he lacks subtlety. That much is clear from his clumsy ¡®prayer¡¯ in the shrine, which was all too convenient. I suspect Glamshara didn¡¯t instruct him to do that, either. It seems like something he took upon himself, hoping it would frame Zildur further. But Zildur¡¯s love for Nyrissa is genuine. She would never have done something like that.¡± Grizshara nodded slowly, her gaze shifting back to the fire. ¡°Indeed, her love for her seems to be genuine. Bordering on obsession. But she is the best Shaman in the tribe. What I don¡¯t understand is why Grashuk would offer a reward for apprehending Glamshara if he¡¯s under her control. Would my sister risk herself in that way?¡± ¡°I believe Glamshara told him to do it to deflect suspicion, in a strange sort of way,¡± Justin replied. ¡°She likely thought she could talk her way out of any trouble, or at least buy time.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Grizshara¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡°So, you¡¯re convinced he¡¯s entirely under Glamshara¡¯s control? You mentioned earlier that he had done some things on his own, which means he¡¯s not completely acting under her influence. Are you certain Grashuk isn¡¯t using my sister for his own ends?¡± Justin hadn¡¯t fully considered that angle. He hesitated for a second, then spoke. ¡°Do you believe Grashuk¡¯s feelings for her might be genuine?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ hard to say,¡± Grizshara admitted. ¡°He¡¯s always been ambitious, and there¡¯s been little love between him and Zildur for years, especially since Ryn¡¯s death. My sister had an obvious crush on him when we were younger, but I thought she outgrew it. Of course, Grashuk was never interested in her. I never knew her to create love potions, but her alchemical skills are formidable. The discovery of that new lab with rare ingredients might have given her the chance to try something different. On the other hand, Grashuk may have recognized her feelings for him and is using them to his advantage.¡± Justin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Both are possibilities. We¡¯ll need to get to the bottom of it.¡± Grizshara sighed, a flicker of weariness crossing her face. ¡°You must. I need to know if my Chief Warlord can be trusted.¡± ¡°What happened with the succession, anyway? It might help us understand Glamshara¡¯s motivations better.¡± The Queen leaned back in her chair, her gaze flickering toward the hearth as the flames danced. ¡°Glamshara has harbored resentment for a long time. Our father, the previous King, promised her a position of power, but when he died, he chose me to rule. I was younger, but he saw I was more suited to leadership. She was given the role of advisor, but she never forgave me for being chosen to wear the crown.¡± Grizshara¡¯s voice softened slightly as she continued. ¡°When Nyrissa was born, I named her heir. That, I believe, was the final blow for Glamshara. She thought she should have been next in line, not my daughter.¡± Justin listened intently. Everything fell into place now. Glamshara, denied the throne and seeing Nyrissa groomed to succeed, would have seen this as the ultimate betrayal. It explained the depth of her hatred and the lengths she was willing to go to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers. Grashuk, with his ambitions, might be a willing accomplice¡ªor perhaps, the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Or, as Zogmar had suggested, directed through the use of a love potion. Justin shifted on his feet, his tone becoming more urgent. ¡°We still need to apprehend Glamshara and retrieve the Heart of the Moonflower. Only then can we ensure Nyrissa¡¯s recovery.¡± Grizshara¡¯s gaze hardened with resolve. ¡°You have my full authority to bring Glamshara to justice. But above all, find the Heart of the Moonflower. That antidote is the only hope we have for saving Nyrissa.¡± Justin stood, giving a respectful bow. ¡°We won¡¯t fail, Your Majesty.¡± Bohemond cleared his throat, speaking up next. ¡°Should we bring more warriors with us? Glamshara is dangerous, and with Grashuk at her side, things could get difficult.¡± Borgruk shook his head. ¡°The warriors won¡¯t raise a hand against Grashuk. He¡¯s too respected. If it comes to a fight, they might even side with him.¡± ¡°Borgruk is right,¡± Queen Grizshara said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s better that you handle this quietly. Glamshara may be cunning, but her overconfidence, fueled by Grashuk¡¯s support, will be her downfall.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll need supplies,¡± Kargan added. ¡°Antidotes, potions¡ªanything that can help us against whatever poisons Glamshara might use.¡± ¡°Zogmar will provide what he can,¡± Grizshara said. ¡°But be warned¡ªhe has nothing that can counter Shadow¡¯s Kiss. That poison is beyond even his expertise.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll take whatever we can get,¡± Justin said, his voice steady. ¡°Time is of the essence.¡± Grizshara rose from her seat, her posture regal but carrying a sense of finality. ¡°Go, then. Bring my sister to justice, yes, but most of all, get the Heart of the Moonflower. May Nyriss watch over you.¡± With that, the party bowed once more and left the chamber. 70. The Twist of the Tome As they once again entered Zogmar¡¯s workshop, Justin got the distinct sense they were wearing on the potions master¡¯s nerves. Zogmar downright scowled when Justin informed him that the Queen had ordered him to provide some basic potions. In the end, Zogmar relented, albeit reluctantly. He reached under his workbench, pulling out a weathered leather satchel filled with vials. About a dozen potions were inside, half of them tinted a faint green, while the rest glowed a soft pink. ¡°Good luck,¡± Zogmar muttered as he handed over the satchel. ¡°The pink ones are for general healing, while the green ones are antidotes. They should work on the basic poisons Glamshara likes to use, but if she¡¯s using anything more complicated, they might not work.¡± Justin picked up one vial, inspecting it. Etched into the bottom of each vial was a small ¡°Z,¡± clearly a mark Zogmar used to denote ownership of the glassware. ¡°I want those back when you¡¯re done,¡± Zogmar said, his voice sharp. ¡°Good glassware is scarce down here.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Justin said, giving a nod of appreciation. ¡°Be careful,¡± Zogmar added, leaning forward and locking eyes with Justin, his dark orbs gleaming with intensity. ¡°Glamshara¡¯s wily, especially with her words. You¡¯ve seen that by now. The more time you give her to talk, the more likely she¡¯ll sway things in her favor. Don¡¯t let her get in your head.¡± Justin studied Zogmar carefully, noting the potions master¡¯s tone. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Zogmar smiled slightly, though it was more of a tight-lipped smirk. ¡°Good luck. You¡¯ll need it.¡± Then, as if remembering something, Zogmar turned back to his workbench and retrieved a small blowgun, offering it to the group. ¡°I know you weren¡¯t keen on using this before, but if you can get the antidote into Grashuk, it¡¯ll go a long way toward leveling the playing field. He may even switch sides once he realizes how Glamshara has been playing him.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take that,¡± Kargan said, taking the blowgun from Zogmar¡¯s hands. ¡°We used these sometimes in the clan halls back home. Shouldn¡¯t be too hard.¡± Zogmar nodded approvingly. ¡°Very well.¡± His expression softened as he added. ¡°Go find justice.¡± With that, Zogmar turned back to his alchemy work, dismissing them. ¡°Come on,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°We¡¯ve got our work cut out for us.¡± As they left Zogmar¡¯s workshop, Justin couldn¡¯t shake the sense of incompleteness that lingered within him. He had hoped solving the mystery would bring him some form of satisfaction, but it left a hollow feeling. There were still too many missing pieces nagging him. They had yet to fully confirm the love potion theory. And a few of the Queen¡¯s words had sown seeds of doubt in his mind. What if the love potion wasn¡¯t even involved? What if Grashuk had been behind it all, orchestrating events for his own gain? Or worse, what if they had misjudged Zildur and dismissed her role too quickly? Maybe the fork had been placed there by her and Justin has simply misread her face. Perhaps they¡¯d overlooked someone else entirely¡ªHalkra, or another member of the tribe they hadn¡¯t met. And most of all, if Glamshara wasn¡¯t making the antidote for the Shadow¡¯s Kiss, what was she doing with that Heart of the Moonflower? It felt as if the mystery was far more complicated than the Vault had initially suggested, or they had missed a crucial, obvious piece of evidence. The greatest deceptions are found in the smallest of details. All Justin could think was, they better be getting an epic piece of loot for solving this one. The walk through the dark stone passage seemed quicker this time, though it might have been the growing tension making the time pass unnoticed. But about halfway through, the strange sound of clicking echoed down the corridor, reverberating off the ancient walls. Justin signaled for the group to halt, listening intently. The sound grew louder, more distinct. It was coming toward them. Suddenly, a strange piece of machinery skittered into view from the shadows, what had to be a dwarven construct. It was a mechanical contraption shaped like a spider, about as tall as Justin¡¯s head. Its legs, long and razor-sharp, clanged against the stone floor as it moved toward them. Its round body gleamed like dull metal, almost resembling a tin can with a metallic head. The construct¡¯s eight legs stabbed downward in swift, deadly strikes, and a pair of glowing red eyes fixed on the party. ¡°Go for the legs!¡± Borgruk called out. As in response to the goblin¡¯s voice, the construct sprung into action. Bohemond charged forward, shield raised, using some sort of bashing skill to drive it back, despite its size. The clang of metal-on-metal echoed through the hallway as the construct¡¯s legs scraped across the surface, sparks flying. ¡°Surround it!¡± Justin shouted, stepping to the side. Kargan rushed forward, casting Sacrificial Armor on Bohemond, while Borgruk came in from the left side. He swung his scimitar in, aiming for the construct¡¯s vulnerable joints. The sword connected with a loud crunch, severing one of the metallic legs. The construct staggered slightly, but it quickly adjusted, stabbing downward with another leg. Justin came in from the other side. Like Borgruk, he focused on the exposed joint, finding his Cane of Valoria quite effective at the task. The creature hissed hot steam, turning its red-eyed gaze toward Justin. ¡°No, you don¡¯t!¡± Bohemond charged, ramming into the side of the construct with his shield, throwing it out of balance.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The creature scuttled back, its legs scrambling for purchase, but Justin seized the moment. He darted forward, jabbing his cane into the vulnerable seam between the body and one of the remaining legs. With a sharp twist, he wrenched the leg free, sparks flying as the construct let out a metallic screech. Borgruk moved in for the kill, his scimitar raised high above his head. He brought it down with a brutal strike, cleaving the ¡°head¡± part of the construct clean off. The red lights in its eyes flickered and dimmed. The metallic spider collapsed to the ground in a heap of shattered gears and twisted metal. Panting slightly, Kargan stepped back. ¡°That thing was fast.¡± ¡°Too fast for comfort,¡± Bohemond grunted, wiping sweat from his brow. Justin studied the ruined construct for a moment. This dwarven creation didn¡¯t seem to be too difficult for their party to deal with alone, but if they ever gathered in large numbers, it could be deadly. He hoped that wouldn¡¯t happen. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving,¡± Justin said. ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡± The party regrouped and continued down the corridor. Within five minutes, they reached the collapsed doorway where rubble blocked part of the entrance. Bohemond paused, examining his right hand with a curious expression. ¡°Strange,¡± he muttered. ¡°I was burned here by that steam, but now it¡¯s mostly healed.¡± He glanced at Kargan. ¡°Was this your doing? I don''t remember you healing me.¡± The orc was quiet for a moment before finally answering. ¡°In a way.¡± ¡°Explain,¡± Bohemond said, raising an eyebrow. Kargan sighed. ¡°It¡¯s my new party skill, Vital Flow. It allows all my party members to heal naturally at a rate based on my Endurance attribute. My Endurance is edified to 18 right now, including my gear bonuses, so everyone¡¯s healing at 18% of the rate I naturally heal.¡± ¡°That¡¯s an awesome skill!¡± Justin said, clearly impressed. ¡°I cast it at the start of the battle,¡± Kargan continued. ¡°It¡¯ll last the whole day.¡± Bohemond looked at Kargan thoughtfully. ¡°Well, it¡¯s useful. I¡¯ll give you that much.¡± That was probably the closest thing to a compliment they could hope for from Bohemond, but it was progress. It seemed like the knight was finally respecting Kargan¡¯s abilities. Justin opened the satchel of potions. ¡°Speaking of healing, it looks like there are enough potions in here for each of us to have one healing potion and one antidote, with a few in reserve.¡± He divided the supplies among the group. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± Bohemond asked, hefting his shield. ¡°Are we going to arrest them, or are we going in for the kill?¡± ¡°The most important thing is securing the Heart of the Moonflower,¡± Justin said. ¡°Glamshara will have it. We saw her working with it, after all. Let me do the talking.¡± ¡°Remember what Zogmar said,¡± Bohemond warned. ¡°If you let her talk too long, she¡¯ll twist your brain into knots.¡± ¡°I can manage,¡± Justin replied confidently. ¡°If it comes to blows, Bohemond¡¯s our tank. Kargan will handle healing. That leaves Borgruk and I to go straight for Grashuk. He¡¯ll be defending Glamshara while she shoots off those darts of hers. If we bring him down fast, she¡¯ll be defenseless. Kargan can try to land a dart in. Seems he''s a victim of this as much as everyone else.¡± Borgruk shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I may be attacking the Warlord, but Grizshara gave her orders.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s try to talk first, but if they attack, don¡¯t hold back,¡± Justin said firmly. ¡°We¡¯d better get moving,¡± Bohemond said, already climbing the rubble. ¡°The more we talk, the more time they have to prepare.¡± ¡°What if they¡¯ve set traps?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°They¡¯ve had plenty of time.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll just have to keep our eyes peeled,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°If I see anything, I¡¯ll shout it out. Goblins see well in the dark, even better than orcs.¡± With that, they climbed over the rubble, allowing Borgruk to take the lead. On the other side, it was eerily quiet, but the light from Glamshara¡¯s lab flickered ahead, casting a glow around the corner of the large chamber before them. Unlike last time, there were no old ghosts waiting for them. They crept forward cautiously, but when they reached the lab, they found it completely empty. Justin immediately sensed a trap, as Kargan had suggested. He already knew Glamshara¡¯s level¡ª12¡ªso if she tried to ambush them, his Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff would activate, since it would defend against attackers up to Level 12. Kargan also set up a Ward of Aegis, offering the group some protection while they investigated the lab. ¡°Search for anything that might serve as further evidence,¡± Justin said. ¡°We need to close this out quickly.¡± They had only been searching for a couple of minutes when Borgruk paused at what seemed to be Glamshara¡¯s primary workstation. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Justin turned to look, to find Borgruk¡¯s hand brushing against a thick, dusty tome sitting on the alchemy table. The book¡¯s cover was adorned with dwarven runes, and a small illustration of a vial. It was clearly an alchemical text. ¡°Can you read dwarven?¡± Justin asked. ¡°No,¡± Borgruk replied. ¡°But I remember seeing this book. When we first got to the excavation, I picked it up. Zogmar scolded me for touching it.¡± ¡°Scolded you?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°He¡¯s like that, as you¡¯ve seen. Told me not to touch priceless artifacts. He took the book and put it in his satchel. So, it¡¯s strange to see it here.¡± ¡°Maybe there was a second copy?¡± Kargan suggested. Justin felt a chill run down his spine. ¡°Let me see that.¡± Borgruk handed over the tome. Justin flipped through the worn pages. Most of it was written in dwarven, but there were illustrations of ingredients and potions. One potion, in particular, stood out. Scrawled around its margins were many notes, written in Goblinese. It was clear, neat script. ¡°That¡¯s Glamshara¡¯s handwriting,¡± Borgruk said. Justin read the notes carefully. ¡°The Everlasting Draught,¡± he said, eyes narrowing. ¡°A potion meant to grant eternal life.¡± He glanced at Borgruk. ¡°You mentioned Glamshara said the dwarves were messing with things beyond their understanding, trying to achieve eternal life with alchemy.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Borgruk nodded. ¡°Zogmar actually came up with the theory, but Glamshara was the one who really latched onto it. She¡¯s always had an interest in the so-called Legendary Draughts. The Everlasting Draught was supposed to be one of them.¡± ¡°Legendary Draughts?¡± ¡°Extremely powerful potions that would confer an amazing benefit to the one who ingested it,¡± Borgruk clarified. ¡°That¡¯s what I gathered from their conversation, anyway.¡± Justin¡¯s suspicion deepened. ¡°So, this book has a recipe for this Everlasting Draught. Did Zogmar get the idea from this book? If he put in his satchel, then what¡¯s it doing down here?¡± ¡°Maybe she stole it from him,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Fits her character.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t so sure. It was a wrinkle, an added complication, and he couldn¡¯t figure out how it fit in just yet. He looked closer at the recipe for the Everlasting Draught. ¡°Seems there are six ingredients: Sunstone Dust, Abyssal Essence, Thandoran Moss, Veldorian Firebloom, Shard of Zephyron¡­and Heart of the Moonflower.¡± Kargan grunted. ¡°Well, we know what she was using the Heart of the Moonflower for, at least. Definitely not the antidote for Shadow¡¯s Kiss.¡± ¡°Some of those ingredients are incredibly rare,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°Thandoran Moss, Veldorian Firebloom, and Shard of Zephyron are things I¡¯ve never even heard of before.¡± The names tickled at Justin¡¯s memory. He recalled a conversation with Eldrin and Lila way back at the Moonlit Alehouse. When he¡¯d revealed he was from another world, Eldrin had mentioned some other planets. Among them were Veldoria, Solanis, and Zephyron, and the names of the ingredients recalled those words. Could these ingredients originate from entirely different planets of his universe? Justin wasn¡¯t sure how travel between worlds was even possible, but something told him he was on the right track. ¡°All these incredibly rare ingredients¡­were they all in this lab?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Maybe,¡± Borgruk shrugged. ¡°Seems to me like Glamshara was trying to make the Everlasting Draught instead of saving Nyrissa.¡± Their conversation was cut short when Kargan¡¯s ward sizzled with the impact of a hostile attack. The group spun around to see Grashuk and Glamshara standing in the doorway, ready for battle. ¡°Step away from my table,¡± Glamshara hissed, her voice cold and threatening. ¡°Or the next dart goes between your eyes.¡± 71. The Plot Unravels Kargan quickly re-formed his ward. ¡°Glamshara, we¡¯ve figured it out. Lay down your weapons; you¡¯re under arrest.¡± Grashuk snarled as he clutched his scimitar. He turned to Glamshara. ¡°I told you this was a bad idea.¡± ¡°Hush, my love,¡± Glamshara cooed, caressing the warlord¡¯s face. Grashuk¡¯s eyes grew hooded, as though under a spell. Justin knew Zogmar had warned him to act fast, but he had to try reasoning first. They needed the Heart of the Moonflower, if there was any left, and only Glamshara would know where it was. ¡°Glamshara, it¡¯s not too late. If you have any of the Moonflower left, Nyrissa¡¯s life can still be saved. Your punishment will be lighter.¡± Glamshara¡¯s expression remained stony. ¡°It¡¯s too late for that. Grashuk and I stepped away earlier when I thought constructs were coming. But I won¡¯t comply as long as I¡¯m falsely maligned.¡± ¡°Oh, give it up,¡± Bohemond scoffed. ¡°All the evidence points to you, Glamshara.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t poison her!¡± Glamshara snapped back. ¡°Then who did?¡± Bohemond challenged. ¡°I don¡¯t know! Isn¡¯t that your job to figure out?¡± ¡°You could have saved Nyrissa,¡± Kargan said, nodding toward the book Justin had placed on the table. ¡°Instead, you wasted the Moonflower on this Everlasting Draught business.¡± Glamshara¡¯s gaze flicked toward the book, and for the first time, a look of guilt flashed across her face. ¡°I don¡¯t deny that. I can¡¯t undo that mistake, but I swear I didn¡¯t try to murder Nyrissa.¡± Justin frowned thoughtfully, picking up the dwarven tome. ¡°Glamshara, how did you come by this book?¡± Her eyes narrowed. ¡°I found it right here on this table. Why?¡± ¡°When?¡± Justin pressed. ¡°As we were leaving the excavation. I thought it looked interesting.¡± Justin glanced at Borgruk. ¡°You weren¡¯t the first to find it. Borgruk was.¡± Glamshara¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Borgruk found it when your team first arrived at the excavation. Zogmar took it from him, placed it in his satchel. And yet, it somehow ended up here, in your possession.¡± Glamshara¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t Zogmar mention that?¡± ¡°Why indeed?¡± Justin murmured, his tone deliberate. ¡°Could it be because he knew you wouldn¡¯t be able to resist using the Moonflower to create the Everlasting Draught?¡± ¡°What are you implying?¡± Bohemond asked, his voice tense with confusion. Justin¡¯s eyes flicked toward the book. ¡°There are certain¡­patterns here. Zogmar may have known what your ambitions were, Glamshara. Perhaps he even counted on them.¡± ¡°Explain,¡± Glamshara said. Justin watched her closely. ¡°Think about it. Zogmar has been close to all of this from the beginning. But that¡¯s not all. This might be hard to hear, but Grashuk¡¯s feelings for you¡ªthey¡¯re not real. He¡¯s under the influence of a love potion. Zogmar made sure of that.¡± Glamshara¡¯s face fell, her anger crumbling. ¡°He¡­he did this to me?" "Yes, and we can prove it. Zogmar gave us an antidote that should cure it. That would confirm the truth." "Any common antidote would do," Glamshara said. "You don''t need anything special." Justin filed that detail away. He reached for an antidote in his satchel, handing it to Glamshara. "If you want to know the truth, tell Grashuk to drink that." Justin watched what she would do. Her reaction would tell him a lot. Glamshara inspected it for a moment, as if assessing its properties, before sighing and passing it to Grashuk. Within moments of drinking it, the haze in his eyes cleared. His expression contorted in shock, quickly turning to disgust. ¡°What¡­what is this? What have I done?¡± The warlord¡¯s voice was strained with revulsion. Glamshara¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Grashuk¡­do you love me?¡± Grashuk sneered. ¡°By Nyriss, I¡¯d rather stick a spear in my gut than stick mine anywhere near you!¡± Glamshara let out a pained sob, and Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of pity for her, despite everything. ¡°I still don¡¯t get it,¡± Kargan said, impervious to the emotional display. ¡°Why would Grashuk offer a reward for Glamshara if he was under the love potion?¡± Justin looked to Glamshara. ¡°You must have told him to do that. Why?¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. She sniffled, her composure faltering. ¡°I was afraid of Zogmar. He¡­caught us. I worried he¡¯d tell others about Grashuk and me. So, I told Grashuk to make that offer, hoping it would distract people from suspecting us. Grashuk didn¡¯t like it, but he did it for me.¡± Justin turned to Grashuk. ¡°And the prayer at the shrine? Was that your idea?¡± ¡°What prayer at the shrine?¡± Glamshara asked, clearly unaware. Grashuk shifted uncomfortably. ¡°It was my idea. I thought it¡¯d take the pressure off Glamshara, make it look like we weren¡¯t involved. I asked Ralthog to mention Ryn to Justin. He¡¯s loyal to me.¡± Bohemond¡¯s gaze narrowed. ¡°So you¡¯d rather get your wife blamed than face Zogmar?¡± Grashuk sighed, the weight of the truth settling on him. ¡°I wasn¡¯t in my right mind. The potion twisted everything. All I could think of was Glamshara, nothing else.¡± ¡°And you just accepted his sudden change of heart?¡± Kargan asked Glamshara. ¡°Grashuk came to me after the expedition, saying he loved me,¡± Glamshara replied, her voice soft. ¡°I wanted to believe it. I thought I¡¯d buried my old feelings, but they flared up again.¡± Justin kept his expression neutral, though the pieces were coming together in his mind. ¡°Zogmar¡¯s been manipulating this situation from the start. The mess he caused was a perfect way to cover his tracks. And he had the means to deliver the love potion, didn¡¯t he?¡± Glamshara nodded slowly. ¡°He did. All he needed was a hair from my head. He had ample opportunities for that.¡± Justin turned to Grashuk. ¡°Do you remember anything about the night Zogmar might¡¯ve acted?¡± Grashuk frowned. ¡°After we got back from the expedition, I went to the tavern. On the way back, I was really exhausted. I just passed out. When I woke up, all I could think about was Glamshara.¡± ¡°Sounds like he laced it with a sedative, too,¡± Justin said. Bohemond spoke up, suspicion creeping into his voice. ¡°Wait a second¡­Glamshara, how do we know it wasn¡¯t you who shot Grashuk with the love potion? You already mention being in love with him, so it stands to reason you might be the one to do it. Where were you on the night after the expedition?¡± Glamshara¡¯s eyes narrowed in thought before she answered. ¡°I wasn¡¯t anywhere near Grashuk. I was in the lab, going through some of the more immediately beneficial ingredients from the expedition. I wouldn¡¯t have had time to ambush Grashuk.¡± ¡°I can back that up,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°I was on the watch that night, and I passed by her lab a few times. The light was always on, and I could see her busy at work.¡± ¡°Could she have left at any point?¡± Justin asked. Borgruk shrugged. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s possible, but I passed by every half hour or so. When I finally went to bed, it was late, and she was still in there.¡± ¡°How late?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t say for sure, but the tavern had gone mostly quiet by then.¡± ¡°Did you see Grashuk?¡± He shook his head. ¡°No.¡± It wasn¡¯t definitive, but it helped Glamshara¡¯s case. Glamshara¡¯s eyes suddenly seemed to notice the blowgun at Kargan¡¯s side. ¡°That¡¯s Zogmar¡¯s, isn¡¯t it?¡± Justin nodded. ¡°He wanted us to use it on Grashuk, claiming it contained an antidote to the love potion.¡± ¡°Any common antidote could do that,¡± Glamshara said. ¡°But if I had to guess, there¡¯s probably something more deadly in there. If Zogmar is the one to have laced him, then he wouldn¡¯t want to undo the spell he¡¯d created. He¡¯d want to leave no witnesses.¡± Justin sighed. ¡°He was pushing us too hard to fight, wasn¡¯t he? Almost as if he wanted things to end a certain way.¡± Glamshara stepped forward cautiously. ¡°Let me test the poison.¡± This required a bit of trust on Justin¡¯s part, but there was no one else in the tribe with the expertise to do the testing. Justin nodded at Kargan, who handed her the blowgun. She expertly cracked open a dart, dipping it into a clear solution. The liquid turned a murky purple. ¡°Poison of Slowing,¡± Glamshara confirmed. ¡°Duskbell and venom of the blue-spotted tree frog. A common ingredient for immobilizing targets.¡± Justin remembered Eldrin using something similar in the fight at Raven¡¯s Rock. ¡°Zogmar was setting Grashuk up for a fall.¡± Grashuk¡¯s fists clenched in rage. ¡°The traitor will pay!¡± ¡°There¡¯s still the matter of the Moonflower,¡± Justin said. ¡°You said you used it all?¡± Glamshara nodded, regret flashing across her face. ¡°I did.¡± ¡°Why did you choose to make the Everlasting Draught over saving your niece?¡± Justin asked. Glamshara¡¯s face fell slightly. ¡°The Everlasting Draught is a legend among alchemists. It¡¯s the ultimate achievement, something that could grant eternal life. Or so the records say. Zogmar and I¡­ we¡¯d discussed it before, back when we were on better terms. I always joked about making it, but of course, it was impossible. The ingredients are so rare, nearly impossible to acquire.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°But then you saw the tome and realized the ingredients were here in this lab.¡± Glamshara hesitated before nodding. ¡°Yes. I saw it as a sign, an opportunity. I started working on it almost immediately. But the process was much harder than I expected. Then the Feast of Fates happened. When I saw Nyrissa was poisoned, I rushed back here to work on the antidote.¡± ¡°And?¡± Justin pressed. ¡°I was still making the Everlasting Draught when that happened,¡± Glamshara admitted. ¡°I thought I could finish the Draught and then make the antidote. I didn¡¯t want to ruin all my work. But the Moonflower¡­I miscalculated. I thought there would be enough for both. But after you questioned me yesterday, I discovered I was off on my original measurements by the smallest amount. A terrible shame, because all that¡¯s needed is a little to create the antidote. I had no choice but to finish the Draught.¡± Justin studied her carefully. ¡°So you prioritized the Draught over Nyrissa¡¯s life.¡± Glamshara¡¯s shoulders sagged. ¡°Yes, because I would lose all my work if I didn¡¯t finish it. I was greedy, thought I could have both. I didn¡¯t want it to happen that way. It was a mistake, but by the time I realized it, there was nothing I could do. And worse, the potion I created wasn¡¯t even the Everlasting Draught.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Justin asked. ¡°What was it, then? Can I see it?¡± Glamshara hesitated, then reluctantly reached into her satchel, pulling out a vial. The liquid inside glowed with a soft, iridescent light, shifting colors like a small rainbow trapped inside. ¡°This is it,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s not what I hoped for. I mistranslated the recipe. The text was unclear, but I think it¡¯s called the All-Encompassing Draught. The words ¡°Everlasting¡± and ¡°All-Encompassing¡± in dwarven look very similar. It will still provide powerful benefits to anyone with a class, but I don¡¯t know what those would be.¡± ¡°It may not be the Everlasting Draught, but it¡¯s probably quite valuable.¡± ¡°And for now, it¡¯s evidence,¡± Bohemond added, his voice stern. ¡°We¡¯ll need to bring it back to the Queen, along with the tome. You¡¯ll come with us, Glamshara.¡± Glamshara sighed heavily. ¡°I understand.¡± Grashuk, his face still contorted with disgust, stepped forward. ¡°You¡¯re lucky we¡¯re not dealing with this here and now.¡± ¡°Grashuk, Borgruk, bind her for now,¡± Justin ordered. ¡°Let¡¯s bring her back to the Queen.¡± Glamshara didn¡¯t resist as Grashuk and Borgruk moved to bind her wrists. Her blowgun and remaining potions were confiscated, leaving her with little more than her dignity. As they began the trek back, Kargan walked up beside Justin. ¡°So, what¡¯s your read on all this?¡± Justin¡¯s thoughts were already racing ahead. ¡°Everyone we spoke to¡ªZildur, Glamshara, and Zogmar ¡ªall had a potential reason and the means. It¡¯s a downright mess. But there was a small detail in what she said. If we can confirm that detail, then we can unmask the true poisoner.¡± 72. The Poisoner Unmasked As they returned with Glamshara bound, it was enough to draw Zogmar out of his workshop as they approached the palace. ¡°Oh, well done!¡± he exclaimed gleefully. ¡°Well done indeed!¡± ¡°Thank you, Zogmar,¡± Justin replied with a small smile. ¡°We couldn¡¯t have done it without your help.¡± Grashuk shot a dark look at the potions master, and for the first time, Zogmar seemed to notice his presence, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°Your antidote worked well on Grashuk here,¡± Justin added. ¡°The one in the blowgun?¡± Zogmar stammered. Justin chuckled. ¡°Oh, no. We used one of these.¡± He reached into Zogmar¡¯s satchel and pulled out a glowing green potion. ¡°Truly, you¡¯re a master of your craft.¡± ¡°Right,¡± Zogmar muttered, uneasy. ¡°Well, glad everything¡¯s squared away.¡± ¡°Not quite,¡± Justin said, pausing deliberately. Zogmar shifted uncomfortably. ¡°We¡¯re headed to see Queen Grizshara to present the evidence. As the potions master, your testimony will be invaluable.¡± Zogmar hesitated, realizing that refusing might make him appear suspicious. ¡°Of course. I¡¯d be happy to provide my expertise.¡± Glamshara glared at him but remained silent. Justin smiled. ¡°Good. Let¡¯s walk over together, shall we?¡± With Zogmar joining them, though sullenly, they made their way to the throne room. In a matter of minutes, everyone involved in the investigation was assembled. Zildur and even Ralthog were present, standing before Queen Grizshara on her throne. At last, Justin broke the silence. ¡°We have concluded our investigation, Queen Grizshara.¡± The queen¡¯s gaze fell on Glamshara, bound and dejected. ¡°What do you have to say for yourself, sister? If you wish to escape with your skin, you had better have the Moonflower.¡± Glamshara remained silent, likely out of shame. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have it, Queen Grizshara,¡± Justin said. ¡°But there is still hope for Nyrissa.¡± All eyes turned toward him, filled with curiosity. ¡°Speak,¡± Grizshara commanded, leaning forward. ¡°First,¡± Justin began, ¡°I want to clarify that Glamshara isn¡¯t innocent. She had the means to create the antidote for Nyrissa but chose not to¡ªfor her own reasons. The Heart of the Moonflower, as we¡¯ve learned, is a critical ingredient in a potion she was already working on. When the Princess was poisoned, she rushed to her lab in the Underdeep to finish it, intending to brew the antidote afterward. However, complications arose. She used all the Heart of the Moonflower for her own brew, which I have right here.¡± Justin produced a rainbow-glowing potion from his satchel. ¡°And what is that?¡± Grizshara asked. ¡°Will it heal my daughter?¡± ¡°We¡¯re uncertain what this potion will do, but giving it to your daughter would be too dangerous. While it contains the Heart of the Moonflower, there is a safer alternative.¡± Zogmar shifted uncomfortably but kept listening. ¡°Zogmar,¡± Justin said, holding up the ancient dwarven tome retrieved from the lab. ¡°Have you seen this book before?¡± Zogmar glanced at it, surprise flickering across his face. He hesitated. ¡°Yes. I saw it in the excavation site.¡± Damn. Justin had hoped he¡¯d lie, but Zogmar was too shrewd for that. ¡°You can read dwarven, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Zogmar confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s practically a requirement for brewing complex potions.¡± ¡°What is the title of this book?¡± ¡°It might translate as The Legendary Draughts of Etheria.¡± ¡°Did you read it?¡± ¡°I skimmed it. The theories seemed far-fetched, but it was interesting.¡± ¡°And what did you do with the book after? Did you share it with Glamshara?¡± ¡°No. It seemed bogus. I discarded it somewhere in the lab.¡± Zogmar¡¯s tone was casual, as if the book were unimportant. He was playing his cards carefully, wary of a trap. ¡°So, the book wasn¡¯t important to you?¡± ¡°Clearly, you think it is,¡± Zogmar replied. ¡°But the dwarves¡¯ failed experiments are evidence of its folly.¡± ¡°Please, just answer the question.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t say whether it¡¯s important because you¡¯re withholding information. At the time, I thought it might be important. After a closer look, I realized it was nonsense. The Legendary Draughts are just that. Legends.¡± ¡°Well, for everyone here, I¡¯ll say that you seemed to think it was important when you found it.¡± Justin turned to Borgruk. ¡°Borgruk, can you describe Zogmar¡¯s reaction when you found this tome?¡± ¡°He scolded me for touching important artifacts, then put it in his satchel.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t deny that,¡± Zogmar said, smiling faintly. ¡°As I¡¯ve already said, I thought it might be important. But after further inspection, I discarded it. My priority was cataloging the alchemical agents.¡± ¡°And you and Glamshara were arguing?¡± ¡°Nothing unusual,¡± Zogmar said with a shrug. ¡°We have a bit of a rivalry, but that¡¯s to be expected.¡± Justin turned to Glamshara. ¡°Can you describe the nature of your argument with Zogmar?¡± ¡°He was angry because I questioned his abilities. I have skills and boons from my class that make me more qualified to lead. Zogmar didn¡¯t like that.¡± ¡°That must have bothered you,¡± Justin said to Zogmar. ¡°Being overshadowed by Glamshara, even if you are technically the potions master. She has the Alchemist core, and you don¡¯t.¡± ¡°These aren¡¯t controversial facts,¡± Zogmar said. ¡°I bear no ill will toward Glamshara. She¡¯s valuable to the tribe.¡± ¡°And yet,¡± Justin pressed, ¡°if she were to disappear¡ªor get blamed for Nyrissa¡¯s poisoning¡ªwhat would you stand to gain?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Zogmar replied. ¡°The tribe would lose a talented Alchemist.¡± ¡°And you¡¯d take her place as the tribe¡¯s only potion maker. But killing her would be too obvious, so you targeted the Princess instead. The blame would naturally fall on Glamshara, who has long coveted her sister¡¯s throne and has expertise with poisons.¡± ¡°Baseless accusations,¡± Zogmar shot back. ¡°I am loyal to both the tribe and the queen. I¡¯d never poison Nyrissa.¡± Justin turned to Glamshara. ¡°Where did you find the book?¡± ¡°On the main alchemy table. As an Alchemist, of course I opened it to see what I could learn.¡± ¡°That¡¯s an odd place for Zogmar to ¡®discard¡¯ the tome, don¡¯t you think? It seems more like he intentionally placed it there for you to discover.¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°I object to that,¡± Zogmar snapped, his voice laced with barely concealed anger. ¡°You cannot know my intentions. I simply set it down where it was most convenient, and that was the alchemy table.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Justin allowed. ¡°Glamshara, what did you find in the book?¡± ¡°I thought I¡¯d discovered a recipe for the Everlasting Draught. Given the ingredients of the lab, and that tome, I guessed the lab was set up for brewing that potion.¡± ¡°And what did you do when you came up with this idea?¡± ¡°I shared it with the others. That¡¯s when we were attacked by dwarven ghosts, what I presumed to be failed remnants of the dwarves¡¯ experiments.¡± ¡°Would you say these are details Zogmar would have missed, or that they¡¯d have slipped his mind?¡± ¡°No, they wouldn¡¯t have slipped his mind. He would have understood the book¡¯s significance, especially once we started cataloguing the ingredients.¡± Zogmar remained silent. He had already claimed the book wasn¡¯t important, but Glamshara¡¯s words suggested otherwise. It was an inconsistency. Justin turned back to Zogmar. ¡°Why did you leave the book on the table? Why not share your findings with the group?¡± ¡°Because if I had, Glamshara would have dismissed my ideas. I left the book, so she¡¯d figure out the lab¡¯s purpose on her own.¡± It was a plausible explanation, but Justin wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°No, Zogmar. You left it there because, at some point, perhaps frustrated by her bossiness, you decided Glamshara wouldn¡¯t push you around anymore. That¡¯s when the plan took root. You didn¡¯t want to confront her directly, so you poisoned the Princess with Shadow¡¯s Kiss¡ªa rare but deadly poison. You knew Glamshara would be blamed since she was next in line for the throne.¡± ¡°This is all conjecture!¡± Zogmar spat. ¡°I would never harm the Princess. I¡¯ve always served the tribe and the queen faithfully.¡± ¡°A bold accusation,¡± Queen Grizshara said. ¡°But it must be backed up by proof, not theories.¡± ¡°I agree, Queen Grizshara.¡± Justin turned to her sister. ¡°You mentioned something in the Underdeep that caught my attention. You said you rushed down to brew the antidote, knowing from your initial measurements that there would be enough to do both. You wanted to finish your attempt at the Everlasting Draught first, though. Do you care to explain why?¡± Glamshara answered. ¡°It was to avoid wasting valuable ingredients. The Draught was nearly complete, and I knew Shadow¡¯s Kiss would take several days to do its work. There was time to do both.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°At first, you believed there was enough Heart of the Moonflower left for the antidote. But later, when you measured again, the amount was slightly less than you expected. Just enough to be noticeable, but not enough to draw immediate suspicion.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Glamshara confirmed. ¡°I noticed a small portion was missing, far too late. Originally, I lied to you about who stole it, but I never dreamed another goblin had gotten to it in the interim.¡± ¡°And there is a reason for that,¡± Justin said. ¡°I want to assure you that made no mistake in your initial measurements, Glamshara.¡± She looked at him, curious. Zogmar simply glared. ¡°Your second measurements were off because Zogmar took a small part of the Moonflower, probably while he was gathering the Sandbloom Essence for the Shadow¡¯s Kiss. It was a subtle theft, but just enough to sabotage your antidote.¡± Queen Grizshara narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you suggesting Zogmar has enough of the Moonflower to heal Nyrissa?¡± Zogmar hissed through his teeth. ¡°This is absurd! You believe that lying witch over me? It¡¯s nothing but slander!¡± ¡°You knew Glamshara¡¯s interest in the Legendary Draughts,¡± Justin continued. ¡°You knew that if you took a small amount of the Moonflower, she¡¯d use up the rest, leaving you with the only remaining supply. You also spread rumors that Glamshara gave Grashuk a love potion. Several goblins, including Zildur, noticed his strange behavior lately. But at the time Grashuk was supposedly dosed, Borgruk can testify that Glamshara was busy cataloging ingredients in her lab.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Borgruk confirmed. Justin didn¡¯t stop. ¡°The only person who could have dosed Grashuk was you. You shot him with your blowgun on his way home from the tavern.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lie!¡± Zogmar snapped. ¡°How can you be sure Glamshara didn¡¯t slip out to administer the potion herself? It wasn¡¯t as if she was being watched every moment that night!¡± ¡°She wasn¡¯t, but Borgruk has confirmed that he saw her at least every half hour, and she was still working even as the tavern was winding down,¡± Justin said. ¡°It¡¯s possible she slipped out unnoticed, but not probable. But that¡¯s not all. Before we set out to apprehend Glamshara, you gave us your blowgun, claiming it was loaded with an antidote to cure Grashuk. However, Glamshara tested its contents, and it instead revealed a Slowing Poison.¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Glamshara said, her voice firm. ¡°It contained duskbell and blue-spotted tree frog venom. My Revelation Solution turned a cloudy purple. Everyone who was there can testify to that.¡± Zogmar fell silent, his composure beginning to crack. ¡°So, Zogmar,¡± Justin pressed, ¡°the reason you urged us to attack Glamshara first, and to shoot Grashuk with your blowgun, was to cover your tracks. You wanted both out of the way. Once the dust settled, you planned to return to the lab, ¡®discover¡¯ the last of the Moonflower, and set yourself up as the hero who saved the Princess.¡± ¡°A compelling story,¡± Zogmar sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°But that¡¯s all it is¡ªa story. You have no hard evidence. Just wild speculation.¡± He flashed a predatory grin. ¡°And besides, you can¡¯t explain how the poisoned fork ended up under Zildur¡¯s bed. How could I have managed that?¡± Justin noticed Zildur¡¯s subtle reaction¡ªshe had clearly been troubled by this point, likely prodded by the Queen herself. ¡°You had one opportunity I can think of,¡± Zildur said, her voice steady but tense. ¡°You offered to brew me a calming potion after the Princess had fallen terribly ill. You said you noticed my nerves were fraught¡ªwhich to be fair, was true¡ªand you insisted I take it. I was surprised, honestly. You¡¯re not usually one to care much about anyone or anything outside your alchemy. But I accepted. You insisted on delivering the potion to my room. I left the door unlocked that day so you could deliver it, and found the potion waiting for me on cupboard. That must have been when you slipped the fork beneath my bed.¡± ¡°Pure conjecture,¡± Zogmar said, his voice dripping with contempt. "As you said, the door was unlocked. Anyone could have gone in there." "Yes," Zildur allowed, "but you were the only who knew it was unlocked." Queen Grizshara leaned forward, her gaze sharp. ¡°Justin, if your theory holds, then Zogmar should still have some of the Moonflower in his possession. Is that so?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Justin confirmed. ¡°If it¡¯s somewhere in his possession, that will prove everything. He didn¡¯t plan to kill the Princess. He wanted Glamshara out of the way first so he could swoop in and save Nyrissa, solidifying his position in the tribe. If he doesn¡¯t have the Moonflower, I¡¯ll admit I¡¯m wrong. But Glamshara¡¯s meticulous nature suggests otherwise; she would not have been off on her initial measurements. Zogmar took just enough of the Heart of the Moonflower to make the antidote.¡± ¡°I possess nothing of the kind!¡± Zogmar shouted, his desperation growing. Justin studied him closely. ¡°So, if we search your workshop now, we won¡¯t find it?¡± Zogmar hesitated, and his silence was all the confirmation Justin needed. His shoulders sagged, and his breathing became shallow, as if panic were closing in on him. ¡°How do I know someone didn¡¯t frame me by planting the Heart of the Moonflower there?¡± Zogmar demanded. ¡°You keep your workshop locked up tighter than a dragon¡¯s hoard,¡± Borgruk said flatly. ¡°No one but you could¡¯ve gotten in there.¡± ¡°Zogmar,¡± the Queen said coldly, ¡°we can do this the easy way or the hard way. If we search your workshop and home and don¡¯t find the Moonflower, you will be exonerated. But if we do find it after it¡¯s too late to save my daughter, you will be tortured most brutally. We know the Moonflower is out there, somewhere. Someone has it. And we will find it. But if you confess now and save us the trouble, I will grant you mercy. It¡¯s your choice.¡± All eyes were on him. Justin realized that if Zogmar had hidden the Moonflower well, then he might gamble that it wouldn¡¯t ever be found. But if the Queen made good on her threat¡ªand Justin bet she would¡ªshe would hunt for it for months, if not years, until it was found. Zogmar¡¯s shoulders trembled as he finally broke down. ¡°All right, fine! I admit it! It was me!¡± Justin exhaled in relief. They had cracked the case. ¡°Is your mind clear of the love potion¡¯s effects now, Grashuk?¡± Queen Grizshara asked. ¡°Yes, my Queen,¡± Grashuk replied, his voice somber. ¡°I acted foolishly, but the antidote cleared the potion¡¯s effects.¡± ¡°You are not to blame,¡± Grizshara said. ¡°Zogmar¡¯s skill with potions twisted your mind.¡± She turned back to Zogmar, her gaze icy. ¡°We will go to your workshop now. If you don¡¯t produce the Heart of the Moonflower within a minute, your death will be slow and excruciating.¡± Zogmar¡¯s face paled as he realized there was no way out. ¡°My Queen, I beg for your mercy!¡± ¡°Mercy will come if you produce the Moonflower,¡± Queen Grizshara said. ¡°Now, lead the way.¡± Trembling, Zogmar was escorted by the group, though Zildur excused herself to tend to Nyrissa. Within minutes, they arrived at Zogmar¡¯s workshop. He hesitated only briefly before fumbling through his shelves and cabinets, finally producing the Heart of the Moonflower. The brilliant silver dust was barely even visible, such was the small amount. It was hidden inside a hollowed-out alchemy flask, concealed among mundane ingredients on a high shelf. It was clear it would have turned up with a thorough search within an hour or less. The man, in his hubris, had never thought the evidence would point back to him. And, Justin realized with a chill, he¡¯d almost gotten away with it. ¡°Glamshara,¡± Queen Grizshara commanded, her voice steady, ¡°will you brew the antidote?¡± ¡°Of course, my Queen,¡± Glamshara replied, stepping forward to take the Moonflower and begin the brewing process. Grashuk and Borgruk roughly pulled Zogmar aside as Glamshara set to work, her hands steady despite the gravity of the situation. ¡°Take him to the dungeon for now,¡± Queen Grizshara ordered. Grashuk and Borgruk immediately seized Zogmar, who barely resisted, his eyes darting between the group. His gaze settled on Justin, Kargan, and Bohemond, filled with malice. His hateful stare lingered, but his defiance crumbled as he was dragged toward the palace, his screams echoing faintly as they hauled him away. Within moments, Glamshara had finished brewing the antidote¡ªa glowing silver potion that cast the entire room in soft, ethereal moonlight. The glow was so pure it seemed to reflect the magic of the Moonflower itself. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± Glamshara announced, her voice steady, though there was a glint of tension in her eyes. Queen Grizshara approached her sister, taking the potion with a mixture of reverence and urgency. ¡°Will this work?¡± ¡°Undoubtedly,¡± Glamshara replied confidently. The two sisters shared a look¡ªone filled with unspoken emotions. Whatever they needed to resolve between them, it wasn¡¯t for Justin or anyone else to interfere. ¡°We must get this potion to Nyrissa,¡± Queen Grizshara said, turning to her guards. ¡°I will see to her myself.¡± As she prepared to leave, she faced Justin and his companions. ¡°Wait for me in the throne room. If this potion saves my daughter, I will owe you a debt beyond measure.¡± Justin gave a deep, respectful bow, followed by Kargan. Even Bohemond inclined his head in acknowledgment. Now there was only to wait. 73. Spoils and Ascent Not an hour later, Queen Grizshara had returned to the throne room with everyone but Zildur, who stayed behind to tend to Nyrissa. ¡°This is the only thing I would leave my daughter¡¯s side for,¡± she said, her voice grateful. ¡°To properly thank the three of you for unraveling this conspiracy. And, of course, Borgruk for his help. I never would have imagined it was Zogmar, but his possession of the Moonflower confirms everything. He¡¯d always seemed professional, but in hindsight, there was a certain coldness to him. I don¡¯t think he ever forgave me for granting my sister the Alchemist core. Which, as I¡¯m about to reveal, is truly a shame.¡± Justin nodded in understanding but remained silent. While Glamshara had certainly damaged her reputation by prioritizing the Everlasting Draught over her niece¡¯s life, perhaps she had redeemed herself somewhat by brewing the antidote. ¡°Nyrissa is on the mend,¡± Grizshara continued. ¡°The antidote has been administered, and when I left her, she was sitting up in bed eating a bowl of soup.¡± ¡°That¡¯s wonderful news,¡± Justin said. ¡°And now, no doubt, you¡¯re wondering about your rewards. For it wasn¡¯t just potions and ghosts we found in the excavation site.¡± Justin shifted on his feet in anticipation. Glamshara herself stepped forward from her position beside Grizshara. ¡°We discovered several valuable items down there and brought them back in the cart. But there was one item I kept secret from the others. I entrusted it to my sister.¡± Grizshara nodded, and Justin¡¯s curiosity piqued. This must be the rare item denoted by the Vault itself. Borgruk and Ralthog approached, carrying a large chest, which they set down and opened. The Queen rose from her throne and reached into the chest, pulling out a large shield. Its surface was etched with intricate geometric patterns, clearly of dwarven craftsmanship. The metal gleamed with a soft glow, and the runic engravings seemed to shift subtly as the light hit them. ¡°Our Enchanter has already identified these items, including their ethereal names and levels,¡± Grizshara explained. Justin assumed ¡°ethereal name¡± referred to the System¡¯s designation for magical items, names that could be detected by skilled Enchanters. Grizshara continued, holding the shield aloft. ¡°This is the Shield of Bashing, a Gold-Level shield. It goes to Bohemond. It triples your Power Attribute while using your Shield Bash ability while reducing its cooldown by a third.¡± Bohemond stepped forward and took the shield, slinging his old one behind his back. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Next, she reached into the chest again and produced a thick, amber-colored ring, its surface polished, resembling solidified honey. ¡°This is for Kargan, the Blood Warden. It¡¯s called the Ring of Knives, a Gold-Level accessory that allows you to cast the Chaos Magic spell Knives of Fury as many times as your level.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. That spell would give Kargan offensive capabilities, despite being a defensive class. It was something they sorely needed. At Level 5, Kargan could use the spell five times a day. Justin looked forward to seeing it in action. Kargan accepted the ring with a nod. ¡°Thank you, Queen Grizshara.¡± At last, the Queen turned to Justin. His heart raced. He hoped for an enchanted leg piece¡ªhis only missing slot of magical gear. ¡°Your reward,¡± Grizshara said, a small smile on her lips, ¡°is something far better than a piece of gear.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you mean, Queen Grizshara?¡± It was Glamshara who produced a vial from her satchel. Inside, the liquid shimmered with an array of iridescent colors, as though it contained the essence of a rainbow. ¡°This is the All-Encompassing Draught from before. While it¡¯s not as powerful as the Everlasting Draught, it will be extremely valuable on your journey. However, I recommend you have it appraised by a reputable Alchemist before consuming it. While I¡¯m not skilled enough to say what it will do, it will give you a powerful benefit that¡¯s likely to stay with you the rest of your days.¡± Justin accepted the potion, intrigued. ¡°Thank you, Glamshara.¡± Despite Glamshara¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit underwhelmed. The others had received powerful gear while he was given a potion of uncertain potency. It might prove useful later, but it offered no immediate advantage. Unless, of course, he drank it first without getting it looked at, which would be foolish. Before he could dwell on it, Queen Grizshara spoke again. ¡°And that¡¯s not all. I have one last gift for Justin, whose sharp mind was crucial in solving this mystery.¡± She reached into the chest once more and drew out an object that caused everyone in the room to gasp. It was an orb glowing with an intense, pure blue light. The icon of a vial, suspended within, identified it unmistakably as an Alchemist Core. ¡°Ironic, isn¡¯t it?¡± Grizshara said, her voice almost amused. ¡°Had you not uncovered Zogmar¡¯s treachery, this core would have gone to him. He probably didn¡¯t know my sister found it during the excavation. But given the circumstances, it¡¯s only fitting that this reward goes to you. You not only saved my daughter, but you also exposed the true mastermind behind this plot.¡± ¡°Wow,¡± Kargan said, turning to him. ¡°Congratulations.¡± Justin accepted the core, marveling at the raw potential it held. As a Level 9, he couldn¡¯t use it just yet, but it would be an invaluable asset once he had leveled up enough. His mind raced with possibilities. Would his Socialite Prismatic Core fused with this one to create a new class? Would that possibility be open to him now, or did he have to wait until Level 20? Or maybe the best move would be to sell it and earn an inordinate sum of gold. He tucked it safely into his pack. ¡°Thank you, Queen Grizshara,¡± Justin said, bowing deeply. ¡°No,¡± Grizshara replied with a smile. ¡°Thank you. You and your companions have my eternal gratitude. If there¡¯s anything else you need, ask.¡± ¡°Actually,¡± Justin said, straightening up, ¡°there is one thing. We¡¯re being pursued by a very dangerous man. A high-level Lexicant, along with his classed followers. They likely know we¡¯re here and are waiting for us to leave.¡± Grizshara¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Yes, we are aware of the party gathered outside the palace. I¡¯ve already begun preparing my warriors and requested aid from neighboring tribes. The Creator has turned our situation into a Vault, but once the magic fades, there may be conflict. However, there is a moving floor in the Underdeep nearby. Borgruk and Ralthog can escort you there. You should reach it by late evening. The floor¡¯s magic still works, and it will take you to the surface.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Justin asked, surprised by the offer. Grizshara nodded. ¡°You¡¯ll find yourselves in the Seraphim Range, a much safer place than the ruins of Drakendir, though still quite dangerous, especially as the weather turns cold.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great news,¡± Justin said, relieved. ¡°One more thing¡ªhave you heard any news about two other humans? A middle-aged male Ranger and a female Bard. We were separated when a tunnel collapsed.¡± Grizshara nodded. ¡°Yes, my scouts reported seeing two humans matching that description. They were not attacked since they haven¡¯t encroached on our territory. You likely have no reason to fear. Their path, called Filgur¡¯s Tunnel, leads upward to the same valley where the moving floor will take you. Assuming they stay in the main tunnel, you should be reunited soon.¡± That was perfect. Eldrin could use Shadowflight to track them down once they were above ground, assuming they followed the tunnel out. ¡°And what about Baron Valdrik? Will your tribe be able to hold off his forces?¡± ¡°I assume that¡¯s the Lexicant,¡± Grizshara replied. ¡°There are far more of us than him and his followers. If he¡¯s wise, he¡¯ll retreat. If not, he¡¯ll be overwhelmed.¡± Assuming all went well, they¡¯d be far ahead of Valdrik by then. Justin could almost taste freedom. ¡°Thank you for everything,¡± he said. ¡°We should probably get going.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Grizshara said. ¡°Good luck in your adventures.¡± [The Vault honors your triumph. Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds. The Trial of the Vault is complete! Experience Gained: 1,000 Your experience stands at 1659/1590 (Level-up available!)] Justin blinked at the notification. Not only had he gained a powerful potion and a Class Core, but he would also level up to 10 upon his next sleep¡ªan important milestone, as it meant unlocking his Class Focus. He wasn¡¯t sure what that entailed yet, but he knew he¡¯d find out soon enough. For now, though, the priority was getting out of Drakendir. Borgruk and Ralthog approached, but it was Borgruk who spoke. ¡°All packed and ready to go?¡± Justin nodded. ¡°The Vault¡¯s magic should last about an hour, which gives us enough time to get a head start.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°We should leave immediately,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°There are multiple paths to the moving floor, and I don¡¯t know if your enemies have mapped them, but if they have, they could still catch up. And we need to watch out for the constructs. If we get into a fight with them, it¡¯ll attract other attackers. Stealth is our best bet.¡± ¡°Got it. Lead the way,¡± Justin said. Borgruk and Ralthog led them toward the Underdeep Gate. It was high time to leave Drakendir and reunite with their friends.
As their guides led them through the darkness, Kargan sidled up to Justin. ¡°Any plans for what to do with the core?¡± Bohemond seemed to catch their conversation as he walked slightly ahead. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet. Still a ways until Level 20. That¡¯s a long time to hold on to a class core.¡± ¡°I¡¯d sell it if I were you,¡± Bohemond said, his voice low but firm. ¡°Alchemist Cores are quite valuable.¡± ¡°How valuable?¡± Justin asked, intrigued. ¡°They sell for 80 golds or more, depending on the market.¡± Justin raised his brows. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of dosh.¡± Bohemond gave a slow nod. ¡°Well, most dealers who handle those kinds of things won¡¯t give you that much upfront. At best, you might get 50 or 60 gold. Depends on your haggling skills.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve invested in my Charisma for, right?¡± Bohemond gave a casual shrug, a half-smirk curling his lips. ¡°Anyone who deals regularly with selling class cores has enough gold to invest in the Merchant Class. That class grants them boons and skills specifically designed for haggling. Trust me, it puts you at a disadvantage. That¡¯s why many people go through an agent when trying to sell high-value items. You don¡¯t want to haggle with a Merchant! They¡¯ll fleece you before you even realize what happened.¡± Justin thought back to Reginald, the Merchant who¡¯d nearly laughed him and Lila out of the store when he tried to bargain over a few silvers. At least, until Reginald had learned about the Amulet of Equilibrium. ¡°Do either of you know if a Socialite Core and an Alchemist Core even harmonize?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kargan said, his tusks protruding thoughtfully. ¡°Socialite is a Charisma-based class, while Alchemist is Intellect. Might be worth researching later when we¡¯re out of here. Not everything is a valid combination, even if they are differing Core Attributes. And of course, you¡¯d have to unlock an Intellect Core at Level 20 before being able to use it.¡± ¡°Is that something I get to choose, or do the gods choose it?¡± ¡°You have some influence,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°With the way you¡¯ve been adventuring, you¡¯re likely to unlock a Power Core Attribute. But if you make decisions that prioritize thinking and strategy, as you did with this Vault, you¡¯re more likely to end up with an Intellect Core. It¡¯s not foolproof, though. Sometimes, the gods have a purpose in mind for you, and there is nothing you can do about it.¡± Justin nodded, filing the information away. There¡¯d be time to worry about that later. But first, they had to escape this labyrinth. A couple of hours passed in the dark depths of the Underdeep. Twice, they encountered isolated spider constructs. But between the five of them, it was simple work to take them down. Ralthog¡¯s raw strength surprised Justin. The goblin could have probably soloed the enemies himself, and the way he moved¡ªprecise, deliberate, even performing a quick flip to add momentum to his swings¡ªdemonstrated he probably had a Power class of some sort. During the second fight, Bohemond showcased his more powerful Shield Bash skill, which was strong enough to force the spider back into the wall, spraying a shower of sparks. Kargan didn¡¯t use his new spell from his ring, probably because it wasn¡¯t necessary. Better to save it in case it was needed later. Both Bohemond and Kargan announced they would level up as well, which would put Bohemond at Level 11 and Kargan at Level 6. ¡°So, Bohemond,¡± Justin said. ¡°I know you¡¯re a Knight, but what¡¯s your Focus?¡± ¡°Aspirant of Arion,¡± Bohemond said proudly. ¡°And what does that do?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Well, I get various blessings from Arion as I level up. It¡¯s the proper Focus for a Knight who wishes to become a Paladin.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Justin said. ¡°I thought a Paladin was a Warrior and a Cleric Core combined.¡± ¡°There are multiple ways to become a Paladin,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Warrior and Cleric is just one path. But you can also start as a Knight, Barbarian, Monk, or Lancer. Rather than combining your core with a Cleric, you could combine it with a Priest Core instead. Or, you can start as a Cleric or Priest and merge with the cores I just mentioned. While all are technically Paladins, each one is unique, depending on how the person developed their core. The boons and skills you gain are shaped by your choices.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. It seemed there were multiple ways to get a certain Advanced Class, at least with the Paladin. It was probably true for other ones as well. Finally, they reached a long tunnel that ended in a plain stone wall. As they drew closer, Kargan¡¯s Sacrificial Armor spell revealed a tall vertical shaft with a circular platform embedded in the floor. Enchanted runes, faintly glowing, decorated its surface, and a low hum thrummed beneath their feet. ¡°This is it,¡± Borgruk said, turning to face the humans. ¡°How do we work it?¡± Justin asked, eyeing the platform. ¡°Simple enough.¡± Borgruk pointed to a small, glowing blue crystal nestled in a slot. ¡°See that crystal? Take it out and move it to the slot that matches where you want to go.¡± Justin walked around the platform, noticing that at least thirty such slots encircled its edges, each marked with a rune he couldn¡¯t decipher. The stone was currently in a slot about in the middle of the rest. Borgruk continued. ¡°The leftmost rune is for the highest level. That¡¯ll take you to the surface. The rightmost rune¡­well, that¡¯s the bottom. Trust me, you don¡¯t want to go there.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll end up dying, that¡¯s why,¡± Borgruk said. ¡°These crystals lose charge and take time to power up again. Stick it in the surface slot and pray there¡¯s enough juice to get you all the way up.¡± The ominous tone in his voice did not sit well with Justin. ¡°Got it. Surface it is.¡± ¡°Good luck,¡± Ralthog grunted. ¡°We need to return to the tribe. There might be fighting.¡± ¡°Fortune favor you,¡± Justin replied. He wasn¡¯t sure of the goblins would be a match for the Baron, and he felt guilty for leading them right to the goblins¡¯ doorstep. But if Grizshara was right, they¡¯d have the means to repel them. Borgruk and Ralthog left, their footsteps fading as Justin moved to the blue crystal. He hesitated for a moment. A small, reckless voice in the back of his mind wondered what treasures lay at the bottom. Probably some high-level Vaults with amazing loot. Damn intrusive thoughts. ¡°Hurry it up, Justin,¡± Bohemond urged, the impatience clear in his voice. Justin shook off the temptation and slotted the crystal into the rune for the surface. Instantly, the grated doors of the elevator slid shut with a screech, dislodging dust and rust from the stone walls. This thing clearly hadn¡¯t been used in a long time. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a low groan, the floor shifted beneath them, and they rose. ¡°Praise Arion,¡± Bohemond muttered under his breath. The elevator picked up speed quickly, the air growing cooler as they ascended. The walls of the shaft blurred as they shot past. After several minutes, they began passing various floors, each with a brief but intriguing glimpse of what lay beyond. One floor revealed a vast cavern, littered with ancient dwarven machinery, their purposes long forgotten. Another opened to a subterranean lake, glowing softly with bioluminescent plants that bobbed gently on the water¡¯s surface. A third floor showed a grand hall with towering statues of long dead dwarven kings, their stone faces weathered but still regal, as though judging those who passed by. Several of the floors contained doorways that contained the tell-tale green shimmer of a Vault. Justin had the uncomfortable thought that if this were a movie, this would be the part where the elevator suddenly stopped, and they¡¯d be forced to fight unending hordes of monsters or undead. But dwarven craftsmanship was apparently top-notch, their engineering standing the test of time. The elevator continued its ascent smoothly. As the minutes ticked by and the pressure in his ears popped, Justin realized just how far underground they¡¯d been. Part of him couldn¡¯t help but wonder: Did Eldrin and Lila make it? What if they¡¯d stayed behind to search for him? Would they think to head to the surface, or were they mounting a rescue mission even now? Justin decided they could explore the valley above for a day or two before making any final decision At last, the air grew biting cold as the elevator slowed to a halt inside a small stone pavilion. The building was ancient but functional, built to shelter the elevator shaft. It had the look of an old shrine, squat and sturdy, its weathered stone walls adorned with faint carvings of dwarven runes. The gate grated open, revealing the wilderness beyond. Before them lay a steep cliff, and a narrow, treacherous staircase wound its way down into an evergreen-forested valley below, blanketed in snow and bathed in the silvery glow of moonlight. The icy wind howled through the trees below, sending shivers down Justin¡¯s spine. ¡°We need some shelter,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°This wind¡¯s cutting right through. Even with a fire, we won¡¯t last long up here. We need shelter, too.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve half a mind to go down one floor, if only for the night,¡± Kargan suggested, his voice hesitant as he glanced back at the elevator. ¡°Too risky,¡± Bohemond countered. ¡°I¡¯ll take the cold over whatever unknowns lie in the dwarven tunnels.¡± Justin peered around their immediate surroundings, but it was far too steep for a suitable camp. ¡°That leaves the valley,¡± Justin said, nodding toward the stairs. ¡°But walking down there in the dark? That seems like a bad idea.¡± They stood there, pondering their options. The realization soon hit Justin like a cold slap: Eldrin had most of the camping supplies. Their previous nights had been warm enough to pass next to a fire with no real need for cover, or they had inns to rely on. Not here. The cold could sap their strength and possibly kill them if they didn¡¯t find proper shelter soon. They needed fire, fuel, and shelter¡ªand none of that was in sight. The forest below was their only hope, but it would take hours to reach, and it was far too dangerous to navigate in the dark. The horrors of the Darkwood were fresh in Justin¡¯s memory, and he got the feeling the forest down there was far more dangerous. ¡°I don¡¯t like it,¡± Bohemond said after a long silence, ¡°but maybe we could sleep in the elevator shaft itself. We¡¯ve got the crystal, so no one else can use it. It¡¯ll keep us out of the wind, at least.¡± Justin¡¯s instincts screamed against the idea. But what were their alternatives? Hiking into the valley meant battling the cold, building a fire, and hoping they didn¡¯t encounter any dangerous creatures or monsters. The Seraphim Mountains were notoriously treacherous. ¡°Maybe just one floor down,¡± Justin suggested after a moment. ¡°Can¡¯t be too dangerous this close to the surface, right? We can set a watch, and if anything seems off, we get back on the elevator.¡± Kargan grimaced but nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t like it either, but we have little choice. I¡¯ll cast my Ward of Aegis¡ªit¡¯ll give us some protection, at least. I can take the first watch.¡± They moved to make preparations. Justin considered Bohemond¡¯s suggestion of staying in the elevator shaft, but the thought of someone or something recalling the elevator from below, trapping them, made his blood run cold. The crystal was the only mechanism he knew to move the elevator. At the same time, an elevator would be pretty useless if one couldn¡¯t summon it to begin with. No, they needed to find a safer spot underground. He wondered briefly what Eldrin would have done in this situation, though it hardly mattered now. Eldrin¡¯s skills would¡¯ve allowed them to stay warm on the surface, well-hidden from any dangers. Taking a deep breath, Justin removed the crystal and slotted it into the next level down. The elevator shuddered to life, descending slowly. His heart raced as it came to a stop about a minute later, revealing the new floor. The gates opened to a cavernous chamber, dimly lit by soft, glowing fungi that clung to the walls. At first glance, the space seemed promising¡ªa wide, open area with natural rock formations providing cover. The air was still, warmer than the surface, though a faint draft suggested some kind of ventilation. There were no immediate signs of danger, though the silence was unnerving. The far side of the cavern disappeared into shadow, and Justin couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something might be lurking just beyond the light. ¡°This¡¯ll do for tonight,¡± Bohemond said, his eyes scanning the cavern warily. ¡°Better than freezing to death up there.¡± They quickly set to work, making a hasty camp. Kargan cast his Ward of Aegis, creating a protective barrier around them, while Justin and Bohemond cleared a small space near one of the rock formations. They gathered what little fuel they could find¡ªmostly dried fungi¡ªand started a meager fire. It was enough to stave off the cold, but barely. They shared another meal of boar meat, which Justin was quickly growing sick of. At this point it was just fuel to keep going, nothing more. As Kargan sat on a nearby rock, Justin settled down to sleep. He watched Bohemond lay down. Something in his expression seemed to show he was brooding. ¡°You okay, Bohemond? The Knight¡¯s eyes widened a moment. ¡°Yes, Justin. Arion watch over you.¡± The Knight turned around and quickly fell asleep. Justin was much too tired to ponder it. The next day, hopefully, would bring him up to Level 10, and hopefully, news of their friends. 74. Choices, Choices... Justin woke with a start, completely ready for what came next. He had defied all odds, surviving long enough to reach Level 10¡ªno easy feat. And even with the constant stress of his journey, he had done it in just a matter of a couple of weeks. He wasn¡¯t sure exactly how long had passed since he¡¯d first come to Eyrth, but he was certain it was about that long. It probably took others months, if not years, to gain that much experience. His heart raced in anticipation, waiting for the familiar rush of energy that came with levelling up. But as the seconds ticked by, his frown deepened. There was nothing. No surge of power, no notification from the System. Just uncanny silence. He sat up, confused. Opening his ethereal interface, he scanned his character information. All his stats were there. His experience bar was overflowing into the next level. Even the ¡°Level-up available!¡± notification hovered in front of him, taunting him. ¡°Something¡¯s not right,¡± he muttered. Bohemond, standing a short distance away on watch, looked over. ¡°What¡¯s not right?¡± ¡°I should be leveling up,¡± Justin said. ¡°Only I¡¯m not. Did you level up?¡± Bohemond nodded. ¡°I did, when Kargan woke me for the second watch.¡± His expression darkened as he turned toward Justin. ¡°Are you saying you¡¯re getting nothing?¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°What does it mean?¡± Bohemond stared off into the darkness of the cavern. The ethereal light of the fungus clinging to the walls revealed what appeared to be a forest of mushrooms in the distance, barely visible. Had those been there yesterday? Before Justin could ask, Bohemond spoke again. ¡°There are two reasons you wouldn¡¯t level up. The first is being cursed somehow¡ªrare, but possible. The second, and more common, is if there¡¯s immediate danger nearby. Danger we need to take care of or get away from.¡± At the sound of their voices, Kargan stirred awake. ¡°What¡¯s this about danger?¡± ¡°Kargan, can you level up?¡± Justin asked. The orc frowned. ¡°Huh. That¡¯s weird. I got nothing.¡± Justin scanned the cavern again, now even more alert. The glow from the fungi along the walls cast long, ominous shadows. The air felt thicker than before, almost suffocating. The mushroom trees seemed...closer. ¡°Are those things moving?¡± Justin asked, his voice low. Before Bohemond could reply, a low rustling sound echoed through the chamber. Justin¡¯s hand instinctively reached for his cane as the rustling grew louder. It sounded like wind, but unnaturally muffled. It was coming from the mushrooms. ¡°Back up to the elevator,¡± Justin said, his voice steady but firm. But before they could move, grotesque, mushroom-like creatures emerged from the darkness, alarmingly close. There must have been an unseen tunnel, just out of sight of their meager fire. cavern¡¯s side. Their squat, humanoid bodies were a sickly white, dotted with yellowish-green spores. Large caps sprouted from their heads, blending perfectly into the dark environment until they moved. Their eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, and their jerky, unsteady movements made Justin¡¯s skin crawl. Worse still, their mouths were wide and filled with sharp teeth, forked tongues flicking out as they hissed. Kargan¡¯s Ward of Aegis flared to life just as one creature opened its gaping mouth, releasing a cloud of spores. The ward flickered and held for a moment, but the spores quickly broke it down, collapsing the barrier and flooding the surrounding air with a thick, rancid fog. Justin gasped at the stench, pulling his shirt over his face. A notification flashed before him. [Fear Effect resisted by the Top Hat of Mental Clarity!] Beside him, Kargan and Bohemond weren¡¯t so lucky. The moment they inhaled the spores, their eyes widened in terror. Kargan let out a strangled cry, his tusks trembling as he flailed in panic. Bohemond staggered backward, his face pale, swinging his sword wildly at enemies only he could see. Justin called out. ¡°Bohemond! Kargan!¡± But they were paralyzed with fear. Kargan, in his confusion, even cast his Vital Surge healing spell on one of the advancing mushroom monsters. Five of the grotesque figures moved in closer. They had short, squat legs but long, sinewy arms that gave them an unsettling, crab-like movement as they jerked toward the group. Justin gripped his cane tightly, his heart pounding in his chest. He was on his own. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, meeting the first creature head-on. His cane whirled through the air with practiced precision. He jabbed the creature in the throat, just beneath its gaping mouth, then spun, sweeping its squat legs out from under it. As it hit the ground, Justin brought the cane down hard, cracking its cap with a sickening crunch. The creature twitched once before going still. Another lunged at him, its long claws swiping at his chest. Justin pivoted, deflecting the strike with his cane. [Gentleman¡¯s Rebuff has shielded this attack!] Thankfully, the creature was Level 12 or under. Justin pressed his advantage, driving the end of the cane into its midsection. He followed up with a sharp elbow to its head, sending it reeling backward. He moved fluidly, as though dancing. He was beyond grateful for his Level 8 Improved Cane Competency Boon. Without it, the creatures¡¯ numbers and their sporadic attacks might have overwhelmed him. These monsters didn¡¯t seem to have much skill in combat, relying instead on their Fear effect and sheer numbers. They were no match for his speed and precision. He felt far stronger, more limber, and tougher than before, no doubt an effect of his Attribute boosts from the Amulet of Equilibrium. As Justin took down a third creature, more appeared, advancing from the far side of the cavern. They were too far away to use their spores, but they were closing in fast. Suddenly, Kargan stirred. His eyes cleared, and he gasped for air. Bohemond, too, snapped out of his torpor as the spores¡¯ effects faded. The Knight instantly charged into the two remaining mushrooms, cleaving them easily with his longsword. But there were at least twenty more mushroom creatures approaching. ¡°We can¡¯t let them get close enough to use their spores,¡± Justin said. ¡°Time to back up to the elevator.¡± ¡°Let me try something first,¡± Kargan replied, raising his Staff of Aegis. His new Ring of Knives glowed faintly, a subdued amber light pulsing from it. Almost immediately, a cloud of ethereal knives materialized in the air before him, spinning rapidly in a circle about two meters in diameter. The cloud shot forward, the knives whistling through the air as they tore into the advancing mushroom creatures. The creatures shrieked as the knives sliced through them, their bodies disintegrating into spores and dust. The cloud of knives held its position, blocking the path. Some creatures tried to squeeze through narrow gaps on either side, but Kargan cast the spell again¡ªtwice more¡ªsummoning new clouds of knives that sealed the path entirely. The once-advancing horde of creatures was shredded to pieces in seconds. Ethereal knives continued to slice through their soft bodies until nothing remained. The original spell faded, revealing the last few mushroom creatures stumbling over one another in the gap, only to be shredded by the remaining clouds. By the time the final cloud dissipated, the cavern had grown eerily still. Justin stood panting, his cane still gripped tightly. He glanced at the remains of the mushroom creatures, their spores lingering in the air like a faint mist. The power of Kargan¡¯s spell had obliterated them entirely. The spores, apparently, no longer had an effect now that the monsters were dead. ¡°Wow,¡± Justin muttered, still in shock. ¡°That...that was incredible.¡± Bohemond¡¯s face was ashen to the display. Kargan, seemingly just as surprised, nodded slowly. ¡°This ring is only going to get stronger as I level up. The opportunities for crowd control are amazing.¡± Justin nodded, his mind still reeling from the intensity of the fight. He was about to speak when a familiar notification entered his mind. [You have reached Level 10. Your resilience and ingenuity have brought you far. Reflect on your journey and recognize how far you have come.] Justin stared into the darkness of the cavern, his senses on high alert. For now, the monsters seemed to have retreated, leaving them with a rare moment of calm. The System wouldn¡¯t let him level up unless it was safe, and finally, it seemed they had a moment to breathe. [As a Level 10 Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute.] Justin hesitated, his fingers brushing the cool surface of the Amulet of Equilibrium resting against his chest. He was on the cusp of a major decision, and King Alaric¡¯s warning echoed in his mind. Once one of his Attributes exceeded twice the average of all others, the Amulet would be impossible to remove, except by death itself. This was it. His last chance to decide if he wanted to invest further in his Charisma or spread his points to other Attributes. If he raised his Charisma to 21, the Amulet would demand that his other Attributes catch up before being able to remove it. He¡¯d be forced to invest five more points into them over the next five level-ups just to take the Amulet off. Sure, every six points in Charisma would grant him +1 to his other Attributes, but those milestones would only come every six levels¡ªunless he found more gear to boost his base Attributes. He had to keep in mind that if he invested in his other Attributes, then it wasn¡¯t like he¡¯d lose his +3 bonus to all the others. The Amulet would remain powerful even if he didn¡¯t go all-in. His mind spun with the implications. He had two accessory slots. Maybe he¡¯d get more in the future, but for now, that was all he had. Did he want to commit to this path? He¡¯d been toying with going all-in on Charisma for some time. What he did next would cement that decision permanently.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Justin closed his eyes and locked in his point. [Your Charisma is now 21.] Justin felt a shift in the Amulet¡¯s weight. It didn¡¯t fuse to his skin, but when he tried to lift it from his neck, it suddenly became unbearably heavy, immovable. He let his hand drop, and as the Amulet settled back against his chest, it returned to its previous, almost weightless state. He exhaled, the reality of his choice sinking in. At the moment, he wasn¡¯t sure if he¡¯d done the right thing or not. All he knew was there was no going back. That was when the System¡¯s voice echoed in his mind again. [As a Level 10 Socialite, you have at last unlocked your Focus. Your Focus is an important decision, not to be made lightly. It will influence all the skills and boons you are presented from here on out, even when you take on an Advanced Class. Your journey so far has made six potential Focuses available to you. Each comes with a Focus Boon that will further shape your destiny, automatically upgrading to its ultimate form at Level 20. Choose wisely! There is no changing your Focus except under very specific and rare circumstances.] A chill ran through Justin as he scanned the options presented on his interface. As with the Attribute boost, the weight of this decision pressed down on him. He read through the first option.
Seducer Focus: Seducers use their charm and allure to captivate and influence others, especially by exploiting the baser instincts shared by all sapient races, whether that¡¯s lust, greed, or envy. They excel in persuasion and manipulation, making them adept at turning social situations to their advantage. Undeniable Charm (Focus Boon): There¡¯s just something about you that can¡¯t be denied. People may love or hate you for it, but whatever ¡°it¡± is, it¡¯s undeniable. Upon adopting this boon, the attraction others feel for you noticeably increases, scaling with your Charisma Attribute. But be warned¡ªthis may also inspire jealousy in those who long to be you or be with you!
Justin had to admit the Seducer Focus was intriguing. The ability to manipulate and control social situations with sheer ¡°rizz¡± certainly had its appeal, but the risk of creating animosity worried him. A double-edged sword, for sure. This was power, but power that was difficult to control. Worse still, it could leave him isolated, surrounded by jealousy and mistrust. And more importantly, it didn¡¯t fit his personality. He wasn¡¯t interested in playing mind games or being adored by everyone. While it sounded fun in theory, it could easily become a nightmare. With a sigh, he moved on to the next option.
Gentleman Focus: The Gentleman Focus is a balanced, jack-of-all-trades approach to the Socialite class, embodying grace, poise, and an innate understanding of both combat and high society. Gentlemen are equally comfortable in a fight or a diplomatic ballroom, but at the cost of not excelling at either. Essence of a Gentleman (Focus Boon): It¡¯s the way of a true gentleman to deflect slights¡ªwhether physical, magical, or reputational¡ªwith grace and aplomb. This boon grants you a slight chance to deflect physical, magical, and reputational damage against all attacks. The percentage chance is based on your total Attribute Points, divided by 10.
Now, this was interesting. The Gentleman Focus offered versatility. It would grant access to skills and boons that balanced combat and social situations, which seemed ideal. He wouldn¡¯t be the best fighter or the most charming person, but the flexibility could prove invaluable. And the Essence of a Gentleman boon? It gave a consistent chance to deflect attacks¡ªwhether physical, magical, or even damage to his reputation. From the description, it wasn¡¯t based solely on his base Attributes. The Amulet of Equilibrium that granted him extra Attribute points would only increase the dodge chance. Doing some quick math, he realized that with all his gear, he¡¯d have 93 total Attribute Points after this level up, giving him a 9.3% chance to dodge physical and magical damage entirely, plus social attacks. Even without the Amulet, the boon would still grant him a respectable 7.8% dodge chance. And if he kept leveling and upgrading his gear, this boon would scale well into the future. But he also considered the downside: without excelling in any one area, he might struggle against specialists. Still, this Focus fit his style much better than the Seducer. He filed it away as a strong contender and moved on to the next.
Noble Focus: The Noble Focus reflects a someone born into wealth or someone who has earned their place in high society. Nobles excel in political maneuvering, leadership, and command, influencing large groups and managing resources effectively. Commanding Aura (Focus Boon): Your presence inspires those around you. When leading a party of four or more, you gain +2 to all Attributes, while party members receive a +1 boost to all Attributes. When leading a party of eight or more, you gain +4 to all Attributes, and party members gain +2.
Justin considered the Noble Focus carefully. The bonuses it offered to both him and his party were incredibly powerful. Attribute points were notoriously scarce, and this boon would make him a more effective leader while enhancing his entire party. If he chose this Focus, he¡¯d step into a leadership role, someone others looked up to. He¡¯d likely get more skills related to commanding, leading, or gaining wealth¡ªskills that could be very useful in large-scale conflicts or even kingdom-building scenarios. The idea tempted him. After all, he¡¯d always loved reading about ¡°kingdom-building¡± in his web novel days. But did he really want to be ¡°the leader?¡± The role seemed more suited for someone like Baron Valdrik or Lord Harrington. On paper, though, it was probably the strongest Focus presented to him so far. He moved on.
Duelist Focus: The Duelist is a master of one-on-one combat, specializing in finesse-based weapons like rapiers and canes. Duelists are elegant fighters who strike with precision and grace, defeating their enemies with style. Elegant Counter (Focus Boon): After successfully dodging or parrying an enemy attack, you can perform a flawless counterattack that deals double damage and staggers your opponent. Each successful counter grants Momentum, increasing your attack speed by 10% for 10 seconds. Momentum can stack up to two times.
This one immediately caught his attention. The idea of mastering one-on-one combat appealed to Justin, especially with the chance to specialize in finesse weapons like rapiers besides his cane. The Elegant Counter boon was powerful. Dealing double damage with a stagger effect sounded perfect for taking down enemies in style. He could already picture himself, cane in hand, gracefully dispatching foes with calculated strikes. But the drawback was clear¡ªhe¡¯d be less effective in group combat and would get no bonuses when fighting multiple enemies, at least with this first boon. And the Focus likely came with little Charisma-based boons and skills. Trading versatility for mastery in one-on-one combat was tempting, but was it the right call? He glanced at the next Focus, something more socially focused.
Raconteur Focus: The Raconteur is a master of clever banter, sharp wit, and social finesse. Always ready with a quick retort or amusing story, they can navigate any social situation with ease, charming allies and unsettling opponents with their razor-sharp tongue. The Perfect Comeback (Focus Boon): Once per social encounter, when insulted, scrutinized, or even directly attacked, you can deliver a flawlessly timed retort that completely shifts the dynamic of the conversation, disarming your opponent or leaving them stunned. The effectiveness of your comeback scales with your Charisma Attribute.
Justin considered the Raconteur Focus carefully, even if it didn¡¯t seem like the right choice. He¡¯d been in this world long enough to know that a pure social build might not suit him, but the boon¡¯s usefulness was clear. The Perfect Comeback was like a defensive version of Poison Barb; it would proc as soon as he was insulted, once per encounter. While it might seem redundant with Poison Barb already in his Skillset, doubling up on such an ability could be an ideal choice for Socialites focused on dominating social situations. It just wasn¡¯t for him. The next one seemed even less suited to his build, but looked like it would be a fun playstyle, at least for a sociopathic person.
Con Artist Focus: The Con Artist is a master of deception, trickery, and manipulation. Unlike the Seducer, who relies on charm, the Con Artist uses clever misdirection, psychological manipulation, and elaborate schemes to swindle, deceive, or persuade others to their advantage. They are experts at creating false realities and capitalizing on the greed or naivety of their targets. Identify Mark (Focus Boon): A symbol appears above other¡¯s heads, visible only to you, revealing characters¡¯ susceptibility to deception or manipulation, giving you a general sense of how easy or difficult they might be to con. But beware, appearances can be deceiving!
Justin could safely discard this Focus. It just wasn¡¯t something he was interested in at all. He was curious about how the Identify Mark boon would play out in real life, but not at the cost of taking the Focus. He moved on to the final Focus.
Spy Focus: The Spy Focus emphasizes stealth, deception, and intelligence gathering. Spies are masters of infiltration, capable of navigating dangerous situations without being detected and gathering vital information for their allies. Shadow Step (Focus Boon): When sneaking, your movements become utterly silent, and others¡¯ eyes seem to slip past you.
Like Raconteur or Con Artist, this Focus didn¡¯t seem to fit Justin¡¯s style, but he made himself consider it. He had to admit, there was something appealing about moving unseen, slipping into places others couldn¡¯t follow. Shadow Step was a powerful boon, which would allow him to become practically invisible when necessary. But this would mean a more solitary path. It lacked the presence and charisma of the Gentleman or Noble Focuses. Did he really want to live in the shadows? Justin¡¯s eyes flicked back and forth between the options on his ethereal interface. He hadn¡¯t expected to have so many choices, but Seducer, Raconteur, Con Artist, and Spy could be safely discarded. They didn¡¯t suit him. Not now, not with what lay ahead. That left Gentleman, Noble, and Duelist. Each one called to different parts of him, each with its own set of strengths. He paused, his mind whirling as he weighed his options. The Gentleman Focus offered balance. He wouldn¡¯t be the best at anything, but he wouldn¡¯t be the worst either. The Essence of a Gentleman boon would let him deflect damage¡ªphysical, magical, and reputational¡ªwith style, and that sounded damn appealing. Perhaps the Focus¡¯s hybrid approach was not a weakness, but actually a strength. He¡¯d have an answer to any situation, whether it was a fight or a formal negotiation. Plus, with his Amulet of Equilibrium, the boon would scale nicely. His current total Attributes meant he¡¯d already be sitting on nearly a 10% chance to deflect any attack. Not bad. It didn¡¯t sound like much, but a chance like that could make the difference between life and death. The prospect of dodging attacks with sheer grace was appealing. It fit his image. Plus, the bonus could even get bigger when the boon upgraded at Level 20. Yet, that nagging thought returned: Would it be enough? The jack-of-all-trades approach was practical, but was it the best for what was coming? Did he need something with a bit more power? Then there was the Noble Focus. This one was different, powerful¡ªbut not in the way Justin usually operated. He¡¯d be a leader, a figure others rallied behind. His Commanding Aura would boost not just his own Attributes, but those of his entire party. And the bonuses scaled up significantly in larger groups. In the right circumstances, with enough people following him, he¡¯d be a force to reckon with. And it stood to reason that when the boon upgraded at Level 20, it might provide even more staggering bonuses. Leadership. Influence. The power to inspire. But that power came with expectations. It came with responsibility. Justin liked his independence, his freedom to do what he needed without having to worry about others. Leading a party of eight or more meant he¡¯d need to be in the thick of things, constantly looking after his companions. Did he want that? He hadn¡¯t exactly been dreaming of commanding armies or building empires. But might he grow into that role someday? The idea wasn¡¯t entirely unattractive. Leading others to success, gaining influence over entire regions, having people look to him for guidance...and of course, amassing wealth and resources. But it also meant being a target. And if he failed? Well, Commanding Aura wouldn¡¯t mean much if the weight of leadership crushed him. Plus, the boon would offer nothing that would help him immediately. He needed to be leading a party of four for that. Finally, his eyes lingered on Duelist. This Focus spoke directly to his ego. There was something undeniably cool about the Duelist. The Elegant Counter boon felt like it was made for someone who valued finesse, precision, and deadly efficiency. Every dodge or parry would be an opportunity to turn the tables with devastating style. Double damage on a counterattack? The chance to stagger an opponent? Not to mention the Momentum mechanic, which would increase his attack speed after every successful counter. It was a combat build that rewarded skill, grace under pressure, and elegance in battle. Justin could see himself flourishing in one-on-one duels, cane in hand, dispatching enemies with sharp, precise strikes. But therein lay the problem. The Duelist was hyper-specialized, built for one-on-one combat. It sounded ideal in theory, but what about when he wasn¡¯t fighting a single opponent? What about when he faced groups? If the battle shifted to something larger, would his finesse and precision be enough to protect him? The Gentleman was flexible, the Noble was powerful in groups, and the Duelist excelled in direct combat. Each one had its appeal. Each one could shape the way he approached every challenge from here on out. Justin took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He pictured the coming battles, the challenges ahead¡ªsurviving Baron Valdrik, the Vaults he¡¯d run across, and who knew what else. Who did he need to become to survive all of that? Which decisions had allowed him to survive so far? Who did he want to become? At that moment, the System¡¯s message to him upon reaching Level 10 came back to him. Remember to reflect on your journey and recognize how far you have come. The answer, he realized, lay in recognizing what had gotten him this far to begin with. Whatever he chose, he¡¯d keep all the skills and boon he¡¯d unlocked so far. That was important to remember. The question was, did he want to double down on what was already working? Did he want a new and larger role to grow into? Or more combat effectiveness to shore up his potential weakness on the battlefield? He¡¯d been agonizing for at least ten minutes, and every second counted. It was time to choose. 75. Survive to Kill Justin stared at the options in his interface. As he considered, his mind flashed back to something he¡¯d heard often during his online gaming days, a phrase often repeated in the Nightmare Realms of his favorite MMO, Aether Quest, where death meant death and you only had one life to live. It was a mantra for building resilient characters, ready to face any challenge. Survive to kill. It was the only approach that made sense when every step forward meant facing dangers he couldn¡¯t predict. Character builds that minimized the risk of bad luck or chance encounters were the only way to endure. He realized that this world, whether or not it was an advanced video game, operated under the same principles. The best Focus would be the one that helped him to survive to kill, or as a Socialite, survive to charm, the most. Under this new criterion, he reviewed the options, starting with the Duelist Focus. The temptation was strong. It was a build centered on finesse, precision, and delivering devastating blows in one-on-one combat. But the more he thought about it, the more it felt like a gamble. Duelists thrived on perfect timing, a dance of elegance and power, but they weren¡¯t built for surviving waves of enemies or chaotic, unpredictable scenarios. Perhaps, in time, the Focus would allow him to handle multiple foes, but that wasn¡¯t clear from the start. Sure, maybe a Duelist could defeat enemies one by one to survive larger groups, but offense wasn¡¯t always the best defense. What good was killing swiftly if you couldn¡¯t live long enough to strike? And survival, as Lord Harrington¡¯s party had demonstrated, wasn¡¯t just about physical endurance¡ªit was social, too. In both this world and Justin¡¯s own, navigating precarious social situations required more than martial prowess. Next, he considered the Noble Focus. Leadership, influence, the power to inspire. In larger battles, this could be invaluable. But leadership came with its own dangers. The weight of responsibility could be crushing, and while the Attribute boost was undeniably useful, it only triggered under specific circumstances. Besides, leaders always had targets on their backs. How long could he really survive like that? The Focus might have the best long-term potential, but there was nothing in the Focus that helped him now. Finally, his gaze settled on the Gentleman Focus. Balanced, versatile, with enough poise to handle any situation¡ªwhether combat or social. The boon, Essence of a Gentleman, would give him nearly a 10% chance to deflect all kinds of damage. And that percentage would only grow as he leveled up. Plus, if he found additional gear that would boost either his Coordination or dodge chance, a ¡°dodge tank¡± sort of build might even become viable. But even if he didn¡¯t go in that direction, the Focus would prove useful. The Gentleman Focus wasn¡¯t the strongest in any one area, but it guaranteed he¡¯d stay on his feet long enough to figure out how to win. A true gentleman didn¡¯t crumble under pressure¡ªhe stood firm, calm, and resourceful. Survive to kill. The phrase echoed in his mind again. The Gentleman Focus was adaptable. It was the best at keeping him alive. And that was the advantage he needed to secure victory. He made his choice. [Gentleman Focus selected.] A surge of knowledge flooded Justin¡¯s mind, a strange but not unpleasant sensation. It was as though hidden instincts had been unlocked within him¡ªthe grace of a diplomat, the poised reaction of a seasoned fighter, and the unflappable demeanor of someone who knew how to turn any verbal sparring match into victory. The boon, Essence of a Gentleman, filled him with a deep sense of composure, making it feel like slights and attacks¡ªwhether physical or social¡ªwould simply roll off his back. He exhaled deeply, letting the new boon settle into his awareness like the last piece of a puzzle snapping into place. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± Justin said, his voice carrying a new confidence. ¡°What did you end up going with?¡± Kargan asked, eyeing him curiously. ¡°Gentleman Focus,¡± Justin replied. ¡°It was the only thing that made sense. Gives me a good mix of combat and social abilities. Nothing too extreme, but flexible.¡± ¡°Congratulations,¡± Bohemond said, nodding approvingly. ¡°An important milestone, no doubt. But we really must be on our way. Time is not our ally.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t agree more. They quickly packed their belongings and headed toward the elevator shaft, just beyond a rise in the tunnel. But as soon as they reached it, a cold realization gripped Justin. The iron gate was closed tight, but the bigger problem was that the elevator was gone entirely. ¡°What in the gods¡¯ name happened?¡± Bohemond asked, his voice tense. Kargan¡¯s normally gray skin had gone even paler than usual. ¡°Someone must have recalled it from below.¡± ¡°When?¡± Justin asked, looking around in confusion. ¡°This thing is loud. We should¡¯ve heard it moving.¡± He cursed inwardly. They¡¯d already spent too much time here. He¡¯d just spent fifteen minutes deciding on his Focus. They should¡¯ve been far away by now. Kargan frowned. ¡°It must¡¯ve happened during the fight. Either way, we need to get out of here fast. Whoever¡¯s in that elevator is coming up, and if they pass this floor, they¡¯ll see everything¡ªthe battle, the dead mushroom creatures. It¡¯ll be obvious someone was here.¡± Justin glanced behind them at the litter of mushroom monsters, their grotesque bodies sprawled across the cavern. The fire pit they¡¯d used had burned down to ashes, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Someone would notice. Then, a heavy metallic clank reverberated up from the elevator shaft, echoing in the silence. They were out of time. ¡°We need to run,¡± Justin said. ¡°Now.¡± ¡°Run where?¡± Bohemond snapped. ¡°Right into more of those mushroom things?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take my chances with mushrooms over the Baron,¡± Justin shot back, already moving toward the cavern¡¯s deeper recesses. The hum of the magical elevator echoed as it rose up the shaft. They sprinted across the cavern, the dim light from the glowing fungus on the walls providing scant illumination. They needed to get out of sight, and only the mushroom trees growing in the distance could provide that cover. Before they could make it, the elevator flashed past. Glancing over his shoulder, Justin caught sight of shadows inside. They ran, their footsteps echoing off the stone as they ducked behind jagged rocks and twisted mushrooms deeper into the fungal forest. For a moment, the cavern was silent. Then the shriek of the elevator mechanism echoed again, followed by a grinding halt. Whoever had passed them before had now stopped on their level. Just as Justin was about to curse their luck¡ªor more accurately, the disunity that had caused those few seconds of hesitation¡ªa voice echoed from the elevator shaft.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Justin! Kargan!¡± He froze, his pulse racing. That voice¡ªit was unmistakable. ¡°Lila?¡± he whispered, his heart skipping a beat. Relief surged through him like a wave, lifting a weight off his shoulders. But he was wary. What if it wasn¡¯t them? What if it was some kind of magic cast by the Baron or his men? Justin held his breath and adopted a ¡°wait-and-see¡± approach. If it truly was Lila and Eldrin, that would soon reveal itself. He crept forward, peeking out from around a mushroom to see two familiar figures stepping out, illuminated by the dim light of the glowing fungus. It was definitely them. Lila wore her familiar leather armor, while Eldrin sported a Ranger¡¯s cloak that made him blend into the shadows. As Justin thought about it, it could be no one else but them. The System would never have allowed him to level up if an encounter with the Baron was imminent. Justin sprinted across the cavern, and Lila met him halfway, laughing as she threw her arms around him. He held her tightly, overwhelmed with emotion. ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you,¡± he breathed, his voice thick with joy. The feeling of reunion was almost overwhelming. He had been so preoccupied the past few days that he had convinced himself she was fine. But deep down, a gnawing fear had lingered. Now, holding her close, he realized just how much he had been afraid of losing her. ¡°Likewise,¡± she said with a grin, stepping back slightly but still holding his arms. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light. Eldrin, standing a few feet back, gave a small smile. ¡°As much as I hate to break up the reunion, we need to move. We should be in the elevator right now, heading for the surface. The Baron isn¡¯t far behind.¡± ¡°Lead the way, Ranger,¡± Bohemond said, his voice steady. Together, they piled into the elevator. Justin took a moment to glance at Eldrin¡¯s new cloak, which seemed to shimmer and shift colors as he moved to match the background. Lila, too, had a small golden harp sticking out of her pack. ¡°Did you two hit a Vault?¡± Justin asked. While Eldrin set the elevator crystal into the slot to take them to the surface, Lila answered. ¡°We did. It was awful. The entire place was some kind of dwarven machinery graveyard. Every step we took triggered malfunctioning traps or guardian constructs. We had to fight this little gnome mage with a green hat. He couldn¡¯t have been over two feet tall, but he kept casting a sand spell that made you so sleepy. Trust me, you would¡¯ve hated it! We got the hat as loot, but it¡¯s useless to us. Only works for the Elementalist Class.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s worth something to somebody,¡± Justin said. ¡°How¡¯d you clear it?¡± ¡°With a lot of luck and quick thinking on Eldrin¡¯s part,¡± Lila said, glancing at the Ranger. ¡°His potions carried us through. I didn¡¯t think we were going to make it.¡± ¡°But we did,¡± Eldrin added quietly. ¡°That¡¯s what matters.¡± Justin wanted to ask about their new gear, but it was clear they were still shaken by whatever had happened. There would be time for that later. Right now, they had to focus on escape. As the elevator ascended to the surface, Justin felt a strange mix of emotions¡ªrelief, dread, and the creeping sense that things were far from over. He wondered how the goblins had fared against the Baron¡¯s forces. ¡°You said the Baron was close?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin nodded. ¡°Yes. But luckily, he seemed to a bit occupied.¡± Lila nodded. ¡°The Baron was busy fighting goblins when we saw him. And from the sounds of it, they were in deep. Hundreds of goblins. It was chaos.¡± ¡°We¡­might have had something to do with that,¡± Justin said. ¡°During our Vault, we saved the Goblin Queen¡¯s daughter. They promised to keep the Baron busy. Hopefully, they take care of him for us.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t hold out too much hope,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But it should slow him down, at the very least. Whether that¡¯s an hour or a day, there¡¯s no telling.¡± ¡°How did you find us?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°We didn¡¯t,¡± Eldrin answered. ¡°Not on purpose, at least. During our Vault, the gnome mage dropped a map of Drakendir. We used it to find the elevator. Along the way, we ran across two goblins. They seemed to recognize us¡ªwell, recognized your names at least, because they kept saying them and pointing toward the elevator. The rest became obvious.¡± ¡°Borgruk and Ralthog,¡± Justin said. ¡°Friends of yours?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I¡¯d say so,¡± Justin replied. ¡°We worked with Borgruk in the last Vault. Swell guy.¡± ¡°What about the Baron¡¯s party?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°Did they see you?¡± Eldrin shook his head. ¡°No. We kept our distance. The Baron¡¯s men were distracted. We snuck away through a side tunnel before they could spot us.¡± Justin¡¯s mind raced. They had a window of opportunity, but it wouldn¡¯t last long. The elevator finally slowed to a stop. The gate rattled open, revealing the bright morning sunshine and a sky so clear it felt surreal after the cavern¡¯s oppressive gloom. The snow, blinding beneath the sun, spread out below them. It was just as cold as the previous night, and Justin didn¡¯t look forward to braving the weather, but at least they had their heat enchantments to keep them alive while they were on the move, along with Eldrin¡¯s survival skills. Before leaving, Eldrin tried to take the glowing crystal that powered the elevator. His fingers wrapped around it, but a sharp pulse of energy made him wince and pull back. The crystal glowed brighter in warning, resisting his touch. ¡°It won¡¯t let me take it with me,¡± Eldrin muttered. ¡°I¡¯d hoped to disable it.¡± Justin briefly thought of slotting the crystal back toward the deepest level. It would give them the most possible time to escape, but the risk of the gate closing in on them was too great. They exited quickly, just in time for the gate to close. Hopefully, the goblins would keep the Baron busy for hours yet. Eldrin took the lead, walking quickly atop the snowbanks lining the trail that snaked down into the valley below. It was hard to guess exactly where they were, but the mountain behind them was a great deal higher than the ones before them, and beyond that, there was an icy expanse of snow-covered forest and hills. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re on the north side of the Seraphim Range,¡± Eldrin called from ahead. ¡°Our options are rather thin up here. Let¡¯s at least get into that forest down below. Probably the southern reach of the Everwood. We can lose ourselves there and reevaluate our options.¡± Justin¡¯s heart fell at the news. It wasn¡¯t just the danger the lurked north of the Seraphims. They would be far from civilization and the resources that would provide. It had been nonstop action since they¡¯d left Windfall, and Justin hadn¡¯t had time to fully process everything the Baron had told him. He could only do that once they had gained some distance and attained a measure of safety, however small. Once again, Justin benefited from the Ranger¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace, which allowed them to move faster than they should have in the harsh environment. Even with the Ranger¡¯s skill, the pace was grueling, and Justin panted as they moved through the snow. His cane proved invaluable, saving him from slipping on several patches of ice. ¡°I¡¯m Level 9 now,¡± Lila said proudly, talking despite the climb. ¡°You?¡± ¡°Ten,¡± Justin replied, still trying to catch his breath. Her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°You¡¯ve got a Focus already?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he said between breaths. ¡°It wasn¡¯t an easy choice, but you¡¯re looking at Eyrth¡¯s newest Gentleman.¡± As he straightened his back, striking a slight pose, she raised an eyebrow. ¡°Well, congratulations. I suppose you must have cleared a Vault as well?¡± ¡°Come on, you two!¡± Eldrin called from ahead, not giving them a chance to catch up. He was no longer bothering to follow the winding trail. Instead, he sat on the edge of a snowbank and slid the rest of the way down to the forest below with alarming speed. It was several hundred feet at least to the forest below. Justin hesitated for a moment. Sliding down seemed reckless, especially with the threat of an avalanche, but they were running out of options. If the Baron¡¯s men were not far behind, they couldn¡¯t afford to play it safe. With a quick glance at Lila, Justin sat down and pushed off after Eldrin. The slope was steeper than he had expected, and he picked up speed fast, snow spraying up around him as he slid toward the forest at the base of the mountain. Within minutes, they had reached a cluster of rocks that provided some cover. The pine forest loomed just ahead, the scent of cold earth and evergreen filling the air as they approached. Justin glanced back up the slope, but there was no sign of the Baron or his men yet. Still, the trail they had left was obvious. Not even a Ranger could conceal the marks they had made in the snow. ¡°We¡¯ve bought ourselves a little time,¡± Eldrin said, surveying their surroundings, ¡°but not much. They¡¯ll find the trail soon enough.¡± He headed off into the forest, leaving the others to pick up his trail. ¡°Getting real sick of this running crap,¡± Justin muttered. ¡°If we make Mont Elea, we won¡¯t have to run anymore,¡± Eldrin said, his sharp ears picking up Justin¡¯s words. ¡°Valdrik will. Keep that in your thoughts.¡± ¡°Mont Elea?¡± Bohemond asked. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it later,¡± Eldrin said. Justin¡¯s thoughts drifted back to the conversation he¡¯d had with Valdrik. If the Templars of Arion were hunting for Earthers, then Mont Elea was the last place he wanted to go. He didn¡¯t have to tell the Templars about his Earth origins, but Eldrin, Lila, and Kargan already knew. He trusted them not to say anything, but what if some people there had ways to detect him? Maybe he could skip that part of the journey. And such had been the action since Windfall that Justin had never caught the others up on what the Baron had said. Bohemond¡¯s presence in the party was a hindrance. The Knight was nothing if not a wild card. While he¡¯d proven himself in battle, his zealotry and conflicts with Kargan promised trouble ahead. If Bohemond was stuck with them, then that meant the Knight had to either learn a little about what was going on, or he¡¯d grow suspicious when he was left out of every important conversation. Justin couldn¡¯t worry about that right now. It was too far ahead to think. Maybe they could find some town to dump Bohemond into. The guy had probably had enough of them by now and given the opportunity and his share of the loot, would probably be eager to part ways. At least, Justin hoped. They slipped into the shadows of the forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick layer of snow. 76. The Path Leads... The day stretched on, the forest¡¯s thick canopy keeping most of the sunlight at bay as Justin and the others trudged northward. For the first time in what felt like days, there was no immediate threat pressing down on them. Even though it was bitingly cold, Justin was just glad to be outside and under the sun again, even if that sun was mostly blocked by the forest¡¯s thick canopy. At least here, there was no malevolent presence like the Darkwood. Still, Justin suspected that danger would increase as they descended in elevation. The chirping of birds and signs of small game, like a snow fox poking its head from a burrow, reassured him that the world around them was relatively peaceful. At least for now. Eldrin did not slow his pace. They ate cold boar meat as they walked, not wanting to lose any time. It was in this quiet that the flutter of wings broke through the stillness. Shadowflight swooped down from the treetops, landing lightly on Eldrin¡¯s shoulder. The Ranger¡¯s face relaxed into a smile. Even Justin had to admit that seeing the falcon brought a sense of relief¡ªthough he could only hope the news the bird carried was good. Eldrin paused, tilting his head slightly as if listening to an unseen voice. His expression gave away nothing. ¡°Anything?¡± Kargan asked, his hand tightening on his staff as if bracing for the worst. Eldrin shook his head. ¡°No sign of Valdrik or his men. It seems the goblins are keeping them busy.¡± He glanced at the forest ahead, his sharp eyes scanning the distant trees. ¡°I¡¯d like to be out of these mountains and into the Everwood proper before setting up camp for the night.¡± At first, Justin felt a surge of relief. But his skepticism gnawed at him. Every time they thought they¡¯d gotten away from the Baron, the man had a way of rearing his ugly head. Danger was never far away. But more than anything, Justin was tired. Tired of running, tired of being hunted, and tired of feeling powerless. The day when he could turn the tables on the Baron felt distant, a vague hope. Even Eldrin¡¯s plan to enlist the help of the Templars gave him pause, but he was too worn out to dwell on it. The group pressed on as Eldrin increased their pace. Soon, the elevation dropped steadily, offering occasional glimpses of the snow-covered forest below. Justin looked back, eyes widening at the sheer height of the mountain they had descended. The progress they¡¯d made in just a few hours was astonishing, and it spoke to the strength of Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace. As daylight faded, the temperature plummeted. Not even the heat enchantment on Justin¡¯s clothes could fully stave off the cold. His muscles ached from the constant movement. When it was nearly too dark to continue, Eldrin finally found them a suitable campsite¡ªa small clearing nestled between towering trees, creating a natural barrier from the outside world. Kargan quickly cast his Ward of Aegis around the perimeter. They were safe not only from physical attack but sheltered from prying eyes and magical detection. Eldrin started a fire before heading off to forage for anything that could improve their boar meat soup. Justin and Lila worked together to prepare the cook pot, melting snow for water, while Bohemond kept a silent vigil at the camp¡¯s edge. Within the hour, a basic soup bubbled over the fire, its warmth cutting through the bitter chill. As they gathered around to eat, the conversation naturally turned toward the future. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any question,¡± Eldrin said, his voice low but resolute. ¡°As long as Valdrik is alive, none of us will ever be safe. We need to reach Mont Elea. The Templars need to know about his necromancy and ambitions. Not only that, but we have to deliver the news about Alistair. It¡¯s the least we can do. The man died so that we could escape.¡± Bohemond nodded, his expression equally serious. ¡°It¡¯s the only course of action. However¡­¡± He hesitated, then fixed Justin with a steady gaze. ¡°There is something I must get off my chest. Justin braced himself. He had a feeling he knew what was coming. Bohemond didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Justin, you led me onto this expedition under false pretenses. Your intention was to use me as a shield against the Baron, with no regard for my safety or desires.¡± Justin took a deep breath, weighing his words. ¡°You¡¯re right. And I¡¯m sorry about that. But it was the only way to get us out of Harrington¡¯s party alive. We¡¯re all here because of that decision, and I promise you, Bohemond¡ªwe¡¯ll get you back to your estate in one piece, and all the richer for your troubles.¡± Bohemond¡¯s eyes remained cold as he considered Justin¡¯s words. The rest of the group watched the exchange closely. ¡°That¡¯s all very well and good,¡± the Knight finally said, ¡°but riches are not what I desire. Like all of you, the Baron will never let me rest. My goal is to fulfill the will of Arion and the Six Gods. You are a Socialite, Justin. Now a Gentleman in every sense of the word, and I believe you¡¯ll do the right thing. At least, according to your version of it. But you were right about one thing back in Drakendir. You mentioned destiny¡ªArion¡¯s will for me. That part, at least, I believe.¡± His blue-eyed gaze sharpened, and for a moment, Justin felt a chill. A hint of malice flickered there, gone almost as soon as he¡¯d spotted it. Justin was certain that without his Insightful Gaze boon, he would have missed it. It was another reminder that Bohemond was not to be trusted. He had his own agenda; what that agenda was remained to be seen. ¡°As an Aspirant of Arion,¡± Bohemond continued, his tone unyielding, ¡°it¡¯s my duty to see that the Templars are warned. I am committed to getting this party to Mont Elea and avenging Alistair¡¯s death. Though I didn¡¯t know the man, I feel a certain kinship with him. He was a Brother in the Faith, and I hope to don the white of his class someday. Valdrik cannot be allowed to wield his Death Magic. It is a blight upon all that is good.¡± Kargan shifted slightly. While he didn¡¯t practice Death Magic, his association with Chaos Magic would always be suspect in the eyes of the devout. Justin knew Bohemond would stab Kargan in the back if the opportunity ever presented itself. Justin had hoped the Vault experience might broaden Bohemond¡¯s perspective, but that seemed unlikely. Justin knew they needed to find a way of dropping Bohemond, but right now, it wasn¡¯t feasible. The man was probably right that Valdrik would try to off him at the first opportunity. Not for the first time, he wondered if inviting Bohemond had been the right choice. Eldrin¡¯s eyes flickered toward the Knight, his expression unreadable. ¡°We welcome your help, Bohemond of Ashcroft. Though the road ahead will be difficult.¡± Bohemond¡¯s chest puffed up with a sense of purpose. ¡°That does not concern me. This is Arion¡¯s mission for me. I¡¯ve been meaning to join the Templars someday. I mean to become a Paladin, like my father before me.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t help the small snort that escaped him, though he tried to mask it as a cough. Bohemond turned on him, his eyes flashing. ¡°Something amusing, Socialite?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Justin replied quickly. ¡°Please, carry on.¡± Bohemond returned his attention to the fire, his voice firm. ¡°Perhaps this is the gods¡¯ way of telling me that my time is now. I would join you formally, if you¡¯ll have me.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°Maybe so,¡± Eldrin said, though his tone was noncommittal. ¡°But we are loyal to our own. Every member of this party has a role, and that role is not to be denigrated¡­despite personal belief.¡± As Bohemond colored, an awkward silence followed. Justin¡¯s mind spun with the implications. He¡¯d hoped Bohemond would sod off on his own, but the Knight¡¯s unwavering belief in his divine mission meant he wanted to hitch a ride with them. Worse, Justin had no real reason to go to Mont Elea anymore. The Death Mark was gone, and with it, the urgency that had once driven him toward the Templars. Now, he had everything to lose by going. Valdrik¡¯s words haunted him still, especially what the Baron had said about the Templars¡¯ secret mission to hunt down Earthers. Could Justin really risk exposing himself to them? Kargan¡¯s deep voice broke the silence. ¡°I¡¯ll travel with you as far as Draegor¡¯s Keep. There¡¯s safety in numbers, but I can¡¯t set foot in Mont Elea. We all know why.¡± Eldrin nodded in understanding. The fire crackled, casting long shadows over the group. Justin could see the Ranger weighing their options. ¡°The best path isn¡¯t clear,¡± Eldrin admitted. ¡°East takes us through the Everwood. It¡¯s the most direct route, but with winter coming fast, we may need to hole up somewhere before crossing the mountains.¡± ¡°That would take months,¡± Lila said, shaking her head. ¡°Months we don¡¯t have.¡± Eldrin continued. ¡°The other option is Kaldrath, to the north. It¡¯s not as large as Windfall, but big enough that we could hide there for a time. But with the ice closing in, the town forms a dead end. There are some Qilungit camps all along the ice if we needed to escape, but seeking them out is risky.¡± ¡°Qilungit?¡± Justin asked, fumbling over the unfamiliar word. ¡°The Ice Folk,¡± Lila said, as if that explained everything. Bohemond spoke up. ¡°What about doubling back to Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel? We could create a false trail leading east, then head back to Windfall.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a possibility,¡± Eldrin agreed. ¡°But risky. The Baron may have left men to watch the tunnel.¡± ¡°Why not go west?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It would be the last thing the Baron expects.¡± Eldrin considered, taking a measured puff of his pipe. ¡°West of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel? That would take us into Kurath That land is wild¡ªfrost giants, trolls, dire wolves. It was a kingdom once, when the dwarves¡¯ power was mighty in the Seraphims. Now, only monsters haunt those ruins. It would certainly be unexpected, but dangerous.¡± ¡°Kurath is north of Daeloria,¡± Lila added, her tone cautious. ¡°The Frost Trolls aren¡¯t united anymore, but their disunity might make them even more unpredictable and dangerous.¡± ¡°And it¡¯s completely the wrong direction,¡± Bohemond said stiffly, his blue eyes narrowing. ¡°Even if we survive all that, what¡¯s the plan? We¡¯d have to go south for a couple of hundred miles, catch a ship at Eribar, and pass through the Velandian Locks. Then we¡¯d have to circle all the way around to Belmora. From there, we either travel north to Mont Elea on foot or secure another ship. That journey would take several months, if not longer. Assuming we didn¡¯t perish in Kurath.¡± ¡°Better than waiting around in the forest, or getting caught at a dead end,¡± Justin said. Plus, assuming they made it through this Kurath place and south of the mountains, Justin would have plenty of opportunities to slip away during the journey. It wasn¡¯t what he wanted to do exactly, but if Eldrin was set on going to Mont Elea, along with Bohemond, he had to consider that possibility. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out in the coming days,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We still have a few days to decide, and by then, more information will become available. We have a day¡¯s lead, at least.¡± ¡°It¡¯s also possible the goblins forced him to retreat,¡± Justin added. ¡°Queen Grizshara seemed pretty confident of their chances.¡± ¡°Very possible,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel would be suicide for us. That¡¯s the natural place the Baron would retreat to. From there, they¡¯d either head north, hoping to catch us, or they¡¯d go back to Windfall to reassess. Either option would be disastrous for us.¡± Eldrin puffed quietly on his pipe, the ember glowing softly in the dimming firelight. Justin could tell the Ranger was mulling over their next steps. His sharp eyes flicked toward Justin, signaling a shift in the conversation. ¡°Now that we¡¯ve got a moment, why don¡¯t you fill us in on everything that happened after we got separated in the tunnels?¡± Justin leaned forward, warming his hands by the fire as he began recounting the events that had transpired. ¡°It started right after the tunnel collapsed. We got followed by a bat, which led the Baron straight to us. We evaded them, though barely, and that¡¯s when we stumbled upon the goblins in Drakendir.¡± He described their unexpected alliance with the goblins and their solving of the mystery of the Vault. All listened intently. ¡°Bohemond and Kargan both ended up with Gold-Level items,¡± Justin said, wrapping up his summary. ¡°Bohemond got a shield that makes his shield bash hit harder, and Kargan received a ring that lets him cast a Chaos Magic spell. It¡¯s called Knives of Fury. We saw it in action when those mushroom monsters ambushed us. It¡¯s devastating.¡± Eldrin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Powerful items, indeed.¡± Justin paused before continuing, reaching into his pack to pull out the carefully wrapped vial. ¡°And I got this.¡± He held up the vial for all to see, and its prismatic light shone on all their faces. Their eyes widened in surprise. Justin continued. ¡°Apparently, it¡¯s called the All-Encompassing Draught. Glamshara, the goblin queen¡¯s sister, wasn¡¯t sure exactly what it would do, but she promised it¡¯d grant me a powerful bonus once I take it. She warned me to get it assessed first, though.¡± Eldrin held out a hand. ¡°Mind if I look?¡± Justin passed the potion over. Eldrin studied the contents, tipping the vial slightly in the firelight as the liquid shimmered. After a moment, he handed it back, shaking his head. ¡°I can¡¯t tell what it does. This is way beyond my knowledge. I can brew basic potions and poisons, but nothing on this scale. You¡¯d need a master alchemist for that.¡± ¡°Any idea where I might find one?¡± Justin asked, a little deflated. ¡°There¡¯s an alchemist I know in Belmora. He¡¯s maxed out his class. If anyone can identify it, he can. If I were you, I¡¯d take it to him.¡± Justin¡¯s face fell. Belmora was a long way off. ¡°What if I take it now? There could be a huge benefit I¡¯m missing out on.¡± Eldrin¡¯s expression darkened with concern. ¡°There¡¯s an old saying in potion making: Don¡¯t drink what you don¡¯t understand. This draught could be anything¡ªit could grant you strength, or it could twist you into something unrecognizable. Better to be patient.¡± Lila leaned closer. ¡°He¡¯s right, Justin. It¡¯s not worth the risk without knowing more.¡± Justin nodded, though reluctantly. He tucked the potion back into his pack, hoping he wouldn¡¯t regret not using it when he had the chance. ¡°That¡¯s not everything,¡± Justin said. He reached once more into his bag, producing the blue Alchemist Core. At the sight of it, Lila and Eldrin were even more surprised. Lila gasped while Eldrin¡¯s calm composure broke for a moment, his brows lifting in surprise. ¡°Got this, too,¡± Justin said, holding it up to the firelight. The core pulsed faintly, a soft azure glow emanating from its surface. ¡°Not sure what the plan is for it yet.¡± Lila blinked at him, incredulous. ¡°You¡¯ve been carrying that around this whole time and didn¡¯t think to mention it?¡± Justin shrugged. ¡°Didn¡¯t seem like the right moment. Besides, I¡¯m still not sure what to do with it.¡± Eldrin leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the core. ¡°If you¡¯re thinking of selling it, you could make a small fortune. Was that something you found in the Vault?¡± ¡°It was the bonus prize,¡± Justin said. ¡°I was wondering if I could combine it with my core.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t say,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Socialite it something of a rare class, so I¡¯m not familiar with all its potential combinations. It¡¯s something you would have to research. That isn¡¯t possible until you reach Level 20, anyway.¡± Justin knew that for him, it might work differently. He had a Prismatic Core. Maybe one property of the Prismatic Core was to take an advanced class early. Then again, Justin didn¡¯t want to do anything that was irreversible. And he still wasn¡¯t sure if he wanted to keep it or sell it. Justin looked at the glowing core in his hand. ¡°What would you suggest I do with it?¡± Eldrin sat back, considering. ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s worth seeing if it can harmonize with your class to create something unique first. But that¡¯s just my opinion. I¡¯m sure you could make a lot of gold from selling it, too, and that would be more immediately useful.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Could a Ranger Core and an Alchemy Core be combined?¡± Eldrin shook his head. ¡°No, not every combination works. Ranger and Alchemist is one you¡¯d think would combine, but it doesn¡¯t. But in certain cases, the combinations can be surprising. Take Alchemist and Bard, for example. Those two can combine, but the skills and boons you gain depend on which class you started with¡ªeven if the result is technically the same advanced class.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you mean? What class does Alchemist and Bard create?¡± ¡°It creates the Songbrewer advanced class,¡± Eldrin explained. ¡°If you start as a Bard, your potions and poisons become infused into your music, amplifying your songs to buff your allies or debuff enemies. But if you start as an Alchemist, it works the other way around¡ªyour songs get infused into the potions, giving them unique, powerful effects.¡± Eldrin paused, recalling a memory. ¡°I¡¯ve only met one Songbrewer in all my travels, in Kazharik of all places. She created the class by starting as an Alchemist.¡± ¡°Bet you could make a fortune selling potions like that,¡± Lila said, her eyes widening at the thought. Her gaze lingered on the core in Justin¡¯s hand, almost as if it were her ticket to a better life. Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of unease. He hoped it wouldn¡¯t come between them. ¡°Don¡¯t let it out of your sight,¡± Lila said. ¡°Whatever you do with it, it¡¯s game changing.¡± Justin put it back into his pack. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the future held for both the potion and the core. Eldrin leaned back, watching the embers drift into the night sky. ¡°Tomorrow, we continue north. The Everwood awaits.¡± 77. Echoes of Earth Justin volunteered to take the first watch. He sat on the periphery of the camp, far from the fire, staring out into the dark forest. The quiet of the night settled in around him, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves and the steady crackle of the firewood burning behind him. He had noticed Lila glancing his way several times during the earlier conversation. Each time Mont Elea was mentioned, her gaze had lingered on him, her brow furrowing slightly, as though she had picked up on his unease. As the others settled down to sleep, Lila remained by the fire, waiting. After about ten minutes, she quietly got up, careful not to disturb the others. She walked over to Justin, stopping beside him. They stood far enough from the group that their voices wouldn¡¯t carry, the shadowy outlines of the trees surrounding them like a veil of privacy. The frosty night air stung with each breath, and the stars twinkled faintly through gaps in the canopy above. Lila broke the silence first. ¡°Something¡¯s been eating at you since Harrington¡¯s party. You never explained what you and Valdrik talked about.¡± Justin hesitated. The conversation had haunted him since that night, but now, faced with explaining it to Lila, he didn¡¯t know where to begin. How could he explain something that he was still trying to process himself? ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he admitted finally, letting out a long breath. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to figure out how to tell you, but¡­Valdrik said some things that have been messing with my head.¡± ¡°What things?¡± she pressed, her green eyes locking onto his. There was no easy way to explain it, so Justin started at the beginning. He told her everything Baron Valdrik had revealed to him, starting with the fact that Valdrik was an Earther, too. He explained how the Baron had used The Wizard of Oz book to lure Justin and uncover his origins, and how the Templars didn¡¯t just hunt Morvath¡¯s followers¡ªthey also hunted Earthers because they were a threat to the balance of power in this world. Justin continued, telling her about the Terra Club, a group of Earthers who had once banded together but had fallen apart because of internal conflicts. Valdrik had hinted that there were other Earthers out there, somewhere, but he didn¡¯t know where they were. Lila listened quietly, her expression calm but focused as he spoke. ¡°And that¡¯s not even the worst part,¡± Justin said, his voice lowering. He wasn¡¯t sure how she would react to this next revelation¡ªit was the part that had truly unsettled him. ¡°Valdrik said this world¡ªEyrth¡ªit isn¡¯t real. It¡¯s just a simulation.¡± ¡°A simulation?¡± Lila echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s like a false reality,¡± Justin explained. ¡°A dream created by someone or something from my world. Valdrik said everyone here¡ªexcept for Earthers¡ªis just part of this simulation. They¡¯re not real.¡± Lila stared at him, her green eyes widening slightly. ¡°Not real? You mean, everyone¡ªincluding me?¡± Justin nodded slowly. ¡°Yeah. If he¡¯s right.¡± On the surface, Lila remained composed, but Justin could see the flicker of disbelief and even hurt in her eyes. For a moment, she didn¡¯t speak, processing what he¡¯d said. ¡°And you believe him?¡± she asked quietly. ¡°This ¡®simulation¡¯¡ªis it like the video games you told me and Eldrin about?¡± ¡°Sort of,¡± Justin replied. ¡°Video games from my world are like that¡ªsimulated worlds that feel real. Valdrik¡¯s theory is that this place is just another one of those simulations, though on a much larger scale.¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense. The Creator breathed the universe into existence. That¡¯s not just some religious belief¡ªeveryone here knows it to be true. Even those who disagree on everything else accept that. The Creator is the Breath of Worlds.¡± ¡°Maybe the Creator is someone from my world,¡± Justin suggested. Lila¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°You need to be careful talking like that. The Creator is above all.¡± Justin almost wanted to ask her what if that supposed truth wasn¡¯t real. What then? He held himself back for now. ¡°Kargan mentioned something about the voice people hear when they level up. That¡¯s the Creator, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­complicated,¡± Lila admitted, her tone softening. ¡°The short answer is yes, that¡¯s the Creator, but it¡¯s one of his Manifestations.¡± She paused before steering the conversation back. ¡°But let¡¯s stay on track. Does Valdrik have any actual evidence that this world isn¡¯t real?¡± Justin considered her question. ¡°His proof is the existence of classes and magic. In my world, we have video games that use the same concepts¡ªclasses, levels, skills. Valdrik argues it can¡¯t be a coincidence that those things exist here, too.¡± Lila¡¯s face softened, a tinge of sadness creeping into her expression. ¡°So¡­you think I¡¯m not real?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Justin said quickly. ¡°It¡¯s just¡ªValdrik¡¯s argument makes sense, in a way. But when I look around, this place feels as real as my world. There¡¯s just this¡­nagging doubt in the back of my mind. What if he¡¯s right?¡± Lila¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°And how do you know your world isn¡¯t the illusion? Maybe our world is the real one, and yours is the offshoot.¡± That thought gave Justin pause, but he still wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°I guess it¡¯s possible. But Valdrik¡¯s logic makes sense. Classes, levels, and all the rest¡ªthey¡¯re things from a game. Not reality.¡± Lila shook her head, but there was no anger in her voice. ¡°Even if Valdrik is right, that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re not real. Maybe this world is a creation of your world, but we still think, feel, and have our own agency. We¡¯re not just mindless puppets. If something that isn''t ''real'' is this complex, surely it can generate people who are just as real as you.¡± Justin nodded slowly. ¡°You have a point.¡± He paused, frowning. ¡°Where do classes come from, anyway? Why do they even exist?¡± ¡°There are many legends about that,¡± Lila said. ¡°I can tell you the one I learned growing up in the Church of Light.¡± ¡°Please do. Anything helps.¡± Lila gathered her thoughts. ¡°Classes are the way mortals connect to the Ether Realm. It¡¯s a gift from the Creator and the Six Gods to the Mortal Races. The classes allow people to access the magic of the Ether Realm. Everyone is born with part of the Core¡ªtheir Core Attribute¡ªbut the other half, the class itself, must be earned.¡± ¡°And it¡¯s always been that way?¡± ¡°As far as we know, yes. At least, as long as the Mortal Races have existed. Of course, not everyone believes the old legends. Some scholars think classes are just how reality works.¡± ¡°And what do you believe?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila admitted. ¡°Before meeting you, I would have said the Book of Life is mostly true. But now¡­I¡¯m not so sure.¡± Justin remembered Alistair mentioning the Book of Life. It seemed like a holy text of sorts. Lila continued. ¡°You already know about the Six Gods, one for each Core Attribute. Above them is the Creator, with his Three Manifestations.¡± ¡°Three Manifestations?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Lila said. ¡°The Creator Supreme is the first. He¡¯s the one who breathed the universe into existence¡ªthe source of everything.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°So, who¡¯s the voice we hear when we level up?¡± ¡°That¡¯s Veyrith, the Ethereal Voice. It¡¯s the second Manifestation. Veyrith exists everywhere in the Ether Realm, and only those with classes can hear it. Veyrith infuses every spell, every power. It¡¯s another aspect of the Creator.¡± These Three Manifestations actually sounded familiar, a lot like the Trinity of Christianity. Another echo of Earth within Eyrth? ¡°And then there¡¯s Aila, the Phoenix Reborn,¡± Lila continued. ¡°She¡¯s the Third Manifestation. She¡¯s the Creator¡¯s daughter, and she sacrificed herself to defeat Morvath, descending into the Nether Realm for three days before rising again.¡± ¡°So, she¡¯s like¡­Bird Jesus?¡± Justin said with a small smile. Lila gave him a strange look. ¡°I don¡¯t know who that is. But Aila is unique because she started off as mortal but became greater than even the Six Gods.¡± Justin¡¯s expression grew serious again. ¡°And what about Morvath? He¡¯s not one of the Six Gods, right?¡± ¡°No,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Morvath is one of the Old Gods, from before the Six Worlds were created. There are Eight of them, and they are further divided into the Four Physical Gods and the Four Spiritual Gods. They''re who mages derive their powers from. Besides them, they are a host of other minor deities, with their own followings and motivations. It can get quite complicated.¡± Justin nodded, but his thoughts were already spinning. ¡°So, these Old Gods existed before the Creator made the Six Worlds?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lila said. ¡°The Old Gods are ancient¡ªprimordial, I suppose you would say. They existed in the Ether Realm, long before the mortal races or even Creation itself were formed. Some say they are the Ether Realm itself, or at least parts of it. They had immense power, tied to the elemental forces of existence. The Four Physical Gods control Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. The Four Spiritual Gods control Life Death, Chaos, and Harmony.¡± Justin leaned in. ¡°And Morvath is the God of Death?¡± Lila¡¯s expression darkened slightly as she spoke. ¡°Yes, Morvath is the God of Death. But he wasn¡¯t always that way. Some say he was once a God of Endings, not death itself¡ªmore like the natural conclusion of things, the passage of time. But as the Ether Realm grew more complex, and as the Creator started shaping Creation, Morvath changed. He became obsessed with control, with claiming all things that ended under his domain. His power twisted into something more sinister.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°So, what went wrong?¡± Lila took a deep breath, her gaze distant as she recalled the old legends. ¡°According to the stories, the Creator made the Six Gods. Each God was aligned with a Core Attribute. And with them, the Creator also made the Six Mortal Races: Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Orcs, Varkiss, and the Qilungit.¡± ¡°What are those last two?¡± Justin asked. ¡°The Qilungit you said were the Ice Folk, but what about the Varikiss?¡± ¡°The Varkiss are lizardmen, basically. You find them mostly in warmer climates and they are pretty rare in this part of the world, which is why you haven¡¯t seen one yet. The Qilungit, sometimes called the Ice Folk, are the opposite, favoring colder climates.¡± ¡°Goblins don¡¯t count as a Mortal Race?¡± ¡°Goblins are a creation of Nyriss,¡± Lila said. ¡°But that¡¯s a tangent. Anyway, those are the Six Mortal Races. Mortals populated the Six Worlds, and the Creator appointed the Six Gods to watch over them. Using the class cores, they could gain power to shape Creation, taking on the Attributes of the gods, without becoming as powerful as them.¡± ¡°But Morvath still didn¡¯t like that,¡± Justin guessed, already expecting the next part. Lila nodded. ¡°Exactly. He and some of the other Old Gods weren¡¯t happy with the new order of things. He saw the rise of mortals and the Six Gods as a threat to his power. With the class cores, which extended life, he saw it as a way of cheating a mortal¡¯s natural ending. So he wanted things to go toward the other extreme. Death is the ultimate end, and if he could bring it to the mortals and Creation, his power would be greater than even the Creator¡¯s, or so he esteemed.¡± ¡°So, he started a war?¡± ¡°Not just any war,¡± Lila said, her voice lowering. ¡°The Godswar. Morvath, along with three other Old Gods¡ªNyriss, the Goddess of Chaos, and Vorthak and Terridan, the Gods of Fire and Earth¡ªrose against the Creator and the Six Gods, while the other four Old Gods, that of Life, Water, Air, and Harmony, remained true. The war that tore through the Ether Realm and the Six Worlds.¡± Justin¡¯s pulse quickened as he imagined the devastation. ¡°What were they trying to do?¡± Lila hesitated before answering, her gaze steady on his. ¡°Morvath wasn¡¯t content with just killing or controlling the mortals. He wanted to reshape all of Creation, to bend the Six Worlds to his will. To do that, he created something terrible¡ªthe Nether Realm, a twisted mirror of the Ether Realm. It was his own realm of power, and through it, he planned to spread death to every corner of existence.¡± ¡°So, how was he stopped?¡± ¡°The Creator couldn¡¯t intervene directly. That¡¯s part of why he created the Six Gods in the first place¡ªto govern and protect Creation. But even they couldn¡¯t enter the Six Worlds without causing immense damage. The gods could only act through their followers¡ªthrough mortals.¡± ¡°So, mortals were caught in the middle of this war?¡± Justin asked. Lila nodded. ¡°Yes. Some mortals sided with Morvath, believing he offered them power over life and death. Others stayed loyal to the Creator. It was a war unlike any other, and the world was nearly destroyed because of it.¡± Justin swallowed. ¡°How did it end?¡± Lila¡¯s voice dropped to a near whisper. ¡°Morvath¡¯s ultimate weapon was the Harrower. It was unlike anything the world had ever seen¡ªa class of pure destruction. It began as a mortal, a follower of Morvath, but this follower managed what should not have been possible, gaining six class cores. The Harrower swept across Creation, causing devastation beyond comprehension. That¡¯s what we now call the Harrowing.¡± ¡°The Harrowing¡­¡± Justin echoed, the weight of the word sinking in. ¡°What kind of power did the Harrower have?¡± Lila looked away for a moment. ¡°The Harrower¡¯s power was drawn from the Nether Realm. Its magic wasn¡¯t just destructive¡ªit consumed everything in its path. It could unmake reality, tearing apart the very fabric of the Ether Realm and the Six Worlds. The gods and mortals alike were helpless against it.¡± Justin¡¯s heart raced as he listened. ¡°Then how did they stop it?¡± Lila¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°The Creator Supreme sent his daughter, Aila, the Phoenix Reborn, into the world. She was a mortal, just like us. But like the Harrower, she also found six cores, creating a new class to challenge the Harrower. But not just any six cores; she found six Prismatic Cores. With those cores, she created a class called the Phoenix of Light.¡± ¡°Phoenix of Light?¡± Justin asked, remembering the phoenix iconography he had seen in the Church of Light. Lila nodded. ¡°Yes. Aila confronted the Harrower in a battle that nearly destroyed this world. But in the end, she won. She descended into the Nether Realm, dragging the Harrower with her, and for three days, she fought it in the depths of that terrible place. When she emerged, she had defeated Morvath¡¯s creation and sealed him, along with Nyriss, in the Nether Realm for good.¡± ¡°And what happened to the other Old Gods?¡± Justin asked, leaning forward. ¡°Vorthak and Terridan, the Gods of Fire and Earth, begged the Creator for mercy,¡± Lila said. ¡°He granted it to them, and they returned to the Ether Realm. But to this day, many people still distrust Fire and Earth Magic because of their association with the Old Gods.¡± ¡°And Chaos Magic?¡± Justin asked, thinking of Nyriss. ¡°She remained in the Nether Realm, along with Morvath,¡± Lila said. ¡°But according to the old stories, Nyriss doesn¡¯t work closely with Morvath. She¡¯s more interested in her own agenda¡ªruling her little corner of the Nether Realm, where her worshippers, especially among the dwarves and goblins, still grant her power.¡± Justin was quiet for a moment, absorbing the enormity of what Lila had told him. If Valdrik was right, all of this was just part of the simulation¡ªa narrative designed to make this world feel real. But if Valdrik was wrong, then the reality Justin found himself in was far more dangerous and complex than he had ever imagined. ¡°That¡¯s the long answer to your question,¡± Lila said, breaking the silence. ¡°Classes were the Creator¡¯s gift to the mortals. But the Old Gods didn¡¯t like that gift being given, and four were angry enough about it to start a war that almost destroyed everything. In the end, the mortals were caught in the struggle, used as pawns in a war between the gods. It¡¯s only because of Aila¡¯s sacrifice that anything exists at all.¡± Justin shook his head, still processing everything. ¡°What happened to Aila after she defeated the Harrower?¡± ¡°Some say she still walks among us,¡± Lila replied, her voice soft. ¡°Some Adherents of Light believe she lives in the Ether Realm now, alongside the Creator Supreme. But everyone agrees on one thing¡ªat the end of time, she¡¯ll return to finish what she started. She¡¯ll defeat Morvath for good.¡± Justin nodded slowly. ¡°I see.¡± He pondered the myth. It didn''t make total sense, so he was either missing details, or there were naturally holes in the mythology. Even in his own world, most religions were the same way, but it didn''t detract from people following those religions. One thing that stuck out to him was the possibility of gaining six Prismatic Cores, one for each Core Attribute. Eldrin had mentioned it took three cores, and at least one Prismatic Core, to make an Ascendant Class. But if this legend was true, it should be possible to go even higher than that. Justin wasn''t sure if it was a one-time thing, or a possibility that was open even now. Lila¡¯s voice broke him from his thoughts. ¡°Listen, Justin. Whatever Valdrik said, don¡¯t let it twist your mind. Whether or not this world is a dream, it¡¯s real enough for us. And I¡¯m real enough. I want you to know that.¡± Justin met her gaze, seeing the earnestness in her eyes. ¡°I believe you.¡± For the first time that night, he felt a sense of clarity. Lila was real¡ªwhether this world was real didn¡¯t change the fact that she was standing right in front of him, a person with thoughts, emotions, and her own story. That, at least, was something he could hold onto. ¡°You should get some rest,¡± Justin said. ¡°There¡¯s still a couple of hours left on my watch.¡± ¡°I will. I just want you to know if you need to get away from all this, or find some answers, I can help you. Seems like Eldrin is set on Mont Elea, and I know that¡¯s probably the last place you want to go.¡± Justin''s eyes widened slightly. It was as if she were reading his thoughts. "I''ll keep that in mind." ¡°Good night, Justin.¡± Justin watched her walk away, his mind filled with questions. Should he tell Eldrin and Kargan what he had told Lila? He trusted them both, but Eldrin¡¯s goal of reaching the Templars filled him with unease. By the time Bohemond came to relieve him of his watch, Justin was still no closer to finding the answers. 78. The Frozen March The next morning, they went through the familiar motions of breaking camp. Justin packed his gear in silence, his hands moving on autopilot while his mind remained elsewhere. The cold air stung his face, and his breath formed faint clouds in front of him. He barely noticed. He¡¯d always hated the cold. They set off, heading north into the Everwood. Though Shadowflight reported no signs of the Baron, Justin didn¡¯t let himself believe they were free. The Baron was cunning, with resources they couldn¡¯t comprehend. Even if they had shaken him for now, it wouldn¡¯t last. By late evening, they had left the mountains behind and entered the Everwood proper. The surrounding forest was unlike anything Justin had ever seen before¡ªtall, ancient trees with icy-blue bark that shimmered faintly in the fading light. It reminded of the forest from the Lord of the Rings movies, minus the elves. The canopy above was dense, with only small slivers of sky visible through the gaps. The air was cool and thick with the quiet hum of the forest, as though the woods themselves were alive, watching their every move. ¡°So, what comes after this Everwood place?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin glanced over his shoulder. ¡°The Frostplain. After that, it¡¯s about another hundred miles before you hit the cliffs of the Ghostly Sea and Kaldrath.¡± ¡°Is that what you¡¯ve settled on, Ranger?¡± Bohemond asked, his usual rough tone coming through. ¡°I have decided nothing,¡± Eldrin replied. His voice was tired, as if even he had grown weary of Bohemond¡¯s constant challenges. Justin kept his silence, still preoccupied with the conversation he¡¯d had with Lila the night before. The weight of Valdrik¡¯s revelations still hung over him like a storm cloud, dampening any sense of hope he might have had. The warm afterglow from gaining his new Focus seemed little more than a distant memory now. With each step, he was straying further from his original goal of finding a large city to get lost in. But the wilderness stretched on before them, interminable as ever. Lila¡¯s offer lingered in his mind¡ªleave this mess behind, sell the Alchemist Core, and find a place far from the Baron¡¯s reach. They could disappear, live quietly with enough gold to survive for a long time. The idea was tempting, but it seemed like a pipe dream. As unreachable as waking up back in Oklahoma. Justin sighed, his breath visible in the cold air. They made camp again for the evening, and though his body moved, his mind was far away. Everyone seemed affected by the same grim mood. Now that they were out of immediate danger, the unspoken anxieties they had been avoiding rose to the surface. The boar meat they¡¯d had since the Northwood was running low, but Eldrin assured them it would last until they reached Kaldrath. Justin¡¯s stomach growled loudly at the mention of food. In a perfect world, he¡¯d be sitting at a drive-thru right now, clutching a twenty-piece nugget box and a large basket of fries, the smell of greasy goodness wafting up like some sort of divine blessing. But no, here he was, trudging through the Everwood. It wouldn¡¯t have been so bad except there was Bohemond¡ªthe living embodiment of a soggy napkin. ¡°So, you''ve decided on Kaldrath then,¡± the Knight said. Justin rolled his eyes. Ever the buzzkill, he thought. Does this guy have any chill? As Bohemond droned on the wisdom of Eldrin¡¯s plan, Justin¡¯s mind drifted. What if he could conjure up a wild scenario to get rid of Bohemond? What if he told him that Arion, in all his divine wisdom, had sent Justin a message? A sacred quest¡ªno, a holy mission¡ªawaited the Knight deep in the Everwood. The guy was from some place called Ashcroft. Maybe there was a legendary tree¡ªa Sacred Ash Tree of Arion¡ªhidden far beyond their current path. And it was, naturally, guarded by fierce, ancient squirrels. Justin chuckled at the thought of the grim Knight battling a horde of rabid squirrels, shouting something like, ¡°For Arion¡¯s Glory!¡± He could almost see the guy buying it. He¡¯d believed Justin about Arion¡¯s mission for him in Drakendir, so who was to say the guy wouldn''t go for it? ¡°Uh oh,¡± Lila said, noticing his laughter. ¡°Justin¡¯s going crazy.¡± ¡°Oh, it''s nothing,¡± Justin replied. ¡°Just a dearth of chicken nuggets.¡± ¡°Chicken nuggets? What¡¯s that?¡± Bohemond was listening, and Justin realized saying that had been a slip. He doubted the Knight would report Justin¡¯s affinity for chicken nuggets to the Templars, who would then figure out was from Earth, but it was better to be careful. He could tell Lila about the glories of fast food some other time. ¡°Anyhow, what did I miss?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin looked at him curiously as he concluded the conversation. ¡°I was just saying, Kaldrath is not too far out of the way. Towns, no matter their size, always offer options. It¡¯s worth exploring while we have the lead. And a place like Kaldrath will have gear that will make traveling in the cold far easier.¡± Justin couldn¡¯t argue with that. They needed something¡ªanything¡ªother than wandering aimlessly. ¡°But before we reach Kaldrath, we must get through the rest of the Everwood,¡± Eldrin continued. ¡°It seems quiet now, but this forest has a reputation for danger. Monsters that roam the ruins of Kurath can be found here, along with others that haven¡¯t been documented.¡± ¡°Like rabid squirrels," Justin muttered. ¡°What¡¯s that, Justin?¡± Eldrin asked. He shook his head. ¡°Never mind.¡± Eldrin shook his head, somewhat annoyed at the interruption. ¡°Kargan¡¯s warding has grown stronger since we set out, but in this place, it¡¯s no guarantee. We must remain vigilant.¡± The peacefulness of the woods made it hard to believe there was any real danger. Since leaving Drakendir, they hadn¡¯t encountered anything more threatening than a bull moose. Granted, those could be quite dangerous, but nothing compared to what they¡¯d dealt with so far. But the possibility of stumbling across a high-level Vault was always in the back of his mind. Vaults could fester in these isolated places, growing more dangerous with time. Justin noticed Eldrin watching him curiously, much like Lila had the previous night. He knew Eldrin could sense that something had changed. The Ranger wasn¡¯t the type to pry, but Justin felt the weight of Eldrin¡¯s quiet observation. He wasn¡¯t ready to share what he had learned from Valdrik¡ªnot yet. That night, Justin didn¡¯t have watch duty. But as he fell asleep, a strange dream troubled what should have been a full night¡¯s rest. It pulled him out of the fantasy world and back to the past, to a time before any of this madness began. Justin was back in his small bed at home, surrounded by familiar walls. His old desk, the worn-out gaming chair, and the stack of textbooks he had never really cracked open all sat untouched. Everything was just as he remembered it, yet it felt alien to him. He glanced down at his body and noticed he was thinner¡ªlike he had been during his brief attempt at getting fit in his freshman year of college. It was winter, and through the window, he could see sleet falling steadily, encasing the tree limbs in ice. It was the winter break of his freshman year. Oklahoma winters weren¡¯t known for heavy snow, but the ice storms could be brutal. That year, a severe storm had hit the night of December 23rd. The roads had turned into icy death traps, and every year, the poorly maintained streets claimed lives. One of those lives had been his older brother, Connor. Connor had driven an old Chevy S-10, a light pickup. It was a decent little truck, but terrible for icy roads unless you weighed down the bed. Otherwise, it was liable to lose traction. Connor usually took the time to do it, but that day, he hadn¡¯t. He¡¯d wanted to make it in time for lunch, probably. In his dream, Justin¡¯s heart raced as the familiar panic clawed at his throat. He reached for his phone to warn Connor not to come, but of course, the battery was dead. The night before the accident, Connor had texted him. He¡¯d asked Justin if he had remembered to pick up the peppermint schnapps, because the liquor store wouldn¡¯t be open on Christmas Day. It was for a holiday drink their mom liked to make, something she called ¡°Christmas Cheer¡±¡ªa blend of schnapps, hot chocolate, and a splash of cream, topped with crushed candy cane. It was a Christmas tradition, and Mom would be disappointed if they didn¡¯t have it. This had been Justin¡¯s task, but of course, video games had taken priority. He¡¯d seen Connor¡¯s message, but he¡¯d been in the middle of a raid. He reasoned Connor would understand; while his older brother played little Aether Quest these days, dozens of late-night gaming sessions were a treasured memory for the brothers. They¡¯d spent countless hours together, adventuring across worlds, slaying digital monsters, and sharing victories. But those nights were fewer and farther between now that Connor had started his career and had gotten engaged. Justin planned to pick it up the next morning.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. By the time Justin had logged off, it was well past midnight on the 23rd, and the storm had grown bad. At that time of night, the liquor stores were closed, anyway. Justin figured he¡¯d tell Connor in the morning, assuming they could improvise something for Mom the next day. But of course, things had played out differently. Justin ran downstairs, his hands shaking. He scrambled for the phone charger he¡¯d carelessly tossed onto the couch the night before. His fingers fumbled with the cord, and by the time he got his phone charged and powered on, there was another missed text from Connor. A simple message: Running late, just going to assume you forgot the schnapps. Picking it up on my way. Justin¡¯s gut twisted with a sense of dread. It was happening all over again. He tried calling, but Connor didn¡¯t answer. The icy knot in Justin¡¯s stomach grew heavier. He looked at the time¡ª11:20 a.m.. Connor¡¯s apartment was only a fifteen-minute drive from their mother¡¯s house, but the ice made every minute treacherous. The crash had happened less than two miles from Connor¡¯s apartment, on a stretch of road Justin had driven many times. The six-lane road was notorious for its dangers, even without the foul weather. It was illegal to make left turns onto it, but that didn¡¯t stop people from doing it. One such person, maybe running late like Connor, had made that illegal turn, pulling directly in front of his brother¡¯s truck. Connor, trying to avoid the collision, twisted the wheel sharply. The truck spun out, losing control on the icy road, and skidded into oncoming traffic. A van, going way too fast for the conditions, slammed into Connor¡¯s side. Justin¡¯s stomach churned as the scene replayed in his mind. He¡¯d imagined it countless times before. If only he¡¯d answered Connor¡¯s text. If only he¡¯d gotten the schnapps before the storm had worsened, Connor wouldn¡¯t have felt the need to go out of his way. He would have taken a different route altogether. He would still be alive. Justin told no one about that text. The shame was too much. He could barely admit it to himself, let alone his family. Connor¡¯s fianc¨¦e, Angie, confronted him a few days before the funeral. She¡¯d gotten access to Connor¡¯s messages and had found their exchange on his laptop. Her anger was obvious¡ªrighteous, even. She wasn¡¯t alone. His mother overheard, as did a few others. Angie¡¯s accusation was like a hammer, smashing what little remained of Justin¡¯s self-worth. His mother had already been disappointed in him, but now she outright despised him. She¡¯d lost her successful son and was stuck with the one she believed responsible for his death. From that moment on, Justin had withdrawn completely. His brother was gone, and the guilt crushed him, seeping into every part of his life. He dropped out of college, stopped caring about anything. He became a recluse, hiding in his mom¡¯s basement, drowning in his own self-loathing and games. For years, he lived in that limbo, coexisting with his mother in a tense and fragile truce. She would try, sometimes, to draw him out, but she was fighting her own battles with grief. He contributed to minor tasks around the house, sometimes did the shopping, and occasionally took online surveys to make some spending money. But mostly, he existed in a haze of video games and isolation. Time blurred for him¡ªdays became weeks, weeks became months, and before he knew it, years had slipped by. All the while, his mother grieved her favorite son, the one who could have been saved. That was his life until the tornado hit. Justin woke up with a gasp, his heart racing, the guilt from the dream still weighing heavily on his chest. His surroundings slowly came into focus¡ªthe towering trees of the Everwood, the eerie quiet of the early morning. The cold air nipped at his skin, and the ice that clung to the branches reminded him too much of that fateful day. No matter how far he had come¡ªno matter how much this new world seemed like a fresh start¡ªhe couldn¡¯t outrun his past. Connor was still dead, and it was still his fault. That gnawing guilt would follow him no matter what world he found himself in. Maybe, in some cruel way, it was justice that he was trapped in a place that resembled a dangerous video game. His life had become a reflection of the thing that had driven him into isolation. But he knew, deep down, that this wasn¡¯t what Connor would have wanted for him. Connor would have wanted him to live, to keep going, to do something worthwhile with his life. Justin wondered, for a moment, what Connor would have thought of this strange world. There was a time when they had played together¡ªwhen adventuring was something they did side by side. If Connor had been here, maybe the challenges ahead wouldn¡¯t feel so insurmountable. Maybe this would all feel like a grand adventure instead of a punishment. But Connor wasn¡¯t here. He was gone, and Justin was left to face this world alone. Once again, the others awoke and went through the motions of packing up camp. As they got started, Justin¡¯s thoughts churned in a whirlwind. Why would this dream¡ªthis recurring nightmare from his old life¡ªbe visiting him now? He couldn¡¯t answer that. For so long, he had wanted to find a way back to Earth, but after that dream, it was a stark reminder of what awaited him there. Maybe the Baron was obsessed with escape, but for all its dangers, life here had its own kind of peace. At least it distracted him from the weight of his past, from the demons that still clawed at him in the dark. ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet,¡± Kargan said, sidling up to him a few hours after they set out. ¡°Unusually so.¡± Justin shrugged, forcing a smile. ¡°A Socialite isn¡¯t much good in the wilds.¡± ¡°Maybe so,¡± Kargan replied in his blunt but well-meaning way. ¡°While that might be true for most Socialites, it¡¯s not for you. You¡¯ve proven you can hold your own in a fight.¡± ¡°That¡¯s just because of the boons I took,¡± Justin said, brushing off the compliment. ¡°It¡¯s nothing intrinsic to me.¡± Kargan gave him a sidelong look. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if the strength comes from a boon or from within. It¡¯s how you choose to use it that defines you. And you? You¡¯ve chosen well every time.¡± If only you knew, Justin wanted to say, but he kept the thought to himself. ¡°You¡¯re right, Kargan.¡± They had fallen slightly behind the others, so Justin felt it was safe to ask a more personal question. ¡°Any plans for what¡¯s next? Assuming we make it somewhere safe?¡± ¡°Not really,¡± Kargan admitted. ¡°With no official Mage Guild willing to take me, seems my life is destined to be that of a hedge mage. Mercenary Guilds can always find a use for me, even if others won¡¯t.¡± ¡°Hmm. I suppose merc work is something all of us can do. Dangerous, though.¡± ¡°Well, nothing¡¯s set in stone. It¡¯d be nice to have a home of my own one day. I¡¯d like to learn more about my powers, too, but finding a teacher is the hard part.¡± Kargan¡¯s gaze grew distant for a moment before he continued. ¡°There are a lot of Orcs scattered across the world, and not all of them follow Gor¡¯Thaak¡¯s strict path. Calidon¡¯s the place to go if you¡¯re an Orc looking to move up in the world.¡± ¡°Calidon. That¡¯s across the ocean, right?¡± Justin asked, recalling the geography lessons he¡¯d pieced together from conversations. Kargan nodded. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s where we Orcs originally come from, though my ancestors have lived in Serenthel for generations. It might be where I head next...but we¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°At least you¡¯ve got the concept of a plan. Me? I¡¯m not sure what it is I want.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to Mont Elea?¡± Kargan asked, the question casual but carrying weight. No one ahead of them turned at the question, but Justin was sure Eldrin had heard it. The Ranger¡¯s ears were sharp. He¡¯d have to tread carefully with his answer. ¡°The Baron needs to be stopped. No doubt about that.¡± He paused, considering his words. ¡°But assuming we actually make it that far, maybe it wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea for all of us to stick together afterward. Maybe even try something...different. Start a business or something.¡± Kargan frowned, his tusks jutting slightly as he mulled it over. ¡°A business? What kind of business?¡± Justin grinned, the idea forming as he spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Coffee shop, restaurant, brewery¡ªthe possibilities are endless. I could manage, you could cook. Lila could be the entertainment. Eldrin could hand out flyers to get customers.¡± Kargan snorted, amused. ¡°You¡¯ve got an imagination, I¡¯ll give you that. Not a half-bad idea. But maybe we should think about something more up our alley. An adventurer¡¯s group, for instance. Some people make a living clearing out Vaults and the like. Dangerous, sure, but if you put together a strong, well-rounded party, it can be pretty profitable. The military can¡¯t get to every Vault out there.¡± Justin had figured that was how Vaults were kept in check, but hearing it put into perspective made him realize just how widespread the problem was. ¡°Something to think about, I guess.¡± The conversation trailed off as the day wore on, and the group continued their journey through the Everwood. Days passed in a blur of routine¡ªsetting up and breaking down camp, navigating the dense forest, and handling any threats that came their way with swift efficiency. One evening, a small pack of dire wolves charged them from the trees, their glowing eyes cutting through the fading light. Eldrin was the first to respond, his arrows finding their marks with deadly precision, while Kargan kept healing up and Bohemond tanked the wolves that got too close. After a couple of minutes of close fighting, the wolves backed up and didn¡¯t bother them again. The next day, they happened upon a forest troll that lumbered out from the trees, its moss-covered skin blending into the environment. The battle ended almost as soon as it began; between the five of them, they made quick work of it. The speed and efficiency with which they dispatched these monsters reminded Justin of just how far they had come. By the fifth day, the towering trees of the enchanted forest thinned out, their bluish-hued trunks casting long shadows in the fading light. They reached the edge of the Everwood just as the first flakes of snow fell. While it was technically still fall, up here north of the Seraphims, winter had arrived. Before them lay the Frostplain¡ªa vast, desolate expanse of tundra stretching toward the horizon. A well-worn track headed over the horizon. ¡°The Forstplain Road,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°That¡¯ll take us to Kaldrath.¡± ¡°Not too late to turn back for Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel,¡± Bohemond grumbled. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend it,¡± Eldrin replied calmly. ¡°The risk of running into the Baron is too great.¡± Bohemond¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°But you would lead us into a dead end?¡± Eldrin paused, weighing his next words. ¡°For my part, I¡¯m heading north. That¡¯s what I judge to be the best course of action.¡± He turned slightly, meeting Bohemond¡¯s gaze head-on. ¡°If you disagree, you¡¯re free to make your own path, Bohemond.¡± Bohemond¡¯s jaw tightened, and for a moment, it looked like he might argue further. But after a tense silence, he let out a frustrated breath. ¡°We¡¯ll see. The weather north of the Seraphims can be treacherous at this time of year. But I''ll defer to your judgment.¡± As they ventured north, it was as if Bohemond had spoken a prophecy. The weather took a sudden turn for the worse. What had started as light snowfall quickly escalated into a blizzard. The wind howled across the flatlands, stinging their faces with icy pellets, and visibility dropped to nearly nothing. They were forced to seek shelter, hunkering down in a small cave nestled between two frozen hills. Inside the cave, the group gathered around a hastily built fire, scrounged from some stunted trees that had been growing in between the hills. The warmth, held in somewhat by Kargan¡¯s ward, was welcome, but it did little to stave off the growing tension. The storm outside raged on, showing no signs of letting up. Hours passed in quiet as night fell and snow continued to fall. Justin fell into an uneasy sleep. The next day, the snowfall had lessened somewhat. Despite the fire and ward, Justin¡¯s hands felt frozen solid. He could feel the heat of his clothing enchantment working, but it did little for his extremities. Eldrin, who was keeping watch near the cave entrance, stiffened. His sharp eyes narrowed as he peered out into the blinding snow. ¡°Someone¡¯s out there,¡± he muttered. Justin felt a surge of adrenaline. ¡°Who?¡± Eldrin shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But they¡¯re getting closer.¡± Justin reached for his cane as a figure materialized from the snow. The rest of them gathered their weapons to make their stand. 79. Toward Kaldrath Kargan¡¯s Ward of Aegis flared to life but was just as quickly snapped out of existence by a powerful icy blast. Eldrin¡¯s arrows flew, but a fierce gust of wind arose, sending them far astray. Bohemond charged forward with his shield, wrapped in a blue veil of Kargan¡¯s Sacrificial Amor, but a wrapping of air and ice descended upon him, shattering the magic armor and blasting the Knight backward with ice encased on his armor. Justin activated his Dandy¡¯s Swagger, hoping to at least bolster the team¡¯s morale, as he approached the mysterious figure. The mage was wrapped in some sort of frost armor and swirling wind, making it impossible to determine who it was. Attacking directly was probably suicide, but cornered as they were, Justin didn¡¯t know what else to do. He had to attack somehow, and for now, the mage seemed to be focused on the others. Maybe he could get a hit in and knock them off balance. Before Justin could set this tenuous plan into action, a dulcet melody drifted through the cave. Justin turned to see Lila playing the golden harp, a violet aura emanating from the instrument. The fight stopped as everyone looked at it in fascination, including the mage. Justin felt a sense of calm and peace that went beyond words. But it was their attacker that seemed to be the most affected, its shield dissipating as it sank into the snow beneath. Immediately, the wind and snow died down. No longer shielded, Justin could see the attacker was tall and vaguely humanoid, with thick, almost translucent skin that shimmered faintly like ice under sunshine. Blue veins stretched down its arms, while it wore a flowing white robe and a mantle of thick white fur. Its eyes were strangely large and glowing blue, with long black hair that contrasted with its icy blue skin. It seemed to resist the strange lullaby, but in the end, it lost the battle. The mage dropped its staff, fashioned from the bone of some beast, before falling asleep in the snow. Justin had so many questions. What was this thing? Why had it attacked? And more importantly, what was that song Lila had played? But he was afraid to ask and wake it up. It was Lila who broke the silence. ¡°Surprised that actually worked.¡± ¡°Will talking wake them up?¡± Kargan asked. Lila shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s the Lullaby of Nyriss. It¡¯ll put any hostile creature, person, or monster that hears it into a deep slumber until attacked or the spell wears off. It¡¯s based on Charisma, so I guess mine won out.¡± ¡°That¡¯s crazy powerful,¡± Justin said. ¡°It can be done once a day,¡± Lila said. ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a chance it can fail.¡± ¡°And how long will they remain asleep?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know. The description from the Vault didn''t say.¡± They gathered their things and were out of the cave in less than thirty seconds. Eldrin paused by the attacker, seeming to weigh their chances against it. ¡°So, what was that thing, anyway?¡± Justin asked. ¡°A Qilungik,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°A high level one, too, by the looks of it.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Kargan said. ¡°That ice magic was crazy.¡± ¡°Not just ice magic,¡± Eldrin corrected. ¡°Air magic, too. I wouldn¡¯t be shocked if he is a Cryomancer.¡± So, this one was a male. Justin hadn''t been sure at first. ¡°Is Cryomancer an Advanced Class?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It¡¯s a Focus available to Elementalists,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Which means it¡¯s at least level 10 but no more than 20. And from the spells he showed off, I¡¯m guessing he''s somewhere in the middle.¡± ¡°Question,¡± Lila said. ¡°Why are we standing here talking about it?¡± ¡°Good point,¡± Bohemond said. Bohemond raised his sword, ready to finish off the sleeping Qilungik when Justin¡¯s eyes caught something small and out of place near the mage¡¯s wrist. Just visible beneath the edge of his icy-blue sleeve was a simple, woven bracelet¡ªcolorful and clearly handmade, the kind a child might craft. ¡°Wait,¡± Justin said, his voice sharp enough to stop Bohemond mid-swing. Bohemond glared at him. ¡°What now?¡± Justin crouched beside the mage and pointed to his wrist. ¡°Look at this." The bracelet was frayed at the edges, its once-bright colors faded by time. Of course, Justin couldn''t tell if there was an enchantment just by looking at it. However, the clumsy knots and mismatched beads had clearly been strung together with care. ¡°That doesn¡¯t look like something a dangerous mage wears,¡± Justin said softly. ¡°This guy¡­he might have a family. A kid.¡± ¡°So?¡± Bohemond barked, his sword still poised. ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with anything? He attacked us.¡± Justin met Bohemond¡¯s eyes. ¡°Maybe he had no choice. Maybe he was desperate. Maybe there¡¯s more going on here than we know.¡± Eldrin, who had been watching in silence, finally spoke. ¡°It¡¯s not unusual for even the most hardened warriors to have a family. They fight for them, just like we do.¡± Lila glanced at the bracelet, her expression softening. Bohemond lowered his sword slightly, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. ¡°We¡¯re just supposed to let him go? Risk him coming after us?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Justin admitted, ¡°but what if he¡¯s not the enemy we think he is? Killing him might bring more consequences than we¡¯re ready for. This isn''t just a mindless enemy. He¡¯s a person.¡± Eldrin nodded slowly. ¡°And if he¡¯s got a family, there may be others who come looking for him if he doesn¡¯t return.¡± Bohemond growled, frustration evident on his face, but he finally sheathed his sword. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡± ¡°We need to go,¡± Eldrin said. Without another word, the group moved on, leaving the sleeping mage behind. But the image of that bracelet stayed with Justin, nagging at the edges of his mind. The truth was, he didn''t know if he''d made the right call. But if there was any chance this attack was a misunderstanding, he didn''t want to be the one who killed. Besides, he was reasonably sure the guy couldn¡¯t catch up to them with the benefit of Eldrin¡¯s Pathfinder¡¯s Pace. Killing was a simple choice to make in a video game. After all, hostiles existed to be killed and looted.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. But this place was more than a game. Every death had consequences. This guy had a name and a history, a family. Was all that worth a few pieces of gear? Besides, the last thing Justin wanted was a bunch of angry Qilungit on their tail, especially if they were as powerful as this guy. Given all that, Justin was glad Kargan hadn''t managed to send off his new Knives of Fury spell. Then again, the Cryomancer might have had a spell to counter it. He didn''t like fighting mages. They were too dangerous and unpredictable. ¡°Let¡¯s get one thing out of the way,¡± Justin said as they ran up the trail to gain some distance. ¡°Is it Qilungit or Qilungik?¡± ¡°The first is singular, the second is plural,¡± Eldrin explained. ¡°That¡¯s why everyone just calls them the Ice Folk,¡± Lila chimed in. ¡°Loads easier.¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t say that around them,¡± Eldrin added, in between breaths. ¡°It¡¯s always better to call a people by the name they choose for themselves." ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why this one attacked,¡± Justin said with a smirk. ¡°He heard Lila call them Ice Folk in the Everwood and just now made his move.¡± Lila stuck her tongue out at him. As they gained a lot of distance, Justin put the matter behind him. In an hour, or perhaps two, the guy would wake up and realize that his life had been spared, and he hadn¡¯t been robbed. If Justin¡¯s hunch was right, then the mage would probably be grateful and realize they weren''t a threat. If not, well, they just missed out on a few pieces of gear. After half an hour, they slowed to a brisk walk. The wind howled constantly, cutting through their layers of clothing, while the snow and ice crunched with each step. Over the next three days, there was no sign of the Cryomancer. The landscape unfolded before them¡ªa bleak, mostly flat expanse, occasionally broken by low, rolling hills. The Frostplain stretched endlessly. They passed a few lone travelers, bundled heavily and always armed, as well as smaller groups. But most intriguing were the caravans, of which there were at least one or two a day. They were trains of heavily laden covered wagons drawn by massive, tusked beasts resembling musk oxen. Their thick, woolly fur rippled in the wind, and their heavy, curving tusks jutted out at least four or five feet. Despite their size, these creatures were calm, plodding through the harsh elements effortlessly, their broad hooves easily finding purchase on the icy ground. They pulled as many as a dozen wagons and were always accompanied by a couple of dozen guards, a mix of armored soldiers in heavy furs, mages, and crossbowmen. Occasionally, a heavily furred caravan master would give them a wary nod, sizing up their weapons and armor before moving on. The first time they passed one of these processions, Justin turned around to look. ¡°What are those things?¡± ¡°Frosthorns,¡± Eldrin answered. ¡°You won¡¯t find a hardier beast for these northern climes.¡± Justin believed it. ¡°And what are they carrying to be protected so heavily?¡± Eldrin glanced back at the long line of carts. ¡°Kaldrath is isolated, but it¡¯s rich in natural resources. The caravans carry many things¡ªfurs from the Qilungit hunters, rare crystals, alchemical and enchanting components, whale oil, amber. And it¡¯s one of the few places etherore can be mined in Serenthel. The Everwood may be far from here, but Kaldrath is where its bounty is sold, too. Those woods contain many rare herbs and medicinal plants that are useful for potion making.¡± Justin had been mostly lost in a haze during their time in the Everwood, but he remembered the Ranger gathering a few ingredients from the forest as they¡¯d traveled. Eldrin continued. ¡°Kaldrath is a hub for Enchanters, too. There is such a rich supply of rare components that many set up shop here, despite the harsh winters. I¡¯m told Kaldrath is quite pleasant in the summer, though. It¡¯s a beautiful city of stone, with towers carved from the cliffs themselves. But it¡¯s famous for one thing especially: Ghostcliff Bridge.¡± ¡°Ghostcliff Bridge?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin nodded. ¡°Kaldrath is a city of two halves. One half is land-bound, perched on and within the northern cliffs, while the other half sits on an island rising from the Ghostly Sea itself, connected by Ghostcliff Bridge. That¡¯s where the heart of the town lies.¡± ¡°Sounds like a lot of work to make something like that,¡± Justin said. ¡°True,¡± Eldrin agreed, ¡°but the investment was worth it for the city. The northern cliffs are too treacherous for a proper harbor, while the island¡¯s natural layout is the perfect haven for ships. It¡¯s what allowed Kaldrath to thrive and control all the trade in these parts.¡± Justin watched another caravan trundle past. ¡°So, Kaldrath¡¯s some kind of trade hub of the north, I take it?¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°It¡¯s the hub for this entire northern region of Serenthel. Humans, Orcs, Qilungit¡ªthey all come to Kaldrath to barter. The Qilungit bring their rare wares and hunt for goods to trade, while the Orcs provide strength and security for the caravans and operate the mines. Normally, they¡¯d ship most of this out through the port, but with the Ghostly Sea freezing, the caravans are the only way to get goods south in the winter. Those frosthorns are built for this kind of travel. Without them, Kaldrath would be cut off completely as the weather turns foul.¡± ¡°And they go through Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel?¡± Justin asked. ¡°They will be now,¡± Bohemond said, adding his own knowledge. ¡°The clearing of Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel has been a project long in the making and should bring great wealth to both Windfall and Kaldrath. Unfortunately, that kind of wealth attracts bandits, which is why you see these caravans so guarded.¡± Justin wondered if that was the reason they were attacked. Did that Qilungik mage assume they were bandits? Certainly, that cave in the lee of the two hills would have been a prime ambush location. Bohemond continued. ¡°In the times of my grandfather, when the tunnel trade was in full swing, it¡¯s said one of every five caravans was lost to either bandits or goblin ambushes. Many skirt around the Seraphims, braving Draegor¡¯s Pass in the east, or the Kurath Pass in the west if they¡¯re going to the ports of Daeloria. Of course, that adds weeks to the journey, and just makes the goods that much more expensive in the south.¡± Justin took another glance at the caravan, impressed by the size of the operation. ¡°Sounds like the city has got a lot riding on its frosthorns.¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Without the caravans, Kaldrath wouldn¡¯t exist. They¡¯re a lifeline. But despite the city¡¯s great wealth, most of it is channeled to a few families.¡± ¡°What country controls Kaldrath?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin smiled. ¡°That¡¯s the thing. They are independent. It¡¯s far too difficult for any one country to control a place so unpredictable, especially with the weather. And the Qilungit have a tribal structure. They welcome the gold and the trade, but they value their independence more. If anyone tried to conquer them, they¡¯d just retreat into the ice and tundra further north, and many people would lose access to the rare commodities they rely on.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°Maybe we can join one of these caravans for protection.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Eldrin said, his tone slightly impressed, as if Justin had correctly guessed his purpose for coming here. ¡°Seeing so many caravans is a good sign. A lot of goods will probably go south this winter, especially with the opening of the tunnel.¡± ¡°And travel by ship is impossible at this time of year, I assume,¡± Lila said. ¡°The Ghostly Sea is probably already freezing over close to the shoreline,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The waters are incredibly treacherous even in warmer seasons. You¡¯d have to find a brave or foolhardy captain to attempt the journey now. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the Iceward Barrier is already up.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It¡¯s a system of chains and towers built right into the mouth of Ghostwater Bay, designed to keep icebergs from drifting in. It gives them a few extra weeks to trade by sea, but if it¡¯s already up, there¡¯s no chance we can get out on a merchant vessel.¡± There were just a few weeks too late then, but maybe that was a good thing. Justin didn¡¯t like the idea of sailing in waters filled with icebergs, and possibly even sea monsters. They continued their journey. The relentless whiteness of the Frostplain really took its toll. Each day felt like an extension of the one before, with no end in sight. Kargan¡¯s Ward of Aegis shielded them from the worst of the wind, but even he couldn¡¯t keep it up for long without draining his Life Force. More often than not, they had to endure the icy blasts and biting cold and could only count of brief reprieves to warm up every half hour. By the fourth day, the air grew even colder, and the wind carried a sharper edge. Despite their best efforts to press on, fatigue set in, and the vast, unchanging landscape offered little hope. But by evening of the fifth day, as the sun had set and the wind had calmed, they finally crested a low, rounded hill. Under the brightness of stars and multicolored aurorae, they could at last see where the land ended and the Ghostly Sea began. Eldrin slowed his pace, scanning the horizon. ¡°There." Justin squinted, trying to make out the shapes in the dimming light. It was hard to see at first, but as they moved closer, the outline of a city took shape. Dark stone buildings rose from the cliffs, perched above the half-frozen expanse of the Ghostly Sea. Icebergs drifted sluggishly in the far distant horizon, a rare moment of clarity allowing for the visibility. The Frostmarch Path stretched out before them, leading straight to the city¡¯s black stone gates. From here, Justin could see a wall protecting the outer edges of the city, with a few scattered watchtowers peeking out from between the buildings. From this vantage, at least, Justin couldn¡¯t see the aforementioned island or bridge just beyond the walls. ¡°Kaldrath,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ve made it.¡± They headed down the path, and within five minutes, had entered the city¡¯s sheltering embrace. 80. A Plan is Hatched As they passed through the black stone gates of Kaldrath, Justin tugged the train of his coat tighter around him. Despite the enchantment, the bitter cold still gnawed at his skin. Once they were fully inside, the wind eased, revealing a neat cobblestone plaza cleared of snow, ice, and debris. Each side of the square was lined with solid black stone buildings, three to four stories high, with smoke billowing from their chimneys. Justin caught the scent of not only smoke but also the cold, salty mist drifting from the Ghostly Sea. Among the mist was the tempting smell of food wafting from a nearby inn. A sign proclaimed the inn¡¯s name: ¡°The Ice Sprite¡¯s Respite,¡± with whimsical art of a mischievous ice sprite, its delicate wings made of frost, grinning playfully as it held a steaming mug. Lila¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing it. ¡°A cup of hot anything would go down good right now.¡± ¡°Later,¡± Eldrin said firmly. ¡°We have work to do.¡± Justin marveled at the sight of the city. From the harsh architecture outside, he had expected something bleak, but inside, Kaldrath felt surprisingly cozy. The windows were well-lit, and the iron street lamps added a charming ambiance. At the far end of the square, a gap in the buildings revealed the edge of a cliff and the icy sea beyond. Looking down the two streets branching from the square, it seemed the city hugged the cliff, with more to be revealed as they ventured closer to the edge. Eldrin led them toward the cliffside, and as they neared the precipice, Justin took in a sweeping view of Ghostwater Bay beneath them. Just as Eldrin had mentioned, the sea was freezing near the cliffs, which stretched all around, with buildings perched precariously on the edge. Some structures were even built on the ledges between the cliffs, with tunnels hinting at shelters carved into the rock. Small bridges spanned the chasms, some of them hundreds of feet above the churning sea. All the buildings shared the same dark stone, weathered by the years but still sturdy, standing strong against the relentless elements. But most striking of all was the island rising from the bay itself, where the heart of the city could be seen. Its tiered structure reached upward, each level filled with buildings and towers. Lights glowed warmly from windows, promising shelter amid the cold expanse of the Ghostly Sea. Several merchant ships were anchored in the island¡¯s surprisingly large harbor, their bows pointing east toward safer waters. A massive arched bridge spanned the bay, connecting the cliffside city to the island. Crafted from black stone, it rose gracefully from the cliff¡¯s edge, curving high above the frigid waters below. Thick pillars supported the span, weathered by years of icy winds and sea spray. Eldrin wasted no time, his eyes set ahead as they descended the wide path cut into the cliff. It was clear he had a goal before they got some rest. The air hummed with the sound of industry as they passed by workshops built into the rock of the cliffs on their way down. The clang of metal on anvils, the hiss of steam from forges, and the indistinct murmur of people all emanated from the shelter of the tunnels leading into the cliffs. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin kept moving, not slowing his pace. ¡°We¡¯re signing on with a caravan.¡± So, Justin''s hunch had been correct. It seemed the smart move. The Baron was far less likely to attack them if there were a couple of dozen of guards. However, it didn''t do much to prevent him from following them if they were sighted on the road. Justin wanted to ask about that, but his attention shifted to the people of Kaldrath. The diversity of the population struck him immediately. Humans and orcs mingled freely, both races wrapped in thick fur cloaks and coats. But it was the Qilungit who truly caught Justin¡¯s eye. Compared to the humans and orcs, they were dressed far less warmly, with simple fur coats and leather breeches, their bodies clearly adapted to the harsh weather. Their clear, almost translucent skin shimmered in the light of the iron streetlamps, reflected in their brilliant, almost sparkling, blue eyes. Most carried bows or spears, or even both, their weapons slung over their backs. The Qilungit seemed to hold themselves apart, not unfriendly, but with an air of quiet self-sufficiency. They were clearly at home in this frozen world, while the other races were the intruders, needing the safety of Kaldrath¡¯s walls and thick furs to survive. As the party approached the massive arched Ghostcliff Bridge, Justin marveled at its size and craftsmanship. The bridge loomed before them, its stone surface wide enough for two carts to pass side by side. Beneath it, the waters of the Ghostly Sea were half-frozen. Kaldrath Island, the heart of the city, rose ahead of them, its three tiers stacked like a fortress against the elements. The wind howled fiercely as they stepped onto the bridge, passing a frosthorn pulling a heavy covered wagon on the way. Justin¡¯s gaze was drawn upward to the bustling lights and buildings beyond. Once across the bridge, Justin realized Kaldrath Island was the true heart of the city. The lowest tier seemed dedicated to trade, with shops, inns, and warehouses crowded together, while the upper tiers rose in grandeur, the structures becoming more refined. He wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if that was where the rich families who ran this town lived. It was hard not to compare this city to Windfall. While Windfall was certainly much larger, Kaldrath was probably more impressive to Justin. The way its builders had taken advantage of the harsh terrain to create a livable space out of it was nothing short of amazing. They stepped off Ghostcliff Bridge and onto a busy narrow street sheltered by tall buildings on either side, the street subtly curving, very canyon-like. The street was busy, filled with the sound of clattering footsteps and muffled voices echoing off the buildings'' sides. Inns and taverns bustled with patrons, their laughter and chatter spilling out into the streets as the doors swung open to let in new customers. A light snow fell, adding a fresh dusting of white to the already snow-covered rooftops and streets.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Justin noticed one scene where a stout, fur-wrapped merchant was vigorously haggling with a Qilungik trader over the price of some pelts. The Qilungik remained impassive, leaning on a spear as the merchant¡¯s voice grew louder and more animated. Another scene caught his eye: a pair of orcish laborers unloading goods from the back of a frosthorn, its thick coat steaming in the cold as it stood patiently, burdened by crates of supplies. Eldrin weaved his way through the bustling crowd, his eyes scanning their new environment. ¡°Stay on guard. I¡¯ve never traveled to Kaldrath before, and it¡¯s best we don¡¯t let our guard down in a new place, no matter how friendly it seems.¡± Justin fell in step behind Eldrin. Kaldrath was clearly a place of trade and opportunity, but Justin had no illusions that it held its own dangers. They continued through the streets until they reached a large stone building, its sign depicting the symbol of a frosthorn¡¯s head along with its name: The Frosthorn Trading Company. Eldrin paused, motioning for the group to gather around in a quiet alleyway just off the busy street. The hum of the city still surrounded them¡ªmerchants haggling over prices, the occasional grunt from a frosthorn as it trudged by, laden with goods, and the murmur of voices from taverns spilling out into the frigid night air. Eldrin leaned against the wall. ¡°Before we head inside, I need you all to understand something. My plan isn¡¯t exactly what you might have thought.¡± He gave Justin a quick glance. ¡°We¡¯re not signing on for a caravan heading south through Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel.¡± Justin blinked in surprise. ¡°We¡¯re not?¡± ¡°No,¡± Eldrin said, shaking his head. ¡°Heading south through the tunnel is too risky. The Baron could have people waiting there, and even if we get through, it¡¯s far too dangerous. Our best chance is to head east, through Draegor¡¯s Pass. That¡¯s the most direct path to Mont Elea and we would miss the Baron entirely.¡± Kargan nodded. ¡°Draegor¡¯s Pass is dangerous. There¡¯s an orc hold on the north side of the mountains. Some of their people have visited my hold in the Umbers. They¡¯ve spun a lot of tales about the monsters there, and of course, there¡¯s the Vault of Draegor, too.¡± ¡°That hasn¡¯t been active in centuries,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°A volcano, yes, but a dormant one.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a volcano there?¡± Justin asked. Lila explained. "There¡¯s an infamous Vault in the mountains by Draegor¡¯s Keep that appeared centuries ago, that happens to be located near a volcano called Mount Draegor. There was a dangerous dragon that lived here, named Draegor of the Undying Fire. It was destroyed by none other than King Alaric of Highcliff. But according to a prophecy, Draegor would return someday and exact vengeance on the people of Highcliff for what Alaric did.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°If the prophecy is true, the Vault will break containment someday and Draegor will fly again. But it hasn¡¯t for centuries, ever since the Vault appeared again. We should only be within the pass for a few days at most, and the people of Draegor''s Keep have lived in peace there for centuries.¡± ¡°What level is the Vault?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Well,¡± Eldrin said, ¡°such is the danger of the climb that even getting to the entrance is a challenge itself, achievable by only the most well-rounded and high-level parties. But the Vault has been Ascendant since my grandfather¡¯s time.¡± ¡°Ascendant?¡± Justin asked, unable to help his curiosity. ¡°It¡¯s Level 50,¡± Lila said. ¡°It can¡¯t go any higher than that.¡± ¡°Gulp,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯s the plan as it stands,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ll head inside, and I¡¯ll offer our services to one of the trading houses here on Kaldrath Island, asking for a caravan that¡¯s heading east. If we can get signed on, we¡¯ll be in better shape than trying to push south.¡± Bohemond, who had been listening with his arms crossed the entire time, didn¡¯t seem happy. ¡°Do you have an issue with that, Bohemond?¡± Justin asked. ¡°That would take us directly to Mont Elea,. That''s what you want, right?¡± Bohemond¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes dark. ¡°I know the risks, but I still think Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel would still be safer. Even if we run across the Baron, which isn¡¯t guaranteed, he¡¯d hardly draw attention to himself by attacking a trade caravan.¡± ¡°And what about after Windfall?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°At some point, we must traverse the wilds again, where we will be isolated and alone.¡± ¡°We could hire mercenaries,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°Or return to Ashcroft Manor and enlist my father¡¯s aid. Or, better yet, involve the Church directly, so we are not fighting this alone.¡± Justin had to admit, those were not bad ideas. And he would have agreed, except that he knew Bohemond was not to be trusted. He¡¯d caught that much in his gaze over the campfire in the Everwood, and he wouldn¡¯t ever forget it. Whatever the Knight said, part of the price for his help would no doubt lay in giving up Kargan the Blood Warden to the Church of Light. As a Blood Warden, whether or not he liked it, Kargan was a channeler of Chaos Magic, the purview of Nyriss, who had allied herself with Morvath and even now drew her power from the Nether Realm. At least, according to the mythology of this world. As much of an asset as Kargan was, as long as he was in the party, they¡¯d always make enemies of those who followed the Church of Light. At last, Eldrin answered Bohemond, his tone measured. ¡°It would have to be a small army to stand up to the Baron. All of his followers are classed, and we know at least one or more is Level 20 or higher. It¡¯s difficult to know the Baron¡¯s exact level, but it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if it¡¯s thirty or even more. Not even the finances of the Ashcroft family can endure that.¡± ¡°But the Church can,¡± Bohemond countered. ¡°The local Church of Windfall would require evidence of the Baron¡¯s affiliation with Death Magic, and we would only have our word and testimony, and the Baron his. Even if we were to convince them, they would need approval from the Templars of Mont Elea before they could act. We don¡¯t have time for that. We need to go directly to Mont Elea.¡± Bohemond grunted. ¡°Maybe so, Ranger. You haven¡¯t led us astray yet, but I would caution against the eastern path. Perhaps it¡¯s safer in terms of monsters, but I think you¡¯ll find that not all the Qilungit are peaceful traders. Not to mention the danger of the pass itself.¡± ¡°You are welcome to your opinions, Bohemond,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°And you are welcome to find your own way, if you judge that best.¡± ¡°I remain committed,¡± Bohemond said. ¡°For now.¡± The Knight turned to Justin, and in that gaze, Justin caught his angry expression. It was a look that said Justin owed him for his troubles, for getting him involved in this. Maybe that was true, but the guy was annoying. Justin hoped they were rid of him soon, even if he made for a decent tank. Eldrin broke the silence with a nod. ¡°Then let¡¯s head inside. Time to offer our services.¡± With that, they turned and made their way toward the doors of the Frosthorn Trading Company. 81. Negotiations The heavy wooden door of the Frosthorn Trading Company creaked open, releasing a gust of warm air and the scent of burning wood. Justin was grateful for the brief reprieve from the cold. They had endured the harsh elements for so long that the warmth almost felt painful against his skin. Inside, the space was bustling with activity. The room was lined with shelves filled with furs, crates, and various goods, while orcish clerks rushed back and forth, managing paperwork and inspecting inventory. A large stone hearth crackled in the back, filling the room with a cozy warmth that almost made Justin want to sit by the fire and forget all about caravans and travel plans. They approached the counter, where a burly orc with a thick fur collar and a gold nose ring looked up from his ledger. His sharp, amber eyes sparkled with interest as Eldrin stepped forward. ¡°Afternoon,¡± the orc said, his voice gruff but friendly. ¡°What can I do for you lot?¡± Eldrin cleared his throat. ¡°We¡¯re looking to sign on with a caravan heading east, to Draegor¡¯s Pass.¡± The orc raised a bushy eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t say? Always good to have more hands. Do you all have a class?¡± ¡°All five of us do, yes. You won¡¯t find more capable guards,¡± Eldrin replied confidently. The orc¡¯s gaze swept over the group, lingering on Kargan¡¯s mage staff and Bohemond¡¯s sword and armor, and more doubtfully on Justin and Lila. ¡°You lot look¡­capable. But I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ve got nothing going east right now.¡± ¡°Nothing at all?¡± Eldrin¡¯s tone was polite, though a trace of disappointment seeped through. The orc shook his head and flipped through some papers on his desk. ¡°Nope. Since Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel was opened up, it makes more business sense to send everything south. Easier, faster, and safer. We haven¡¯t had a caravan go east since early autumn.¡± Justin¡¯s heart sank. They had come all this way, and now their best option seemed blocked by the very success of the tunnel reopening. ¡°Are you certain?¡± Eldrin pressed, clearly unwilling to give up so soon. The orc nodded firmly. ¡°Absolutely. I¡¯d hire you on the spot if you wanted to go south. We have so many caravans going out these days that I can¡¯t keep up. Wages have never been higher. I imagine in a season or two, Kaldrath will be flooded with people seeking their fortune. But if you¡¯re really set on Draegor¡¯s Pass, there¡¯s not much I can do. No one¡¯s using that route with the tunnel back open.¡± Eldrin frowned slightly but maintained his composure. ¡°Is there no way to convince you to send a caravan east? We¡¯d be willing to negotiate our rate.¡± The orc leaned back, crossing his thick arms. ¡°I¡¯d love to help, but business is business. Even if you were to guard for free, it doesn¡¯t make economic sense. If you want my advice, you¡¯re better off heading south. Less trouble. Maybe try one of the other companies. Some of them might be mad enough to go that way, though I doubt it.¡± He offered an apologetic grin. ¡°Still, good luck. If you change your mind about heading south, come back before we close. I can have you on the next caravan leaving tomorrow.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Eldrin said. With that, they stepped back out into the cold. Eldrin¡¯s brow furrowed as they regrouped outside. ¡°That was a dead end,¡± Justin muttered, pulling his coat tighter. ¡°What now?¡± Eldrin¡¯s expression remained thoughtful. ¡°That worries me about the eastern route. Crossing the tundra on our own would be far too dangerous.¡± ¡°But is it doable if push comes to shove?¡± Lila asked. Eldrin didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he gave a curt nod, signaling them to follow. ¡°Let¡¯s see if we can find another company.¡± They continued down the street, the bustling market growing busier as dusk approached. A few minutes later, they found themselves in front of another trading house¡ªthis one marked by an intricately carved sign that read The Silvercrest Syndicate. Justin quickly took stock of what they were up against. The building¡¯s fa?ade screamed wealth¡ªsilver inlays, gleaming polished stone, and even magical lanterns burning with enchanted green fire, while every other building relied on simple oil lamps. Glancing down at his somewhat ragged appearance, Justin decided it was time to clean up. In the wilds, he rarely used the Ring of Hygiene unless he really needed it, keeping it as a backup for emergencies. But before entering a place like this, he knew he needed to look the part. He set his thoughts on the ring and activated it. In an instant, the dirt and grime on his clothes vanished, leaving his hair and face looking immaculate. He stood up straighter, feeling like a different person entirely. Lila¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°I can never get used to that.¡± ¡°At first, I thought this thing was useless,¡± Justin said, grinning. ¡°Turns out, it¡¯s a lifesaver.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± Eldrin nodded, already pushing open the doors. The group followed him in. Inside, the contrast to the busy street was stark. The room was pristine, with elegant silver-trimmed walls and a counter behind which stood three immaculately dressed humans¡ªtwo women and one man. All of them had a statuesque quality, and each could have been a model back in Justin¡¯s world. Clearly, The Silvercrest Syndicate cared deeply about appearances, so Justin was grateful he¡¯d used the ring. Behind the counter lay an assortment of enchanted artifacts, glittering crystals, and high-end gear, all locked away securely in glass cases. It couldn¡¯t have been more different from the rugged Frosthorn Trading Company. The three clerks gave the group a once-over, their expressions less than welcoming. It was more like they were sizing up livestock than potential clients. ¡°Good afternoon,¡± Eldrin said, ignoring the cool reception. ¡°We were hoping to sign on with a caravan heading east, to Draegor¡¯s Pass.¡± The tall man behind the counter, with his slicked-back hair and impeccably tailored coat, barely looked up from his ledger. His tone dripped with condescension. ¡°We don¡¯t hire just anyone. We only employ the best here at Silvercrest.¡± Eldrin, undeterred, tried again. ¡°I can assure you we¡¯re more than capable. We¡¯re looking to offer our services, and¡ª¡± The clerk cut him off with a raised hand, his eyes sweeping the group dismissively. ¡°I see a ragtag Ranger, a scuffed-up Warrior, a bedraggled Bard, a disheveled orc, and¡­¡± He¡¯s eyes looked at Justin, seeming to see him in a different light. ¡°And who exactly are you?¡± Sensing the opportunity, Justin stepped forward, flashing a confident smile. ¡°Apologies for the oversight, my good man. I¡¯m Lord Justin Talemaker, Gentleman. You¡¯ll have to forgive our state of dress¡ªtraveling the Frostplain Path was dreadful! We were ambushed by a pack of dire wolves, a troll, and a maddened mage, but we handled them all easily. I assure you; we are professionals and only wish to work for the finest company in Kaldrath. Perhaps we could discuss our qualifications?¡± The clerk¡¯s expression softened slightly as he noticed Justin¡¯s polished appearance and presentation. He gave him a more serious look. ¡°You seem better presented than your fellows, at least. I shall entertain this request but I make no promises. As you know, the job interview starts the moment you step through the door. A posting as a Silvercrest Caravan Sentinel isn¡¯t a mere job¡ªit¡¯s a career. We vet everyone thoroughly, and if hired, you¡¯d become full employees, signing a magical contract to bind you to our terms. After that, you¡¯d undergo a month of training before even being considered for a position.¡± Justin forced a smile, despite knowing this was a dead end. ¡°I understand your standards are high. But perhaps there could be an exception?¡± The clerk raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡°Exceptions aren¡¯t made here, Lord Talemaker, whatever your station. If you want to work for Silvercrest, you follow the process like everyone else. Besides, we no longer send caravans east. We have one heading west to Kulrath Pass in several days, but there¡¯s no way you¡¯d be trained to the Syndicate¡¯s standards in time.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± Justin said, offering a charming smile. ¡°Might you suggest another company, then?¡± The clerk¡¯s disinterest didn¡¯t waver, but one woman with auburn hair, who had been eyeing Justin since he stepped forward, leaned in. ¡°You could try Frosthorn, just down the street. You¡¯ve got an orc in your party, so that might give you a leg up since they mostly hire their own. Whitepeak Mercantile is another option¡ªlots of volume, if not much quality. Stormgale Alchemical and Sundries is small and specialized, but it can¡¯t hurt to try. And then there¡¯s the Ghostwater Collective, run by the Qilungit. They rarely hire outside their own kind, but if anyone¡¯s sending caravans east, it would be them.¡± Justin nodded, his people skills having at least earned them some valuable information. ¡°Thank you for your time.¡± She batted her eyes a bit. ¡°Anytime. You should come back if you¡¯re looking for work. We might have a position opening right here in the trading house. Much better than working next to those dirty frosthorns.¡± Justin chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­keep that in mind. Good day.¡± With a nod to the others, they left the trading house. As they did so, Justin caught the two female clerks exchanging a look. [50 Experience Gained! Your Experience stands at 119/2070]. Justin smiled at the notification. Maybe he should be taking the lead on this job hunt. After all, it was what his Charisma was made for, and he was nearly equal to Eldrin in level now. As they stepped back into the cold, Kargan sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Another dead end.¡± ¡°At least we got something out of it,¡± Justin said. ¡°Onto the next one.¡± Lila, walking beside him, shot him a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have no trouble getting a job offer wherever we go¡ªif the ladies have anything to say about it.¡± ¡°What can I say?¡± Justin asked, pulling his coat tighter. ¡°They just recognize talent.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Talent?¡± Lila teased. ¡°Maybe we should just leave you here to fend for yourself. See how long that charm lasts when you¡¯re fighting off wolves for table scraps.¡± ¡°Uh-oh,¡± Kargan said with a sharp, orcish grin. ¡°Someone¡¯s sounding jealous.¡± Lila raised an eyebrow. ¡°Jealous? Please. If I wanted to bat my eyes and get us a job, we¡¯d already be on the road with a caravan. I just prefer not to lead with a hair flip.¡± Justin grinned, playing along. ¡°I¡¯d love to see that. Lila, the hair-flipping bard. You have to admit, it¡¯s got a nice ring to it.¡± ¡°I thought I told you not to let it go to your head.¡± ¡°Not to worry. Those two aren¡¯t my type, anyway.¡± Bohemond looked puzzled. ¡°You must be joking. If two pretty lasses like that aren¡¯t good enough for you, then who is?¡± Justin stroked his chin for dramatic effect. ¡°Hmm. I¡¯m into experienced women. Moms, mostly.¡± ¡°Moms?¡± Bohemond¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I don¡¯t follow.¡± ¡°Moms.¡± Justin nodded, as if imparting great wisdom. ¡°Experienced, caring, plus they always carry snacks.¡± Kargan and even Lila chuckled while Bohemond scowled. "Well, you''re entitled to your tastes. Just keep away from my mother." "Already too late." Even Eldrin, usually stoic, burst out laughing. ¡°There is something to be said for experience, I suppose.¡± Lila crossed her arms. "This is what I get for traveling with a bunch of men." She turned to Eldrin. "By the way, you never told us how things went with Mira the Barmaid.¡± ¡°A barmaid?¡± Bohemond said, cracking a rare smile. ¡°Eldrin, I didn¡¯t know you had it in you!¡± Eldrin gave a coy smile. ¡°A Ranger¡¯s path may be lonely, but we know how to find good company when it matters.¡± They all laughed as they headed down the street, but soon they were back to business. After asking a few random passersby, they learned the locations of the remaining trading companies in Kaldrath. It didn¡¯t take long to find Stormgale Alchemical and Sundries, though unlike the other two trading houses, this one wasn¡¯t on the main street of Kaldrath Island. Instead, it was tucked away in a narrow alleyway, wedged between a tavern and a smithy. Its modest, weathered exterior stood in stark contrast to the polished grandeur of The Silvercrest Syndicate. The door creaked as they entered, revealing a small, dimly lit space lined with shelves filled with bottles of alchemical ingredients, vials of colorful potions, and strange herbs hanging from the ceiling to dry. The smell of various concoctions filled the air¡ªsharp, earthy, and pungent. There was no fireplace here, only a small, enchanted heater in the corner that radiated a low warmth. Behind the counter stood a late middle-aged man with thinning gray hair and a pair of round spectacles perched on his nose. His weathered face gave off an air of wisdom and experience. The room was cluttered but orderly, clearly the workspace of someone who valued precision over presentation. Justin, taking the lead this time, approached the counter with a friendly nod. ¡°Good afternoon. We¡¯re looking for any job openings with your caravans. We were told you might be hiring.¡± The man glanced up from the mortar and pestle he had been grinding herbs with. ¡°Caravan guards, you say? We¡¯re a minor operation, but we might have something going out within the week. Not much traffic this time of year, though.¡± ¡°Would that be heading east or south?¡± Justin asked. ¡°South, like everyone else. No one¡¯s doing the east route anymore, not since the tunnel reopened. Too much risk and too little reward.¡± Justin sighed, nodding. ¡°So I¡¯ve heard.¡± The man offered a sympathetic shrug. ¡°If you¡¯re looking for work heading east, you¡¯re not likely to find it. Not around here, anyway. Kaldrath¡¯s trade has shifted south, and that¡¯s where the money¡¯s flowing.¡± ¡°Thanks for the tip.¡± ¡°Is there anything else I can help you with?¡± He was about to leave say no, when he remembered the potion he¡¯d received from Glamshara. If this company mostly dealt with potions, maybe they had an Alchemist on staff to appraise it. Of course, doing so carried risks. The pro was that he might learn what the potion did that much more quickly. After all, there was no guarantee that he¡¯d ever make it to Belmora to use Eldrin¡¯s contact. The con was that this place wasn¡¯t vetted, and even if they could tell him what the potion did, it might place a target on his back if it was truly valuable. Justin would talk to Eldrin about it later. The Ranger always had a good perspective. But even if he wasn¡¯t comfortable talking about the All-Encompassing Draught, he was more than willing to talk about the Alchemist Core. Justin had already spied a few of them protected behind the counter in enchanted cases. ¡°I see this business deals in Alchemist Cores,¡± he said. ¡°I have one to sell, possibly.¡± ¡°I see,¡± the clerk said. ¡°But if we¡¯re to be trading such a high value item, we had better exchange names. He offered a hand. ¡°Erik Stormgale. Owner.¡± ¡°Justin Talemaker,¡± Justin said smoothly, shaking his hand. ¡°Socialite and Gentleman.¡± He quickly introduced the rest of his companions. ¡°A Socialite,¡± the man said approvingly. ¡°Let¡¯s see that core, Mr. Talemaker.¡± Justin pulled out the Alchemist Core he had found earlier, its shining blue light illuminating the room¡¯s interior and bathing everything in a bluish glow. ¡°First, Mr. Stormgale,¡± Justin said, ¡°I¡¯m wondering if this can combine with a Socialite Core. If not, would you be interested in buying it?¡± Erik¡¯s eyes lit up with professional interest as he examined the Core. ¡°I¡¯ll answer the second question first. I¡¯m always happy to buy class cores off adventurers. I don¡¯t just deal with Alchemist Cores, but any core, really. As for Alchemist Cores, they¡¯re quite valuable; most crafting classes are. But any shop that deals with such things would buy it from you for about thirty golds, so my offer would be about the same.¡± Justin arched an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s quite the discount. I¡¯ve been told that the market price is about eighty golds. That¡¯s a fat margin for you, if I might be so direct.¡± Erik shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m running a business, not a charity.¡± ¡°Still,¡± Justin said. ¡°If you won¡¯t buy it off me, I¡¯m sure The Silvercrest Syndicate or Whitepeak Mercantile could give me a better deal.¡± ¡°If they will, then not by much. You see, a lot of adventurers base themselves in Kaldrath. Given the isolation of this area, the Vaults here are quite high level. Cores drop commonly enough that, compared to most other places, the markets here are quite flooded with them.¡± He nodded back toward his inventory. ¡°As you can see, I have three Alchemist Cores on hand and have yet to find buyers for them among the locals. I¡¯m most likely going to send them to the southern markets, but of course, the caravans always want their cut. You¡¯re welcome to travel somewhere the market rate is higher. But here, you¡¯re trying to sell a diamond next to the mine.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said, detecting no lie in his explanation. ¡°What about for my other question? Does it combine with a Socialite Core?¡± ¡°It certainly does. You¡¯d get the Mixologist Advanced Class.¡± Justin¡¯s heart raced. ¡°Mixologist. What does that do?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a powerful buffing and debuffing class, known for its special potions, elixirs, and unique ¡®cocktails¡¯ that even someone like me can¡¯t make. You¡¯d get access to skills and boons that allow you to enhance your use of a potion gauntlet, which launches prepared flasks from your wrist. The mixtures you create would have a variety of powerful effects, including healing, damage, buffing allies, and debuffing enemies.¡± That sounded powerful. ¡°I¡¯d keep all my current skills and boons?¡± Erik nodded. ¡°You would. The skills and boons you¡¯ve already gained would all get a slight boost in line with your Advanced Class, but any new ability you learned would be related to the Mixologist Class. It¡¯s not a bad advanced class at all, but it depends on what you¡¯re going for.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Justin mused. He considered his options. The gold from selling now would be immediately useful. His Advanced Class was still ten levels away, so that was a long time to hold on to a core. It stood to reason that by the time he was ready for an Advanced Class, he would have gained enough money to get any core, not just an Alchemy Core. So, the question was, did he want the money now, which would be more immediately useful, or did he want to hold on to the core and wait for a better deal? At the moment, Justin¡¯s reserves were rather low after his spending spree in Windfall. Having that much gold on hand would be a game changer. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what,¡± Justin said. ¡°Yours isn¡¯t the only trading company dealing in cores, and you¡¯re the first person I talked to. I¡¯m good at reading faces, and yours is honest. Give me your very best price to save me the trouble of shopping around.¡± Then, thinking of the All-Encompassing Draught, he added: ¡°Who knows? I might come back with more rare items to sell.¡± Erik Stormgale considered this. ¡°Well, a return customer is always good, but anyone can see you¡¯re a stranger to these parts, and it seems you¡¯re eager to be off, from your questions about joining a caravan. So, if you truly have something else to sell me, you had better strike while the iron is hot. If the item is of particularly high value, I can improve my offer.¡± Stormgale was playing this well, and quite shrewd. ¡°I have such an item,¡± Justin said. ¡°However, I¡¯d still like you to make a strong offer before I consider doing further business with you.¡± The ball was in Stormgale¡¯s court. The man gave a resigned sigh. ¡°I can offer thirty-eight golden crowns, and I¡¯m confident that one will not be beat. Silvercrest deals in cores; it¡¯s a specialty of theirs. But they are known for being stingy. Whitepeak is my strongest competition, and they might offer you a better price. And yet, unlike them, I¡¯m known for my honesty, and you can ask anyone about that. Whitepeak has a¡­reputation, shall we say.¡± ¡°What kind of reputation?¡± Justin asked. Stormgale ignored the question, leaving it for Justin to figure out. ¡°Would you at least tell me the nature of the item to see if we can work out a deal?¡± Justin could give him that much. ¡°It¡¯s a powerful and rare potion, though I¡¯m unsure of the effects. Unfortunately, I require the services of a high-level Alchemist.¡± ¡°Well, I am an expert at my craft, and have lived a long and storied history, all in pursuit of mastering my class. I may not be a Level 20 Alchemist, but I am Level 18. I can discern the qualities, and dangers, of most magical drafts. I imagine you couldn¡¯t find someone with more expertise north of the Seraphims. Even the Qilungit come to me with their questions.¡± He paused, considering. ¡°You mentioned your interest in joining a caravan. That can be difficult to do without a proper reference. A strong letter of recommendation from me will land you a job with any trading company here. I can throw that in as well.¡± Justin knew the man had them. ¡°All right. So, thirty-eight golden crowns, letters of recommendation for all five of us, and a chance to look at the rare potion I have.¡± ¡°Sounds good to me. My recommendation is to come back this evening. We close at five, but if you come just after that, I can ensure we have privacy for such a high value transaction. I can have the coin ready for you, along with the letters. Bring your Alchemy Core and this rare potion you have.¡± ¡°Sounds perfect,¡± Justin said. Mr. Stormgale smiled. ¡°If you need anything in the meantime, you can find me here.¡± ¡°Thanks for everything,¡± Justin said, turning to his companions. ¡°I think we¡¯re done for now.¡± [50 Experience Gained! Your Experience stands at 169/2070]. Once outside, Lila let out a triumphant whoop. ¡°That went exceedingly well!¡± she said. ¡°And now we¡¯re practically guaranteed a job to boot.¡± ¡°Yes, it sounds very promising,¡± Eldrin agreed. ¡°Assuming Whitepeak Mercantile or the Ghostwater Collective have caravans heading in the right direction.¡± ¡°It¡¯s high time we checked ourselves into an inn,¡± Justin suggested, rubbing his hands together against the biting cold. ¡°You¡¯re paying, right, Moneybags?¡± Lila asked with a teasing grin. Justin opened his coin pouch, peering inside. There were hardly any coins left, just a few silvers rattling at the bottom. Windfall had completely cleaned him out, and surprisingly, they had found no gold in Drakendir or the wilds north of the Seraphim Mountains. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m happy to cover everyone once I get my payout. But for now, I¡¯ll be living on credit.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get ourselves situated first,¡± Eldrin said, his tone decisive. ¡°We¡¯ve all earned a rest.¡± He then turned to Justin. ¡°If you need some backup when it comes time to sell the core, I can be there to help make sure everything goes smoothly and that your interests are protected.¡± Justin almost wanted to say he could handle it on his own, but he understood the wisdom in Eldrin¡¯s offer. He had a good read on Erik Stormgale, but for something as valuable as the All-Encompassing Draught, even an honest man could be tempted. A little extra caution never hurt. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate the backup,¡± Justin said, nodding. ¡°First, let¡¯s warm up, grab something to eat that isn¡¯t boar meat, and ask around about caravans.¡± ¡°Kargan, Bohemond, and I can handle the caravan inquiries while you two deal with the core,¡± Lila offered. ¡°These trading companies are likely to close while you¡¯re at Stormgale¡¯s. His letter will be helpful, but if we can secure jobs without it, all the better.¡± ¡°Normally, I¡¯d advise against splitting up,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Given the danger we¡¯re in, it¡¯s a risk. But in this case, it¡¯s a wise move. Best-case scenario, you three find something heading east¡ªideally tomorrow morning. The sooner we conclude our business in Kaldrath, the better.¡± Justin nodded, though the idea of being rushed meant he wouldn¡¯t have time to shop for better gear. Hanging onto the gold wasn¡¯t a terrible option; it would give him more flexibility. Still, he had hoped to be fully equipped with Silver Level items to improve his survivability. And another thought nagged at him¡ªonce he got his money, should he share the newfound wealth with the group? While the core had been given to him, hoarding the money didn¡¯t sit right. After all, surviving the wilds had been a team effort. He wasn¡¯t sure how to handle it, but an idea took root in his mind: perhaps he could use part of the gold to improve the group¡¯s gear or contribute to their supplies. Thirty-eight golden crowns was a small fortune in this world. Eldrin soon led them to a cozy, three-story inn built from black brick, called ¡°Elara¡¯s Star.¡± Justin smiled at the name, remembering Lila¡¯s song from their second day together. He took it as a good omen, and the name was fitting, given the Star of Elara was the north star of this world. But for now, it was time to rest, enjoy a warm meal, maybe a cup of coffee, and¡ªbest of all¡ªa hot bath. 82. A Mythic Boon After they had secured their rooms, Justin wasted no time in ordering a hot meal at the counter¡ªa hearty stew of slow-cooked venison, potatoes, and root vegetables, with a thick slice of warm bread and butter on the side. It was exactly what he needed. He couldn¡¯t remember the last time food had tasted so good, though he supposed anything would feel like a feast compared to their rations. Afterward, he ordered a bath and soaked for a good hour, letting the enchanted stones keep the water at the perfect temperature. The warmth seeped into his bones, and he almost nodded off, but he forced himself to get out before he turned into a prune. He dried off and headed to his room, slipping into a deep sleep the moment his head hit the pillow. When he awoke, it was to a knock at the door. Justin quickly threw on his coat and opened it to find Eldrin, looking freshly groomed, his beard neatly trimmed. The transformation was impressive. ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Lila and the others are already checking out the trading houses.¡± Justin nodded, grabbing his pack and cane. ¡°Ready when you are.¡± In no time, the duo was out on the street. The bustling crowd hadn¡¯t died down despite the deepening darkness. The lanterns along the streets flickered in the cold wind, casting shadows over the cobblestones. As they entered Stormgale Alchemical and Sundries, the bell above the door jingled. Erik Stormgale was waiting behind the counter, with a measured smile on his face. Justin read his expression closely¡ªno red flags. Erik seemed genuinely prepared to complete their business. ¡°Welcome back,¡± Erik greeted them cordially. ¡°You have the potion with you?¡± Eldrin gave a slight nod, as if to assure Justin that he had his back. Justin reached into his pack and carefully pulled out the prismatically colored All-Encompassing Draught. Its swirling colors seemed to glow under the dim light, captivating both men. Erik¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied the flask, and then widened in astonishment. ¡°Well, well¡­this is something extraordinary.¡± Justin¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°What can you tell me about it?¡± ¡°This,¡± Erik said reverently, ¡°is an All-Encompassing Draught. I can hardly believe my eyes. It¡¯s incredibly rare and powerful, so much so that it only exists in alchemy legend.¡± Justin held his breath as Erik continued. ¡°Where did you come across this?¡± ¡°It was a reward for clearing a Vault,¡± Justin replied, being purposefully vague. ¡°The person who gave it to me couldn¡¯t determine its full purpose, though they did say it was valuable.¡± Erik¡¯s eyes twinkled with intrigue. ¡°That¡¯s an understatement. This is certainly an All-Encompassing Draught, likely crafted by a Alchemist at least Level 15 or higher.¡± Justin supposed that only spoke to Glamshara¡¯s natural talents, since she¡¯d only been Level 12 when she¡¯d created it. Erik continued. ¡°All legendary draughts require at least six key ingredients, each from one of the Six Worlds of Creation. Since travel between the World Gates hasn¡¯t been accomplished in centuries, that makes this potion even more valuable.¡± Justin found himself even more curious about these World Gates and their significance, but that was a question for another day. For now, he was more interested in the potion¡¯s effects. ¡°So, what exactly does this draught do?¡± Erik leaned in, his voice taking on a tone of reverence. ¡°The All-Encompassing Draught grants a permanent Mythic Boon called Elemental Affinity. It¡¯s basically eight boons in one.¡± ¡°Eight?¡± Justin blurted, unable to contain his surprise. ¡°Well, not all at once,¡± Erik clarified. ¡°You get to choose one Elemental Affinity to align yourself with, and switch to any of the others as needed. Once you switch out of the original, you can¡¯t adopt it again for twenty-four hours. Justin¡¯s mind raced. ¡°And what do these Affinities do?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not set in stone,¡± Erik explained. ¡°It depends on who takes the potion, and also on the class. Each of the Affinities will tie with one of the Eight Elemental Forces of Creation¡ªthat¡¯s the four Physical and four Spiritual elements, one for each of the Old Gods.¡± His eyes widened. ¡°Even Death?¡± Erik nodded. ¡°Aye. Even Death. It¡¯s probably not something the overly pious should take. I suppose if you have an aversion to Death¡ªas most people do¡ªyou could choose not to use that Affinity, while making use of the others.¡± Justin wondered how that might work with his Amulet of Equilibrium. It required a ¡°Life Affinity¡± to function. If he could swap his Affinity at will, would the Amulet stop working once he¡¯d switched away from Life? Would the Amulet reject him, or perhaps even kill him, if he switched to Death? ¡°What would happen if I had specific equipment that could only be used if I have a certain Affinity? Say I have a ring that only works if I have a Water Affinity. What would happen if I switched to Fire?¡± Erik smiled patiently at Justin¡¯s question. ¡°Good question. Elemental Affinity doesn¡¯t actually change your core nature. Think of it as a ¡®magical overlay¡¯, a kind of mask that aligns you with the chosen element for the moment. It¡¯s like wearing a cloak¡ªwhen you put it on, people see the color of the cloak, not what¡¯s underneath.¡± Justin¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°So, switching to, say, Fire Affinity wouldn¡¯t mess with a ring that requires a Water Affinity?¡± Erik shook his head. ¡°No, it won¡¯t mess with it. Though it would be strange for a human to have a Water Affinity. Most of us, unless we are raised outside the Church, tend to have a Life Affinity. But rest assured, your equipment doesn¡¯t see that magical layer. It only recognizes your core essence.¡± Justin nodded thoughtfully. He¡¯d just have to take Erik¡¯s word for it. He could experiment by switching to a ¡°safer¡± Affinity first, something that wasn¡¯t death. ¡°Thanks for the explanation.¡± Erik grinned. ¡°No problem.¡± Eldrin, standing beside Justin, seemed impressed. ¡°If I had a potion like that, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to drink it.¡± ¡°I¡¯d do so in a safe spot,¡± Erik advised. ¡°Potions like this that grant a powerful, permanent effect have the tendency to send the drinker into a deep sleep. It¡¯s not always the case, but generally speaking, the more powerful the effect, the more rest required to enact it.¡± ¡°How long would I be knocked out?¡± Justin asked., Erik shrugged. ¡°Hard to say. I¡¯d take it right before bed, in a safe place. Clear your schedule. Most potions like this require twelve hours to take effect. A full day if you want to be safe.¡± Justin¡¯s heart fell at the news. If he needed twelve hours of rest, and up to twenty-four, it would make leaving tomorrow all the more difficult, if not impossible. He supposed he could do it if the others failed to secure a caravan in the morning. Justin watched Erik closely. ¡°Can this draught be shared?¡± ¡°No,¡± Erik said. ¡°It must be imbibed in its entirety to take effect. And trust me, something like this is beyond value. People would kill for it.¡± Justin felt a chill run down his spine, despite the warmth of the shop. He had been incredibly lucky to obtain such a potion, and now he understood just how dangerous that luck could be. ¡°Any drawbacks?¡± Justin asked cautiously. ¡°Other than the fact that people will kill you for it?¡± Erik gave a wry smile. ¡°None that I know of. The effects are permanent, and the benefits immense. However, I can¡¯t tell you exactly what will happen once you drink it. As I said, it varies by class and even individual. I can only tell you that it will have something to do with the Eight Elements of Creation.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Justin nodded slowly, the weight of the decision pressing on him. He glanced at Eldrin, who gave a slight nod of encouragement. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Justin said. ¡°But first, let¡¯s finish our business with the Alchemist Core.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Erik said. Justin reached into his pack for the Alchemist Core, while Erik went beneath the counter and retrieved a large leather satchel. He opened it to reveal seven five-gold pieces, each as thick as Justin¡¯s thumb, along with three single-crown coins. The amount of wealth on display was staggering, even Eldrin raised his eyebrows in surprise. Erik slid a bill of sale across the counter. ¡°This document officially transfers ownership of the Alchemist Core to me. I¡¯ll sign here.¡± He pointed to the bottom of the page. ¡°And if you¡¯re satisfied with everything, you can sign here to finalize the transaction.¡± Justin and Eldrin scanned the paper quickly, finding everything in order. It was a straightforward agreement, and he saw no reason to delay. He signed and handed over the core, and Erik passed the money across the counter, along with a stack of five papers. Each letter of recommendation was already written and signed by him. Once Justin told him each name to write, Erik did so. ¡°All yours,¡± Erik said with a smile. ¡°It was a pleasure doing business with you. My advice is, head back to wherever you¡¯re staying and drink the potion immediately.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t even going to bother asking how much he would pay for it. If the man wasn¡¯t even making an offer, then it stood to reason he couldn¡¯t afford it or find a buyer safely. ¡°Thanks,¡± Justin answered, beaming as he placed the gold into his enchanted coin pouch. Even with its expanded capacity, the bag was almost bursting. ¡°Let¡¯s head out,¡± Eldrin said. Once outside the shop, Justin let out a breath in the frigid air. His head was spinning from what he¡¯d learned. ¡°No time to ponder things,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Let¡¯s head back and see if the others have news.¡± Within minutes, they were reentering the Star of Elara and found the others gathered by the fire, with cups of warm mulled wine. They had the cozy corner to themselves. All three looked up as Justin and Eldrin approached. ¡°Well?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Your news first,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Sure,¡± Lila said, exchanging glances with Kargan and Bohemond. ¡°It was the same at Whitepeak Mercantile. Nothing going east, but they do have a caravan heading west the day after tomorrow. They¡¯ll hire us as long as we have a reference. Only problem is, their main office is closed until tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°And the Ghostwater Collective?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Closed,¡± Bohemond grunted. ¡°Either that, or they weren¡¯t letting us in.¡± ¡°Did you sell that core?¡± Lila asked. Justin nodded. ¡°I did.¡± The others congratulated him, and though he smiled and accepted it, his mind was still preoccupied with the All-Encompassing Draught. ¡°And what about that potion?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°Did you sell it, too?¡± For now, Justin decided to keep things close to his chest, especially with Bohemond present. ¡°I¡¯m holding onto it for now. We¡¯ll see.¡± He offered no more explanation, and before they could press for more details, Eldrin came to his rescue. ¡°I know it¡¯s still early, but it might be best if we all turned in. It¡¯s been a hard few weeks.¡± ¡°Great idea,¡± Justin said quickly. Lila watched him curiously, but Kargan and Bohemond seemed to accept the suggestion without question. ¡°Think I¡¯m going to turn in.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be back down in a moment,¡± Eldrin said. Eldrin followed Justin up the stairs to his room. Once inside, the Ranger closed the door behind him. For a brief moment, Justin had the strange thought that if Eldrin wanted to rob him and run off with the potion, now would be the perfect opportunity. He felt guilty for thinking it, but the notion crossed his mind, nonetheless. Eldrin, ever perceptive, gave him a long, considering look. ¡°Well, day after tomorrow is the soonest we can leave, assuming the Ghostwater Collective remains a dead end. We¡¯ve gained some ground, so it¡¯s likely the Baron is still behind us. But waiting another day¡­it¡¯s risky.¡± ¡°You¡¯re thinking of heading out tomorrow?¡± Eldrin looked troubled. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what the right move is, lad. Waiting another day should be fine, but it¡¯s playing with fire. South would be suicide with the Baron. And going west would take us on a long detour through Kulrath Pass, and then Daeloria. In theory, we¡¯ll be fine once we¡¯re south of the Seraphims.¡± ¡°Bohemond made it sound like a long journey by sea after that,¡± Justin said. ¡°I know sea travel can be dangerous.¡± ¡°Well, we¡¯ll cross that bridge when we get there,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°For now, if you¡¯re going to take that potion, this might be your best opportunity.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Yeah. It could take up to twenty-four hours, like Stormgale said.¡± ¡°If the others ask, I¡¯ll tell them the truth. If something goes wrong, we¡¯ll adapt. The choice is yours.¡± Justin made his decision. ¡°I¡¯m going to take it. It¡¯s a risk, but if the potion is as powerful as it seems, it¡¯ll help all of us.¡± ¡°I agree. In that case, you should have someone to keep an eye on you. I can send Lila up, if that¡¯s okay.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Eldrin clasped his shoulder. ¡°Good luck. We¡¯ll be ready for whatever comes.¡± Once Eldrin left, Justin sat on the bed, waiting. A few minutes later, Lila entered and latched the door behind her. ¡°Eldrin said you¡¯re about to take that potion, and it might knock you out?¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s the gist of it.¡± He briefly explained everything Erik Stormgale had told him and his reasoning for taking the potion. ¡°It¡¯s a risk,¡± he admitted, ¡°but I think it¡¯ll be worth it.¡± Lila folded her arms. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got your back, whatever happens. Do you trust this Stormgale guy?¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Thanks to my Insightful Gaze boon, I¡¯m confident he¡¯s telling the truth. The only real danger is if I¡¯m out longer than expected, and the Baron catches up.¡± ¡°A risk,¡± Lila repeated, ¡°but it sounds like your mind¡¯s made up.¡± Justin had made his decision. If he kept waiting, there was no guarantee they¡¯d reach another safe place to use the Draught. The time was now. Sitting on the bed, Justin kicked off his boots and pulled out the prismatically colored All-Encompassing Draught. The swirling colors inside the flask almost seemed alive. ¡°Bottom¡¯s up,¡± he said. Before he could second-guess himself, he downed the potion in one gulp. The liquid was cool, with a faint sweetness, almost like honey and mint. It left a pleasant tingle in his throat. At first, nothing seemed to happen. But then, it was as if his mind was being lifted out of his body. He looked down and saw himself lying on the bed, with Lila standing beside him, a concerned look on her face. For a moment, it felt as though he were a ghost, and panic seized him¡ªmemories of the dwarven ghosts they¡¯d encountered flashed in his mind. But the sensation passed as he continued rising. He soared out of the inn, into the cold, wintry air above Kaldrath Island, its lights glowing dimly beneath him. Higher and higher he rose, until the entire continent came into view, then the vast oceans, and finally, the world itself. It didn¡¯t stop there. He rose even higher, until the world became a distant sphere, and soon, other celestial bodies came into view¡ªthe Six Worlds of Creation. Their presence filled him with awe. Then, everything became dark. He floated in a void, his mind disconnected from his body. It was here that the voice of the System¡ªVeyrith, he supposed¡ªentered his mind, more powerful and resonant than ever before.
[You have gained Elemental Affinity, a Mythic Boon!] Elemental Affinity: Switch freely between One of Eight Elemental Affinities: Death, Life, Harmony, Chaos, Fire, Earth, Water, or Air. Once you switch Affinities, the original Affinity can only be adopted again after twenty-four hours. Elemental Affinity does not change your base Affinity but works as a veil on top of your current one. Each Affinity, while active, will grant you the following benefits: Morvath¡¯s Aspect (Death): You exude a cold, unnerving aura that taps into the fear of mortality. The living are more susceptible to your Intimidation attempts and Fear-based skills and spells. Lathalon¡¯s Grace (Life): Gain increased passive healing and immunity to Poison and Deathtouch effects. Seraphis¡¯ Clarity (Harmony): Your focus is sharpened, boosting your Evasion against all damage by 10%. Gain immunity to Mind Control. Nyriss¡¯ Frenzy (Chaos): Your words naturally sow passion and discord, amplifying your ability to instill Berserk and Charm effects. Vorthak¡¯s Flame (Fire): Wreath yourself in harmless, ethereal flames that provide illumination and warmth. Immunity to Freeze and Darkness effects. Terridan¡¯s Resolve (Earth): You become as unyielding as the earth itself. You cannot be knocked down or staggered by a hostile attack. Ulthara¡¯s Calm (Water): Become utterly serene, no matter the danger. Grants immunity to Fear and Petrification effects. Elea¡¯s Whisper (Air): Send a whispered message through the air to any known person within one mile and hear their response. Immunity to Slow and Sleep effects.
Justin felt a rush of exhilaration. This was beyond anything he¡¯d imagined. [Please choose your first Affinity.] Justin considered each option. He realized that adopting an Affinity wasn¡¯t permanent, and he could change as needed. He understood just why it was called the All-Encompassing Draught; it allowed him to adapt to a variety of situations at need with an extremely powerful bonus, courtesy each of the Old Gods. However, once he switched, he wouldn¡¯t be able to return to the same Affinity for twenty-four hours. So, the only thing that was left was to decide on his first one. Some seemed stronger than the others, but even the ¡°weaker¡± ones could become invaluable in the right situation. In particular, Seraphis¡¯ Clarity stood out to him for the increased evasion. It would always be generally useful. It stacked nicely with his Gentleman Focus and would essentially allow him to dodge 20% of all damage. Even if he already had immunity to Mind Control from his top hat, it was still a solid choice. Here in this northern climate, Vorthak¡¯s Flame opened up many possibilities. Plus, walking around covered with flames but not getting hurt would be undeniably cool. He decided that Seraphis¡¯ Clarity would be the most useful starting point. The boost to evasion stacked with his Gentleman Focus, and he could always switch to something else when needed. [Affinity adopted: Seraphis¡¯ Clarity.] That was when another voice entered his mind, something deeper and more resonant than the one he was used to, who he assumed to be the voice of Seraphis himself: ¡°Balance is the key to mastery. Seek Harmony in all things, and the true path will reveal itself.¡± A warm, calming sensation spread through Justin¡¯s mind, as if the Affinity had integrated seamlessly into his very being. His thoughts became clearer, sharper, and his senses heightened. The voice of Veyrith returned: [With Elemental Affinity, you have unlocked the power of the Eight Old Gods. Use it wisely! Go forth, Brave Adventurer, and weave the forces of Creation into your destiny.] With a sudden jolt, Justin¡¯s mind snapped back into his body. 83. The Cryomancers Test Justin¡¯s senses slowly returned, the bitter cold biting into his skin. He felt a steady, rhythmic movement beneath him and heard the crunch of snow under heavy footsteps. A dull throb pulsed in his temples. Blinking to clear his mind, he realized he was no longer in his room at the Star of Elara. Instead, he was tied to the back of a massive, fur-covered creature¡ªa frosthorn. The beast plodded through the deep snow, carrying Justin like nothing more than a sack of potatoes. He stirred, groaning softly, and that¡¯s when Lila, walking beside him, noticed. Her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Justin! You¡¯re awake!¡± His mind reeled, his voice raspy as he spoke. ¡°What¡­what happened? Where are we?¡± Kargan fell back from his position and matched the frosthorn¡¯s pace, his expression one of relief. ¡°Justin! You¡¯ve been out cold for two days straight!¡± ¡°Two days?¡± Justin repeated. That was twice as long as Erik Stormgale had suggested. ¡°Can you at least untie these ropes?¡± Eldrin, who had already fallen back to check on him, worked quickly to free the bindings. ¡°Sorry, lad. We had to make do with the situation. Glad you¡¯re back with us.¡± Once loose, Justin groaned as he tried to stretch out his stiff muscles. The cold had made his limbs feel like blocks of ice. He slid off the frosthorn and landed clumsily in the snow, his legs weak. ¡°I guess you caught the Whitepeak Mercantile caravan?¡± Justin asked, his voice hoarse. ¡°Err¡­not exactly,¡± Lila said, steadying him. ¡°We¡¯ll explain, but first, keep moving. We can¡¯t stop.¡± Looking around, Justin quickly noticed two things: first, Bohemond was nowhere to be seen. And second, up ahead there was a figure Justin vaguely recognized¡ªone of the Qilungit, with pale blue skin, dressed in white furs, and holding a bone-white staff. The sight sent a chill through him. ¡°Is that¡­?¡± Justin began. ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± she said. ¡°But first, are you okay?¡± Justin nodded groggily, trying to gather his thoughts. The surroundings were unfamiliar, and Bohemond¡¯s absence only deepened the mystery. ¡°Start from the beginning. It¡¯s been two days?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. We didn¡¯t make the Whitepeak caravan. We were¡­forced into another plan.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Did the Baron catch up?¡± Lila nodded grimly. ¡°Shadowflight spotted him just a few hours south of us yesterday morning. We didn¡¯t have time to wait. So, we tried our luck with the Ghostwater Collective. That¡¯s when things got complicated.¡± Justin¡¯s gaze shifted to the Qilungik leading the group. The figure moved with purpose, never looking back, his dark hair hanging halfway down his back. ¡°Complicated, how? If that¡¯s the same guy who attacked us on the road, what''s he doing here?¡± ¡°His name¡¯s Ryak,¡± Lila explained. ¡°He works for the Ghostwater Collective as a Road Guardian.¡± ¡°Okay. But how does that explain what he¡¯s doing here, and why he attacked us?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll get to that,¡± Kargan said. ¡°He ran across us on the road because it¡¯s his job to patrol the Frostplain Path, keeping it safe from raiders. He thought we were bandits. After we spared him, he realized we were just travelers. Later, he ran into the Baron, who was asking a lot of questions about us. He doubled back to Kaldrath to learn more.¡± Eldrin continued, and for the first time, Justin noticed Shadowflight huddled on his shoulder. ¡°We ran into him at the Collective trading house. He said he owed us for sparing his life and that the Baron was close. I told him a bit about our situation. He vouched for us with the Ghostwater Collective. Together with our letters from Stormgale, it was enough to get us out of Kaldrath without a fight. He said he was heading to his tribe with a frosthorn and some supplies, and he insisted we join him." Justin took all of this in, nodding slowly. ¡°And now he¡¯s leading us¡­where?¡± ¡°Northeast,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Ryak¡¯s tribe is out that way. It¡¯s remote enough that the Baron won¡¯t follow. Hopefully.¡± ¡°And then from there, what?¡± ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten that far yet,¡± Kargan admitted. ¡°We were hoping you¡¯d wake up before then.¡± Justin glanced toward Ryak. The Cryomancer still hadn¡¯t looked in their direction. It seemed they had been traveling for a while. If they¡¯d left morning yesterday, then this would have been their second day out of Kaldrath. ¡°Any signs of the Baron since we left?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila said. Justin accepted some water from Eldrin¡¯s canteen, his throat dry from the long sleep. He hesitated before asking his next question. ¡°What about Bohemond?¡± Lila¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°He¡­stayed behind. Said he was going to wait things out in Kaldrath then go south on his own later.¡± Kargan grunted. ¡°We figure he¡¯s hoping the Baron will chase us out here, and that¡¯ll give him the opportunity to head south on his own." Justin had to admit, that might be a smart play. Probably safer than whatever it was they were doing. ¡°Bohemond¡¯s made his choice,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°He was¡­difficult to read. For all his grumbling, he came out with a Gold Level shield and a decent amount of experience. Assuming he makes it home in one piece, this would have been a profitable venture for him." Justin wasn¡¯t so sure Bohemond could avoid the Baron. He didn¡¯t like the idea of him splitting off, but he supposed there was nothing to be done about it. ¡°Does Bohemond know where we¡¯re going?¡± ¡°No,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Ryak didn¡¯t tell us until after we left Kaldrath.¡± ¡°And Ryak?¡± Justin asked, nodding toward the Cryomancer. ¡°Can we trust him?¡± ¡°I think so,¡± Eldrin said, his voice measured. ¡°He¡¯s helping us because he feels indebted. The Qilungit culture values reciprocity. But we should still be cautious. He may expect something more.¡± Justin mulled it over but didn¡¯t respond. He was grateful that Ryak had vouched for them, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were walking into something they didn¡¯t fully understand. ¡°What about the potion?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°Did it work?¡± Justin had nearly forgotten about that, though he didn¡¯t see how. ¡°Yeah, it worked. It¡¯s powerful¡ªfar more than I expected.¡± He explained how the potion had granted him a Mythic Boon, Elemental Affinity, allowing him to tap into the powers of the Eight Old Gods. He listed off the abilities: from the power to send secret messages on the wind to becoming immovable like a mountain. ¡°Right now, I¡¯ve got Seraphis¡¯ Clarity active,¡± Justin explained. ¡°Between that and my Gentleman Focus, I¡¯ve got a 20% dodge chance. Since Bohemond¡¯s gone, maybe I can take over the tank role¡± Eldrin raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s an enormous responsibility. But it has its merit. It''ll free me up to focus more on offense and supporting with potions. You could grow into the role, Justin¡ªjust don¡¯t get overconfident. You¡¯ll have to lead and control the battlefield, become a wall that doesn¡¯t allow danger to slip by. You have the tools for it with that new boon and your skills, so now it¡¯s up to the execution.¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Justin nodded, recognizing the wisdom of this. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± ¡°Plus, you¡¯ve got that Amulet,¡± Kargan added, his voice low, glancing at Ryak up ahead. ¡°It¡¯ll help. Even if your class isn¡¯t meant to draw attention, I agree with Eldrin. You can grow into the role. If some of those hits find a way of sneaking through, well, I¡¯ll keep you on your feet.¡± Lila gave Justin a nod of approval. ¡°You¡¯ve come a long way, Justin. A long way. As long as I get to stay in the back line.¡± Justin smiled at her rare compliment. ¡°Thanks.¡± He glanced up at Ryak, still leading them forward through the snow. ¡°I think it¡¯s time I introduced myself properly to our new friend.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t sure if ¡°friend¡± was the right word, but he couldn¡¯t think of anything else right now. With that, Justin quickened his pace, walking ahead toward the enigmatic Cryomancer. Ryak didn¡¯t turn as Justin fell into step beside him. The Qilungik stood tall, his frame lean but strong beneath layers of thick white furs that seemed to blend into the snowy landscape. His skin, pale blue like ice, was adorned with intricate tribal tattoos etched into his cheeks. He looked like he was around forty or fifty, though with the Qilungit, age was hard to determine. His gaze was fixed ahead, unwavering,. Justin cleared his throat. ¡°Thank you for your help.¡± The Qilungik showed no outward emotion, continuing forward across the snow with the same steady gait. After a pause, his voice broke the silence. ¡°A debt of action can only be balanced by another action. Words do not weigh on the scales of the Qilungit.¡± ¡°I see. A pragmatist, then." Apparently, this wasn''t worthy of a response. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m Justin, for what it¡¯s worth. I¡¯m a Socialite. Words are important to people like me. They can move mountains, one might say.¡± Ryak continued his steady march, his expression unchanged except for the faintest flicker of a smirk. ¡°Words are wind, Southlander. The Path of Acts says that only actions carry weight in this world. One who can be swayed by words alone is as a child, moved by the breeze. Truth is not in spoken words, but in deeds. Only in action does one find a path forged in truth, not whispers.¡± Justin chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°Guess we¡¯re pretty different, then. Where I¡¯m from, words are a weapon as sharp as any blade. Charisma is the power to shape perception with just a whisper.¡± Ryak¡¯s gaze remained steady as he replied. ¡°Charisma is not something as simple as words, Southlander. Charisma is the gravity that bends the world to your will without the need to even whisper. Charisma is when Creation reacts to you, not because of what you say, but because of who you are.¡± Justin watched Ryak with growing interest. ¡°So, Charisma is luck.¡± Ryak shook his head. ¡°No, Charisma is not luck. Luck is random, fleeting. Charisma is the gravity of your being. It''s what draws others to follow, what compels the world to take notice. Luck happens to you. Charisma is something you forge within yourself, and through it, you bend the currents of fate, not by chance, but by deeds.¡± Justin smiled. If this was a Cryomancer, not even a Charisma class, Justin wondered what would happen if he ever met a Qilungik with the Diplomat class. "You have an interesting outlook, Ryak." ¡°We Qilungit value words with purpose. Speak only when your words can build, or when they can tear down, as needed. Anything less is a waste.¡± He glanced at Justin, his pale eyes gleaming. ¡°A word of advice: if you wish to sway a Qilungik, do so with actions, not idle chatter.¡± ¡°Does this conversation qualify as that?¡± Justin asked with a half-smile. ¡°No,¡± Ryak said firmly. ¡°This conversation is Wath¡¯narr, the words that build. I am teaching you the way of seeing things. This brings enlightenment to both of us.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Wath¡¯narr?¡± Ryak continued, his voice steady. ¡°In our tongue, it means ¡®constructive speech.¡¯ Words that serve a purpose, that illuminate or guide, are never wasted. This is how we pass on wisdom.¡± Justin¡¯s curiosity deepened. ¡°And what about words that destroy?¡± Ryak glanced at him. ¡°We call those Vek¡¯narr¡ªwords that unravel. They are powerful, but dangerous. To speak them is to dismantle what is built, to sow chaos and fracture bonds. We do not speak them lightly.¡± ¡°Sounds like something to avoid,¡± Justin said. ¡°Sometimes, destruction is necessary,¡± he said. ¡°But it must always be used with caution. Words that destroy are like a spear¡ªthey can cut through the rot, but wielded carelessly, they can sever much more than intended.¡± Justin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°So, it¡¯s about knowing when to use them?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Ryak replied. ¡°To destroy without understanding is folly. But when it is done with wisdom, it can clear the way for something to grow stronger.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°Well, I would argue that all words, even ones that are apparently empty, have meaning, even if it¡¯s hidden. And one with the right skills can discover that meaning and make use of it.¡± Ryak remained silent for a moment, considering Justin¡¯s words. ¡°It¡¯s not the words that inspire people, Southlander, but the action behind the words. Just as warriors would not follow a seal into battle, even if it roared like a bear. A leader¡¯s strength is shown in what they do, not in what they say.¡± Justin frowned, shaking his head. ¡°I''m not sure I agree with that. If the army believes in the seal and fights harder because of it, then that¡¯s all that matters, isn¡¯t it? Perception drives action, not always reality.¡± Ryak¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. ¡°Perception is fleeting. When faced with real danger, the seal¡¯s true nature is revealed. And those who follow it into battle will realize their folly when they are led to slaughter. Words can only mask the truth for so long.¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Justin countered, ¡°but perception creates belief, and belief can move mountains. I¡¯ve seen people rally around something they believed in, even when the truth was less than heroic. If people believe the seal is a bear, and they fight as though they¡¯re led by a bear, then that''s more dangerous than a bear who acts like a seal.¡± Ryak finally turned his gaze to Justin, his eyes colder than the surrounding air. ¡°Belief can be powerful, yes. But truth¡­truth is unyielding. It will always reveal itself, no matter how well hidden behind words. When the time comes, would you prefer to fight beside those who believe in an illusion, or those who act with certainty, knowing the reality they face?¡± Justin smiled wryly. ¡°I guess that depends on whether the illusion wins the fight.¡± Ryak¡¯s piercing blue eyes gazed into the distance. ¡°So, what are you, Southlander? Are you real, or are you an illusion? Are you a bear or a seal?¡± ¡°I am whatever I need to be to survive,¡± Justin replied, his voice steady. ¡°Both creatures survive in the wild, and both have their place and strategies. Each mask is useful, depending on the situation. In your philosophy, perhaps the act of putting on a mask is itself a form of truth. Truth simply is, even if it¡¯s hidden.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Ryak allowed. ¡°But it would be interesting for your words could be put to the test.¡± Justin frowned, sensing a trap. ¡°How so?¡± Ryak turned back toward the frosthorn and the others. ¡°I overheard your conversation with your companions back there. Don¡¯t act surprised; we Qilungit have sharp senses.¡± Ryak faced forward once more, nodding into the distance. ¡°There ahead lies danger, though you or even your Ranger friend haven¡¯t sensed it yet. An ice specter blocks our path, and you mentioned you were interested in taking a leader¡¯s role, given your new abilities.¡± The Qilungik turned his icy blue eyes to Justin. ¡°In our philosophy, words mean nothing unless followed by action.¡± ¡°Ice specter?¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°What is that? Sounds dangerous.¡± ¡°Very dangerous,¡± Ryak said, his voice calm. ¡°They are fast, ethereal, vengeful spirits¡ªthe remnants of a Qilungik mage who delved too far into Death or Chaos magic and paid for it. They wield these dark forces alongside ice magic, and they can kill a group of travelers in mere minutes, if unprepared. They are especially deadly for a freezing spell that can immobilize their targets.¡± ¡°And we¡¯re just standing here talking about it?¡± Justin asked, glancing nervously ahead. ¡°Can we not go around?¡± ¡°There is no point,¡± Ryak said steadily. ¡°The specter will sense us, regardless.¡± Just then, Eldrin rushed forward, his hand on his bowstring. Lila and Kargan followed closely behind. ¡°Something¡¯s up ahead,¡± Eldrin said, his voice tense. ¡°Fall in behind me.¡± Ryak watched Justin closely for his reaction. Justin knew what that look meant. He wanted to see if his words had meant anything, whether he would take the part of the seal or the bear. Were his words to his friends a mask, or a genuine reflection of who he was as a person? Did his words have weight, backed up by action? This test was more difficult than Justin would have believed. ¡°Wait a minute, Eldrin,¡± Justin said, surprising himself. ¡°I¡¯ll take the lead this time.¡± ¡°Justin, now isn¡¯t the time for proving a point,¡± Eldrin said, frowning. ¡°Something dangerous is ahead, and I¡¯m not risking it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s an ice specter,¡± Ryak said, his tone as measured as ever. ¡°Very dangerous.¡± Justin hesitated for a split second, feeling the weight of his earlier words. Until now, he''d always been content to say on the sidelines, using his charm to influence situations, and get a few hits in here and there. Now, though, he had to choose. Without allowing himself to overthink, he decided. [Affinity chosen: Ulthara¡¯s Calm. Become utterly serene, no matter the danger. Grants immunity to Fear and Petrification effects.] A wave of tranquility washed over Justin, his anxiety melting away like snow before a flame. Ulthara¡¯s Calm wouldn¡¯t aid directly in combat, but it was enough to keep Justin¡¯s nerves in check. He¡¯d need more than just calm, but for now, he needed to steady his nerves. Eldrin shot him an uncertain glance as Lila and Kargan caught up. ¡°Here¡¯s the plan,¡± Justin said, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ll draw the specter¡¯s attention while the rest of you attack from the sides. Eldrin, fire arrows from a distance; if it proves ineffective, move in to engage with your sword from the flanks. Lila, use your knives and Bardic Inspiration to buff Coordination. Kargan, Sacrificial Armor and heals if necessary. Don¡¯t use Knives of Fury; the specter can just go around it and you¡¯re just as likely to hurt us. Ryak, hit it with whatever magic you¡¯ve got, just make sure it''s precise.¡± The Qilungik nodded solemnly. Justin felt a surge of confidence, noting the slight buff to his Perception¡ªlikely Ryak¡¯s party skill. For the first time, he realized Ryak had formally joined the party while he''d been knocked out. ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± Justin said. Justin walked ahead of the others, preparing his mind for the confrontation. 84. Stepping Up Suddenly, the specter emerged from the storm, a ghostly figure cloaked in tattered, ice-rimed robes. Its hollow eyes glowed with an eerie blue light, its skeletal fingers clutching a spear of pure frost. It was now or never. [Affinity chosen: Vorthak¡¯s Flame. Wreath yourself in harmless, ethereal flames that provide illumination and warmth. Immunity to Freeze and Darkness effects.] In an instant, Justin¡¯s body was surrounded by flames, just as a wave of bone-chilling cold slammed into him. [Freeze resisted by Vorthak¡¯s Flame!] Justin rushed forward, fear returning as Ulthara¡¯s Calm faded. But Lila¡¯s Bardic song filled the air, bolstering his resolve and adding a lightness to his movements. The others launched their attacks while Justin lobbed a Poison Barb at the specter. ¡°That frostbite is not good for your complexion,¡± Justin said. It wasn¡¯t his best insult, but it didn¡¯t matter. The specter hesitated a moment before screeching and floating toward Justin with renewed ire. Justin dodged its ethereal spear twice, his body moving with uncanny grace. Its spear jabbed into his Sacrificial Armor thrice before the Kargan reformed it. With renewed confidence, Justin swung his cane, driving the specter back step by step, even as the flames spread along its length. Meanwhile, the others attacked relentlessly. Justin¡¯s cane delivered a heavy blow, forcing the specter back again. He popped off a Dandy¡¯s Swagger, strutting confidently, a grin spreading across his face. His former fear faded under the effects of the skill. The taunting strut only caused the specter to screech in fury, but Justin had its full attention now. He didn¡¯t need to use Dazzling Display; the specter was already locked onto him. Ryak¡¯s earlier words echoed in his mind¡ªCharisma was more than words. It was the force of will that bent the world to your command. And right now, Justin¡¯s will was to keep this ghost¡¯s attention on him and off his allies. While some of the specter¡¯s attacks glanced off his Sacrificial Armor, he also dodged damage completely a few times. That certainly came from his new Focus, judging by the unnatural way his body gracefully evaded the attacks. The specter tried again to freeze him, but Vorthak¡¯s Flame shielded him effortlessly. Justin advanced, his body radiating warmth. Though the flames weren¡¯t damaging, the specter clearly recoiled from them. With a final coordinated assault from the group, the specter was overwhelmed, fading into the icy winds with a final, ethereal scream. [75 Experience Gained! Your Experience stands at 244/2070.] Justin blinked as the notification appeared. Had he just gotten experience from combat? He suspected it had something to do with his Gentleman Focus. The Focus description had mentioned it was a balance between combat and social abilities, so it made sense that he would be rewarded for combat where he hadn¡¯t been before. Of course, there had been previous fights in the Everwood, but he had earned no experience from those, despite already having unlocked the Focus. Reflecting on it, Justin realized that in those battles, the others had dealt most of the damage, while Eldrin had been the one giving orders. Justin probably hadn¡¯t contributed enough to earn experience. Now, as his confidence and abilities grew, Justin was stepping into leadership and taking greater risks. And the System was noticing. The wind died down, as if in response to the specter¡¯s death. The others were watching him with widening eyes. ¡°Justin¡­¡± Kargan said. ¡°You¡¯re on fire.¡± He looked down at his arms to see the mystical flames leaping into the air. With a thought, he willed them off, and they disappeared along with their accompanying heat. With another mental push, he turned them on again. Eldrin watched him, as if seeing him anew. ¡°I¡¯m impressed. That was some good work, Justin.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said. ¡°Who needs Bohemond to tank, anyway?¡± ¡°Well, it was a team effort,¡± Justin said. Even Ryak was watching approvingly. ¡°Those flames¡­are something. Not anything I would expect a Charisma class to have.¡± Justin realized he¡¯d have to tell him something about it. If he was telling the truth earlier, then he¡¯d overheard a lot of their conversation, anyway. ¡°It¡¯s from this potion I got.¡± ¡°I was ready to unfreeze you,¡± Ryak explained. ¡°In fact, I expected the specter to do that from the start. If you don¡¯t have the proper defense, you can be powerless against it.¡± ¡°How long will those flames last?¡± Eldrin asked. Shadowflight, who had fluttered away during the fight, was now back and leaning closer to the flames for warmth. ¡°As long as this Affinity is active, I suppose,¡± Justin said. ¡°Seems I can turn them on and off as needed. But once I switch Affinities, I¡¯ll be locked out for another twenty-four hours.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll never need a torch or campfire again!¡± Lila said. ¡°Well, at least until I switch Affinities,¡± Justin said. ¡°But yes, definitely useful.¡± By now, the frosthorn had caught up, and was looking at Justin uneasily. ¡°I can walk up front with Ryak, so I don¡¯t scare our frosthorn friend back here,¡± Justin said, willing the flames off again. ¡°It¡¯s getting dark, anyway. This will be useful for lighting the way.¡± ¡°It might attract attention,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But it¡¯s good defense in case any more of those specters show up.¡± ¡°Maybe he should turn it on again,¡± Lila said with a shiver. ¡°I¡¯m freezing my ass off here.¡± Justin obliged, and she stood close, basking in his warmth. He smiled. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I¡¯m not charging for this.¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. She looked as if she wanted to punch him, but looking at the flames, thought better of it. They weren¡¯t harmful, but she still looked unsure. ¡°Eldrin is probably right about turning off that flame,¡± Ryak said. ¡°Your Baron friend might be following us. A light like that can radiate for a mile or more across these flatlands.¡± ¡°And what do we do if another one of those things attacks?¡± ¡°If they do, Justin can turn them back on,¡± Ryak said. ¡°And failing that, my magic can unfreeze him.¡± Justin recognized the wisdom of this. With a sigh, he allowed the flames to dissipate as the bitter cold of the tundra returned. His head swirled with possibilities. Had the potion given him just this, that was already insanely useful. But he had eight different versions of it. Once again, he suspected his Prismatic Core was giving him access to loot he wouldn¡¯t otherwise be receiving. He couldn¡¯t wait to check out the other Affinities. Ryak led them across the flat tundra, not stopping until they reached the shelter of a cliff. Following his instructions, they quickly set up a shelter akin to a large teepee, leaving a hole at the top for smoke to escape. Here, they would rest until it was time to continue. Gathered around the fire an hour later, eating a stew of reindeer with chopped herbs, carrots, and beets, the conversation inevitably turned to their destination. ¡°Ryak, we¡¯re grateful for your help,¡± Eldrin began, his tone careful. ¡°But you haven¡¯t told us much about what comes after we reach your tribe. You mentioned in Kaldrath that you might need us for something else and would tell us on the road.¡± Ryak was silent, sitting cross-legged and sipping his stew. His face, as pale as snow, remained utterly expressionless. Even with Justin¡¯s Insightful Gaze boon, it was hard to get a read on him. Finally, Ryak spoke, his blue eyes reflecting the flickering flames. ¡°There is a curse that has plagued my tribe for years. Many of the Qilungit have fled, but my people¡ªthe Yarith Iceborne¡ªhave remained. Not far to the north, beyond Land¡¯s End and rising from the Ghostly Sea itself on Nithral Island, lies a Vault. It spawns monsters like that specter we encountered, along with other dangers. Several of my people have ventured inside it¡­and none have come out again. The Elders of my tribe speak of abandoning our ancestral lands, where the fishing and hunting were once plentiful. But doing so would mean losing everything and would place us in conflict with other tribes.¡± Justin felt a chill, though not from the cold. Ryak continued, his voice even. ¡°My people have a proud history, traditions stretching back hundreds and even thousands of years. But sometimes, I wonder if this Vault is beyond the abilities of the Iceborne.¡± ¡°Iceborne,¡± Justin said. ¡°Is that another name for the Qilungit?¡± Ryak nodded. ¡°It is the one we prefer Southlanders use who are not familiar with our tongue.¡± Justin nodded. He was just grateful there was an easier word to say. Ryak continued. ¡°My tribe, the Yarith, were once many. Over the generations, we have survived many tragedies. However, this Vault could very well be the end of us. We are brave and capable, but perhaps there are things we do not see about this Vault, things outsiders like yourselves might notice.¡± ¡°You¡¯re asking us to clear it?¡± Eldrin asked. Ryak didn¡¯t answer directly. ¡°I, of course, would join you. But I understand if you are not interested. The risk is significant, and I do not wish to lead you to your deaths. Normally, we do not allow outsiders to live among us. It¡¯s led to trouble in the past. But times have grown desperate indeed, and I¡¯d like to have a crack at the Vault before the weather grows too foul.¡± Justin listened to the howling of the wind outside. If this wasn¡¯t considered ¡°too foul,¡± he didn¡¯t want to see what truly bad weather was like. Ryak paused, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. ¡°However, if we choose to enter the Vault and clear it, you may keep any treasure you find inside. In return, I will guide you south of the Seraphims, and even farther. If you wish, I will formally join your party and aid you in whatever way you wish, though, of course, this is not required. I understand this Baron Valdrik is desperate to find you. I sensed his ill-intent, as well as his determination. Of course, I don¡¯t know all the details, but the Baron cannot follow you through the hidden paths I know. With my guidance, I promise you will escape his reach.¡± Justin exchanged a glance with the others. The promise of safety and treasure was tempting, but the knowledge that no one had returned from the Vault weighed heavily on his mind. Eldrin cleared his throat, his expression thoughtful. ¡°That¡¯s a generous offer, Ryak. But I¡¯m not sure how generous it is, given the danger. Can you at least tell us more about the Vault? Its level, or anything else you know?¡± Ryak¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°The Vault is dangerous, no doubt. As for its level, even that I cannot say. The Elders think it¡¯s somewhere between fifteen and twenty.¡± ¡°Has anyone read the Vault¡¯s description?¡± Justin asked. ¡°We have sent scouts several times for this purpose,¡± Ryak said. ¡°Never do they make it back alive. One of them¡­was my son. He went without my blessing or the tribe¡¯s, wanting to make a name for himself.¡± At the mention of the child, the Iceborne reached down to touch the hand-woven bracelet on his wrist. Ryak betrayed no emotion on his face, but Justin could still feel his sorrow. ¡°As you can see, this is personal to me. We learned the hard way that anyone sent to the island, even for reconnaissance, is annihilated by the Vault¡¯s magic. No one has gotten close enough to read its description and escape. If we go after it, then at some point, the decision will become final.¡± ¡°Sounds like suicide,¡± Kargan muttered. ¡°We¡¯d be better off trying to cross the tundra on our own. How would we get there, anyway? The sea isn¡¯t totally frozen yet.¡± ¡°There are ways. The journey would be dangerous, but not impossible with my guidance.¡± Justin assumed they would have to cross using some sort of boat. He was leery of the notion to begin with, but this made it seem even more treacherous. ¡°I¡¯m with Kargan on this. It seems far safer and easier to just go across the tundra. Plus, the lack of fuel for a fire in these northern wastelands wasn¡¯t an issue. Justin could simply use Vorthak¡¯s Flame to keep them warm at night, at the cost of perhaps being visible to the Baron¡¯s forces. Kargan¡¯s ward could help keep the flame hidden when they rested, but it wouldn¡¯t help them during the day if they ever needed to warm up. ¡°Perhaps braving the tundra is safer,¡± Ryak replied to Justin. ¡°But can you be certain the Baron won¡¯t track you east? The path to Draegor¡¯s Keep from Kaldrath is obvious, something of a funnel that¡¯s easy enough to follow. The paths I know are hidden, ancient routes my people have used for generations. He will not suspect you are taking them. With the ways I know, I can get you there much faster.¡± ¡°Even if we take a detour to the Vault?¡± ¡°Even so.¡± ¡°What can you tell us about these paths?¡± Justin asked. ¡°I must keep some things close to the chest,¡± Ryak said. ¡°The clearing of this Vault is my only wish. I am the most powerful mage in my tribe, and with your help, I believe this is our best chance of survival. It is my life¡¯s mission to see it destroyed¡ªfor the good of our people.¡± Justin¡¯s stomach tightened. Clearing Vaults had become their specialty, but this one sounded far more dangerous than anything they had faced before. If they failed, there would be no coming back. Yet, if they succeeded, they could gain invaluable treasure, experience, and a safe route away from Valdrik¡¯s clutches. Kargan was right. It was suicide. And with Bohemond gone, and Justin a new and inexperienced tank for the party, it was an opportunity Justin was definitely going to pass on. ¡°We¡¯ll need time to discuss it among ourselves,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°This isn¡¯t a decision we can make lightly.¡± Ryak nodded. ¡°Take all the time you need. The Vault isn¡¯t going anywhere. My tribe will offer you food and shelter for as long as you want to stay; I owe you that much for sparing my life and forgiving my earlier oversight. But know this: the longer the Vault festers, the stronger the monsters it spawns will become. If we can clear it, you stand to gain much.¡± ¡°Or lose everything,¡± Lila said, speaking for the first time. ¡°Perhaps,¡± Ryak acknowledged. Justin looked at his companions. Lila¡¯s face was pale, her expression full of misgivings. Kargan seemed equally unsettled, while Eldrin remained deep in thought. As for Justin, his mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. The prospect of facing another Vault was daunting, but so was the risk of going it alone across the tundra, with Baron Valdrik potentially hot on their heels. Justin knew the man wasn¡¯t to be underestimated. On paper, a Level 30-ish Lexicant and all his classed followers were probably more dangerous than a Level 20-ish Vault. Maybe for that reason alone, taking Ryak up on his offer was the right move. The fire crackled softly, and the wind howled outside, rattling the canvas of their shelter. Justin closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the fire seep into his bones. Eldrin had the right of it¡ªthere was still time to decide. But that didn¡¯t make the choice any easier. 85. Lands End Over the next week, they continued their long march north. Now that Ryak was in the party, Justin set his mind on inspecting his character. He got little, other than seeing that his class was Elementalist, his level was 17, and his Focus was Cryomancer. As a Level 17, he was the most powerful member to join their party so far, and went a long toward explaining how he¡¯d nearly knocked them all out that day on the road. Three times, they encountered more ice specters, but fortunately, these always wandered alone. Thanks to Vorthak¡¯s Flame, Justin was immune to their freezing spell, while Poison Barb and Dandy¡¯s Swagger was enough to keep their attention. He earned 200 experience from these encounters, bringing his total to 444/2070. There was still a long way to go before reaching Level 11. Eldrin explained to Justin that Levels 10 through 20 were often called ¡°the grind.¡± Each new level required about 30% more experience than the last, meaning that while Level 10 to Level 11 required around 2,000 experience, going from Level 19 to Level 20 would take over 20,000. To keep progressing, Justin realized he would need to take bigger risks. Being the party leader also seemed to grant him more experience. He had gained 75 experience for leading the party in two of the specter encounters. In the third encounter, however, Eldrin had led because Justin didn¡¯t have Vorthak¡¯s Flame available, and Justin had only received 50 experience. One day out from their destination, they had to pass through a jagged line of icy hills. It was in their midst that a yeti ambushed them. At least, Justin assumed it was a yeti, based on its height, hulking strength, long arms, and thick white fur. The monster had been crouching between two snow-covered boulders, completely invisible, even to Eldrin and Ryak. Justin wasn¡¯t sure if monsters got skills or boons like people, but he wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if this one had some System-given ability to enhance its stealth. When the yeti charged, arms swinging wildly, Justin¡¯s reflexes kicked in just in time. Though his reaction was quick, it would do nothing to stop the massive monster from running him over. [Affinity chosen: Terridan¡¯s Resolve. You become as unyielding as the earth itself. You cannot be knocked down or staggered by a hostile attack.] As the yeti¡¯s massive form collided with his cane, a flash of green light surrounded Justin, reflecting the force of the attack back at the creature, even as he remained rooted. The yeti roared as it was knocked back, spiraling into the ice. Justin tried to step forward, but he was completely locked in place. He supposed to ¡°become as unyielding as the earth¡± meant literally that. Unyielding. He turned it off with a mental click, finding that he could move again, before reengaging the Affinity. Once again, his feet became immobile. Though he was limited while Terridan¡¯s Resolve was active, he could at least move around by disengaging the stance. It wouldn¡¯t prevent getting hurt or killed, so he had to be careful there. Even so, the Affinity would be extremely useful. Such had been the force of the monster¡¯s original attack, it was still sprawled in the snow. The others were already closing in, Eldrin firing arrows while Lila hurled her knives. Kargan even cast Knives of Fury from atop a ledge, the cloud of ethereal knives missing Justin as it sailed toward its target. Given that the yeti was immobilized and far enough from the group, the Chaos spell was safe enough to use. Ryak summoned an icy wind, though Justin suspected it wasn¡¯t particularly effective against the cold-adapted beast, but it still slowed the yeti down. Justin held his ground as Kargan cast Knives of Fury again, doubling the spell¡¯s intensity. The ethereal knives slashed at the helpless monster, turning it into a mass of flying fur, flesh, and blood, staining the snow. It was pure carnage. Within moments, the beast lay still. [100 Experience Gained! Your experience stands at 544/2070.] Once again, the System had rewarded Justin for the fight. This faster progression was promising, but he suspected that if he relied solely on combat to level up, his progress might slow. His Focus had emphasized a balance between combat and social situations, so he needed to embrace both paths. Justin disengaged his stance, deciding to keep the Affinity active in case they ran into more of these creatures. ¡°Is that the Earth Affinity?¡± Lila asked, walking up to him, her face curious. Justin nodded. ¡°Yeah. Powerful stuff, but I can¡¯t move when I enter the stance¡± ¡°How that thing was knocked back¡­it must have weighed a ton or more!¡± ¡°Useful,¡± Eldrin agreed. ¡°But it must be used judiciously, especially if it locks you in place. Always have an escape plan.¡± It was wise advice. ¡°Good idea.¡± Ryak turned to Kargan, the Iceborne¡¯s expression calm but carrying a hint of respect. ¡°That¡¯s not a spell I¡¯ve seen often. Few can cast Chaos Magic in this part of the world¡ªit¡¯s highly distrusted.¡± Kargan nodded. ¡°Magic is magic. A tool, whatever the source.¡± ¡°That¡¯s one way to see it,¡± Ryak replied. ¡°As a mage, I¡¯m more open-minded. But you should know, the Iceborne often align with Seraphis, the God of Harmony, and his magic. If not that, then Ulthara, Goddess of Water. Your presence could be seen as sacrilegious.¡± ¡°I¡¯m used to it,¡± Kargan said, his tone hard. ¡°Even my own people cast me out.¡± Ryak studied him closely. ¡°I¡¯m just advising caution. Chaos Magic is powerful, but it¡¯s also unpredictable. And it always comes at a price.¡± Kargan sniffed. ¡°You expect me to change my class, Cryomancer? This is what I am now.¡± ¡°Fair enough.¡± After Eldrin and Ryak worked at the monster¡¯s hide, which they could sell in the village later, along with as much of its meat and fat that could carry on the frosthorn, they continued their journey. Justin thought about what Ryak had said, about the ice specters having been practitioners of Death or Chaos Magic. Both Spiritual Elements drew their power from the Nether Realm. If the creation myth Lila had talked about was true, Nyriss and Morvath both made their home there. So, if Kargan died, would he become a ghost? Was that the price Ryak had been talking about? As they continued to walk, Eldrin called the party to the rear of the procession, except for Ryak. ¡°We need to figure out what happens after we reach Ryak¡¯s village,¡± he said. ¡°We should get there in a few hours.¡± ¡°I still don¡¯t like the idea of the Vault one bit,¡± Lila said. ¡°I know the option of traveling the tundra is dangerous. There¡¯s no fuel for a fire, and that¡¯s a death sentence this far north. But for all that, it can¡¯t be worse than a Vault that could be as high as Level 20.¡± ¡°We have Justin¡¯s new boon now,¡± Kargan said. ¡°With that we can stay warm.¡± ¡°I was about to say that,¡± Lila said. ¡°As long as he doesn¡¯t switch Affinities.¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°But if we get into a fight or something that requires me to switch, we¡¯d be out of luck for the next twenty-four hours,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯s a major risk.¡± ¡°Then you wouldn¡¯t switch,¡± Lila said. ¡°At least until we reach Draegor¡¯s Keep.¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t get the chance to resupply in Kaldrath,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°That would be our undoing more than anything else. Either we buy supplies off Ryak¡¯s tribe at inflated prices, or we try to hunt on the way. The first option is expensive, the second slows us down too much.¡± ¡°Justin has thirty-eight crowns now,¡± Lila said. ¡°Whatever the price, it¡¯s well worth saving our hides.¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°You can¡¯t surely be thinking the Vault is a good idea, Eldrin,¡± Kargan said. ¡°It depends,¡± Eldrin said cautiously. ¡°The idea of a hidden way to Draegor¡¯s Pass is appealing. I believe we are underestimating the danger of the Baron and overestimating the danger of this Vault.¡± The thought had also occurred to Justin. ¡°Damn it. We¡¯re doing this, aren¡¯t we?¡± ¡°Nothing is decided yet,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But I would invite you all to imagine a future where we lose the Baron completely. A path completely unimpeded to Mont Elea.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you said about Drakendir,¡± Kargan protested. ¡°And look where we are now.¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t count on the Ranger and his bat tracking us,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°The bat is gone, so unless they have a spare, or have contracted another Ranger, we should be able to more easily lose them. Besides, hardly any creature can stand this harsh cold for long. It¡¯s why I¡¯m keeping Shadowflight close by.¡± The bird chirped on his shoulder, as if in confirmation of that. ¡°That¡¯s exactly my point,¡± Kargan said. ¡°There¡¯s always something we¡¯re not accounting for. And it bothers me that Ryak won¡¯t explain anything about this so-called path. What could it be?¡± ¡°I have an idea,¡± Eldrin said, his voice thoughtful. ¡°Nithral Island is only accessible by sea. The extreme northeast of Serenthel is where we find ourselves. This peninsula is often called Land¡¯s End, and it¡¯s a patchwork of jagged mountains, glaciers, and craggy fjords¡ªcompletely impassable, at least at first glance. From Kaldrath, there¡¯s only one strip of land where caravans can travel safely reach Draegor¡¯s Keep, and even that¡¯s treacherous. But it stands to reason there are other ways that someone like Ryak might know, perhaps using hidden portage trails and waterways.¡± ¡°Portage trails?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Are we supposed to carry kayaks or canoes across all that terrain?¡± ¡°At this time of year, probably not,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Whatever the case, I trust Ryak to know the way. I know the idea of risking ourselves in a Vault is hard to swallow, but carving our own path through Qilungit lands could be just as dangerous. Ryak is a powerful Cryomancer, and perhaps more importantly, he knows these lands. We¡¯ve already seen some of his abilities, while our class interface tells us he¡¯s Level 17. That makes him a valuable potential ally, and that¡¯s not to be discounted.¡± Justin realized something then. That Eldrin was arguing for Ryak¡¯s pathfinding skills spoke volumes about how little Eldrin knew about this unfamiliar territory. He¡¯d already mentioned he hadn¡¯t explored north of the Seraphims. Eldrin¡¯s Ranger class gave him benefits to pathfinding, but the class itself didn¡¯t give him an exact layout of unfamiliar territory. He was just as blind as the rest of them. ¡°I didn¡¯t detect any deceit in Ryak¡¯s offer,¡± Justin said. ¡°My Insightful Gaze boon isn¡¯t perfect, especially since he barely shows emotion. But I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s sincere.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t matter if the Vault kills us,¡± Lila said. ¡°At least the Baron is a known threat. This is something entirely different.¡± ¡°In a way, the Baron is just as unknown,¡± Kargan argued. ¡°If we hadn¡¯t met him at that party, we¡¯d be dead by now. Out here, we¡¯re easy prey.¡± ¡°Whose side are you on, Kargan?¡± Lila asked, her eyes narrowing. ¡°I don¡¯t even know anymore,¡± Kargan admitted. ¡°But what Ryak said about the Qilungit and Harmony Magic makes me nervous. What am I supposed to say if they ask about my class?¡± ¡°Tell them you¡¯re a Spiritualist,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°You¡¯re under Level 10, so they won¡¯t expect you to have chosen a Focus yet.¡± ¡°That might make things worse,¡± Kargan said, frowning. ¡°Then they¡¯ll try to convince me to learn Harmony Magic. Or worse, someone could have a boon that identifies my actual class or Core Attribute at a glance, like Eldrin¡¯s Ranger¡¯s Intuition.¡± ¡°We just won¡¯t mention it,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°With any luck, we won¡¯t be among them for long.¡± Their conversation was interrupted as Ryak halted, allowing the frosthorn and the rest of the group to catch up. ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± he said, turning to Kargan. ¡°Say nothing about your magic.¡± ¡°Were you listening to us?¡± Kargan asked, his voice tense. ¡°I thought we were keeping quiet.¡± ¡°I overheard bits and pieces,¡± Ryak admitted, smiling slightly. ¡°It seems you haven¡¯t reached a decision.¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But we¡¯ll settle the matter by tomorrow.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ryak said with a nod. ¡°We¡¯ll rest in the camp tonight, and you¡¯ll receive a welcome worthy of the Iceborne.¡± As long as that welcome included a warm meal and a fire, Justin didn¡¯t care about much else. After his harrowing adventures north of the Seraphims, he had sworn never to willingly spend time in a place where the temperature dropped below freezing. Within the hour, they had exited the hills and were descending toward the northern shore, which was encased in a thick sheet of ice. Justin realized they had reached the northernmost edge of the continent of Serenthel. Despite the complete darkness, the sky was ablaze with stars and vivid streaks of dancing auroras, illuminating the landscape in a surreal glow. Below them lay a small Qilungit village, comprising around twenty igloos of various sizes, their domes blending into the icy ground. The village was set up in a crescent shape along the shoreline, the igloos clustered tightly together to conserve heat. Some had small chimneys, releasing faint wisps of smoke that suggested fires burning inside. At the center of the settlement was a large open area, where a massive bonfire danced, casting flickering light across the snow. There was no smell of wood from that fire, telling Justin it was of magical origin. Around the fire, several Qilungit were gathered, their pale, blue-tinged skin and fur-lined clothing blending into the wintry surroundings. As they approached, Justin could discern their low, rumbling voices. A few turned to watch the party¡¯s approach with wary, calculating eyes. As they approached the village, two figures stepped forward from the crowd. One was a tall, broad-shouldered Qilungik with pale, weathered skin, with similarly white hair braided intricately down his back. The other was a female, shorter, with silver hair woven into thick coils that framed her face. Her sharp features gave her an air of quiet authority. Justin guessed these two were elders of the tribe. The male elder was the first to speak, his voice deep and resonant as he spoke in an unknown language that was strangely lyrical and guttural at the same time. ¡°They are friends,¡± Ryan answered in Aranthian. ¡°These travelers spared my life when I mistook them for bandits on the Frostplain Path. Because they chose mercy, I owe them a debt. They seek shelter here for at least one night, perhaps longer. They also aided in protecting the supplies the village sorely needs to make it through the Great Cold.¡± The elder studied Ryak for a moment, his eyes narrowing in thought. Then, his expression softened as he responded in passable Aranthian. ¡°When one member of the tribe is saved, the entire tribe is saved.¡± He turned to Eldrin, who he took to be the leader of the party. ¡°You have our thanks. Of course, you may stay here as long as you please. I am Jarak, High Elder of the Yarith. This is my wife, Elder Veya.¡± He gestured to the female Qilungik beside him, who gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Justin got the sense that she was not as proficient in Aranthian. Ryak introduced all of them, omitting their classes. While this was going on, several of the younger villagers, including a few smiling children bundled thickly in furs, rushed to tend to the frosthorn. They began unloading its burden¡ªsacks and crates filled with supplies that looked mostly mundane but with a few magical items. One of the older tribesmen carefully removed a glowing red orb with a hammer from a crate, and Justin¡¯s eyes widened at the sight. He somehow knew that was a Craftsman Core, and would be an item of great value. Another, a young Iceborne, pulled out a strange, rune-covered object with a thick lens, obviously some magical tool, wrapping it with reverence. Besides this, there were various foods that wouldn¡¯t easily be found on the ice, such as jars of preserves, bags of wheat, and even herbs and spices. Jarak¡¯s bright blue eyes seemed to take in their travel-worn faces. ¡°No doubt, you are all exhausted. You¡¯ve been through much. We have a spare igloo where you can rest. It¡¯s not much, but it will keep you warm.¡± He nodded to a nearby villager, who immediately hurried off to prepare the igloo, gathering firewood and other supplies to make it comfortable. Justin looked around for Ryak, but he¡¯d gone off somewhere, perhaps to his own igloo. Within minutes, Elder Veya had smilingly ushered them into their igloo, where already a small fire was burning. It was surprisingly warm inside, and even more surprisingly, quite spacious. Justin found he could stand up straight in most spots, and there was plenty of room for all of their bedrolls and gear. There were also plenty of furs piled for additional warmth if they needed it. As they warmed up, steaming bowls of food were delivered by some of the tribal women. The fare was simple but hearty: thick stew made from local roots and herbs, spiced with something Justin couldn¡¯t quite place, with large chunks of meat quite similar to beef. Justin was almost certain it was frosthorn. The meat was tender and succulent. A bowl of fermented berries, sweet and tart, was passed around, adding a nice contrast to the savory meal. Despite their exhaustion, the warmth of the food and the fire seemed to revive them. As they ate, the discussion turned back to the decision they had to make. ¡°We need to settle this,¡± Justin said between bites. ¡°Assuming we can clear the Vault, it would pave the way to Draegor¡¯s Keep without more trouble from the Baron.¡± ¡°I¡¯m with you,¡± Eldrin added, drinking down his stew. ¡°I underestimated just how dangerous he was once. That first night in Windfall, I should have pushed on through Thalgar¡¯s Tunnel. I will never underestimate him again. The Baron is no doubt the bigger threat.¡± Lila shook her head, her eyes fixed on the fire. ¡°You¡¯re talking about going into something we don¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°What we don¡¯t understand are the wilds of Land¡¯s End,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°They are more dangerous than anything I¡¯ve ever traversed, and that¡¯s the truth. We may survive it, but without a guide, it could very well lead to our doom.¡± ¡°We should¡¯ve split off as soon as Justin woke up,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Split off where?¡± Eldrin asked. ¡°We would have had nowhere to flee but the obvious path. The Baron is intelligent. Like us, he has made mistakes and is committed to not making them again. You can bet on that.¡± The group fell into silence, divided. Despite another hour of debate going over the pros and cons, they were no closer to a decision. ¡°Let¡¯s get some rest,¡± Eldrin finally said. ¡°Perhaps the morning will bring clarity.¡± They settled in for the night. As the fire crackled and the icy wind howled outside, Justin felt the weight of their situation. They had to figure this out by tomorrow morning. In theory, they could wait longer, but if the Baron had somehow picked up their trail, it made waiting even here, at the northern part of Land¡¯s End, dangerous. Eldrin was right. The Baron was the real threat, though it was easy to see why Lila and Kargan were so hesitant to put even more distance between them. They were already at the northern edge of the world. To go even further north had to seem like the height of lunacy. And for all Justin knew, it was. 86. Haggling After breakfast, nothing had been resolved. The sky was still dark, with no hint of dawn. The sun wouldn¡¯t rise for hours, and even when it did, it would only linger briefly before sinking below the horizon again. Despite the austere beauty of the north, Justin found himself hating it. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Lila asked, standing beside him on the icy shoreline. ¡°Still set on a suicide mission?¡± Justin gave a humorless chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s a suicide mission either way.¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I¡¯m Level 9, and I¡¯m absolutely terrified, no matter which path we choose.¡± ¡°Look on the bright side¡ªthe Vault would push you over Level 10 and maybe even further.¡± Lila fell silent, her gaze fixed on the horizon. ¡°Listen,¡± Justin said after a pause. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯ll happen. Safety in this world is an illusion, whichever way we go. So, we might as well pick the path that gives us some kind of advantage.¡± ¡°I hate that you¡¯re right,¡± she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I just can¡¯t stand this anymore.¡± Justin didn¡¯t know what to say. He understood where she was coming from. For weeks, they¡¯d been fleeing from the Baron, whose relentless pursuit left Justin feeling that no choice could have changed their situation¡ªexcept maybe refusing that cursed package in the first place. But even then, he knew he¡¯d been drawn to it. They were at a crossroads, and Justin felt it in his bones. ¡°I don¡¯t want this to be the rest of my life,¡± he said. ¡°If we¡¯re going to survive, we can¡¯t keep holding back. The odds are already against us, so we need to do something drastic to lose him for good. It¡¯s either that or grow strong enough to face him. And since the latter isn¡¯t happening anytime soon, I¡¯ll be heading north with Ryak. Maybe Bohemond had the right idea staying behind in Kaldrath, but that ship has sailed.¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll change my vote if you promise me one thing.¡± Justin already knew what she was going to ask. ¡°We¡¯ll go somewhere far from all this. Somewhere beyond Aranthia. Let Eldrin go on to Mont Elea if he wants. You know I can¡¯t go there anyway.¡± Lila nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a big world out there. We could set sail, change ships a few times, and there¡¯s no way Valdrik would be able to track us down.¡± ¡°Not to mention your debtors,¡± Justin added with a smirk. ¡°Don¡¯t remind me,¡± she muttered. They stood in silence as a bitter wind cut through Justin¡¯s clothes, the chill biting deep. His heat enchantment did little to combat the cold, and switching to his Fire Affinity would only draw unwanted attention from the villagers. ¡°It¡¯s freezing,¡± Lila grumbled, glancing to the left. Eldrin and Kargan were already deep in conversation with Ryak and several other villagers, their voices carrying faintly over the wind. From Eldrin¡¯s expression, it looked like negotiations weren¡¯t going well. ¡°Let¡¯s see what trouble they¡¯re in now,¡± Lila said, pulling her cloak tighter as they headed over. Justin had noticed that new article ever since Kaldrath. Despite the heat enchantment in her Minstrel¡¯s Ensemble armor, it was nowhere near enough, just as his coat wasn¡¯t. They arrived just in time to catch Eldrin mid-sentence, his face a mix of frustration and determination as he tried to negotiate. Ryak was translating his words to a handful of villagers, their arms crossed, expressions as hard as the icy ground beneath their feet. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Justin asked. Eldrin¡¯s shoulders sagged as he turned to Justin, visibly relieved to have backup. ¡°Trying to get provisions for the journey, plus some gear to keep us alive out there. It''s¡­slow going.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°What kind of gear?¡± Eldrin held up a finger as he began to count off. ¡°Parkas, for one. Thicker boots. Sealskin gloves. Out here, every inch of us needs protection, and each piece has to be enchanted for warmth. These parkas are made from snow elk hide and treated with whale oil for extra insulation. They¡¯ve even got a water resistance enchantment to keep us dry. But they want a gold and a half for them. It¡¯s highway robbery, but they¡¯ve got us over a barrel.¡± He gestured at crates stacked with other goods: ¡°Then there¡¯s two weeks¡¯ worth of frozen fish, plus hardtack and berries, for five silvers. And we need snow goggles, too. Five silvers each, and we¡¯ll need four pairs. There hasn¡¯t been much snow yet, which is a small mercy, but it¡¯s coming. There¡¯s a potion kit, too¡ªbasic healing potions and a few warmth potions. Thirty silvers for that. And finally, a new pack enchanted with featherweight and expanded capacity. They¡¯re asking a full gold crown for it, but I think we can get by with just one.¡± Eldrin rubbed his temples. ¡°Then I''m hoping to coax you into buying a scryer¡¯s lens, two golds. If we run across enchanted items in the Vault, that lens will tell us what they do.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s¡­five golds and five silvers?¡± Justin did a quick calculation. ¡°No hero¡¯s discount, I take it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s with the hero¡¯s discount,¡± Eldrin replied sourly, his voice flat. ¡°Seems they don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be coming back, so they want to bleed us dry while they have the chance.¡± Justin glanced at Ryak and then the trader¡ªa tall, stern woman with a pale face as weathered as ancient stone. Her gray hair was braided with bits of bone and woven charms. She regarded him impassively, her bright blue eyes glinting like the ice around them. Behind her were rows of provisions stacked in crates and barrels, some filled with smoked meats, others packed with enchanted amulets and gear, along with vials of potions in hues of crimson, blue, and green. Justin stepped forward, signaling to Ryak. ¡°Could you translate for me?¡± Ryak nodded, stepping aside to let Justin address her directly. Justin met her stare, offering a slight, respectful smile. ¡°Your goods are well-crafted and worth the price,¡± he began carefully. ¡°But we¡¯re risking our lives in the Vault for the good of your tribe. Perhaps we could agree on a fairer trade. Five golds is quite the markup.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The trader¡¯s mouth pressed into a thin line as Ryak translated, her expression revealing nothing but the faintest twitch of irritation. Ryak relayed her words. ¡°She says all of these supplies are needed desperately by the tribe, so they must be sold at a premium. She begs your forgiveness, but there¡¯s little she can do.¡± Justin tried his best to size her up. Insightful Gaze was proving useless against her impassive, unyielding expression. He kept his tone polite but persistent. ¡°Respectfully, I understand the tribe¡¯s needs,¡± he said, nodding toward the supplies, ¡°but our survival benefits you, too. Ryak has told me the hunting and fishing used to be good around here¡ªuntil that Vault appeared. Could we settle for four golds, even?¡± Around him, his companions shifted, listening intently. Though they hadn¡¯t decided definitively on the Vault, everyone seemed to support the argument in silence, none of them protesting. The trader¡¯s eyes narrowed, and she responded briskly. Her words were clipped, each syllable firm. Ryak translated, his tone dry. ¡°She quotes a familiar Qilungit saying: ¡®The cold doesn¡¯t bargain.¡¯ But she will lower the price by ten silvers¡ªfor your bravery.¡± Justin grit his teeth. She was testing him, feeling out how much they truly needed these supplies. He leaned in, lowering his voice. ¡°Winter is almost upon us,¡± he said, gesturing to the dark clouds looming heavy on the horizon. ¡°Without snow goggles, we risk snow blindness. Without warmth potions, an unexpected freeze could kill us in an hour. Your tribe¡¯s future depends on our success. Three golds and sixty silvers should be more than enough for what we¡¯re taking.¡± The trader¡¯s fingers drummed rhythmically on a nearby crate, her face unreadable as she considered his words. She spoke quickly, her tone final. Ryak relayed the response with a shrug. ¡°Anything less than four golds and twenty silvers would be financial suicide, she says. The Vault has claimed many brave Qilungit, and if these supplies go to waste with your deaths, that¡¯s part of her calculation.¡± Justin met her gaze, sensing a faint opportunity. ¡°Four golds even, and we take half the fish, leaving more for your people. We¡¯re not here to exploit your kindness¡ªjust to survive. Clearing out the Vault would be a priceless benefit to your tribe, and we are experts in it.¡± It was a slight exaggeration, but only slight. The trader¡¯s expression softened just slightly, her eyes no longer cold as she murmured a few words. ¡°She says she admires your persistence,¡± Ryak translated, almost amused. ¡°She¡¯ll accept four golds and five silvers, but no less. Take all the fish. She¡¯s not in the business of sending travelers to their deaths, she claims, but she¡¯s giving you a fair deal, on the off chance Ulthara grants calm seas and Searphis blesses your journey with peace.¡± Justin felt a surge of relief. ¡°Done." He reached into his pouch to hand over the agreed amount. The trader nodded approvingly, stowing the coins away as villagers gathered their newly purchased supplies. [50 Experience Gained! Your experience stands at 594/2070.] Justin glanced at his pouch, still holding 33 gold coins. He knew this would barely dent his fortune, but many more expenses lay ahead, especially in unknown lands. Eldrin and the others quickly grabbed their new parkas, snow goggles, and the potion kit. They donned the clothing quickly, and Justin felt the warmth of the parka spreading immediately through his body. He decided to keep his Invari Ambassador Boots on for the +1 to Endurance; they were enchanted to remain dry already. He slipped on the sealskin gloves. The difference was night and day compared to his old, unenchanted ones. Justin tucked the scryer¡¯s lens into his old pack, while Eldrin redistributed supplies into the new featherweight pack, reorganizing everything within ten minutes. The potion kit came with about twenty potions, half a pale, glowing pink, and the other half glowing a rich yellow, like a sliver of the sun. The fish was carried off by some villagers, Justin assumed to be loaded directly into their umiak. After putting on the new gear, Justin inspected the scryer¡¯s lens. It was a small disc of crystal-clear glass, bordered with a fine silver edge that glinted faintly. Inside, threads of iridescent color swirled lazily, hinting at enchantments lying dormant. The lens warmed his hand despite the cold air¡ªa subtle reminder of the potent magic within its fragile surface. ¡°Well done, lad,¡± Eldrin said as they moved aside. ¡°The Qilungit aren¡¯t easy to bargain with. You¡¯ve done well.¡± Justin allowed himself a faint smile. ¡°Glad to have gotten what we needed.¡± Kargan gave a groan as he eyed the choppy, ice-strewn water to the north. ¡°Are we really going to the Vault?¡± Lila, her gaze distant, nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind. Not sure I like our chances in the tundra without a guide.¡± Kargan sighed. ¡°Sometimes, it feels like I¡¯m the only sane one here.¡± ¡°Give it another week,¡± Justin said, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ll be just as insane as the rest of us.¡± Ryak joined them, gesturing north. ¡°Nithral Island is about twenty miles northeast. We¡¯ll follow the coastline most of the way. The sea is calm today. If we paddle steadily, we¡¯ll reach the Northern Promontory in time to set up camp.¡± They reached the shoreline, where a group of younger tribesmen had already loaded their umiak with their purchased provisions. The elders, Jarak and Veya, watched from nearby, their expressions impassive. ¡°Be careful, Ryak,¡± Jarak said, his voice low and firm. Ryak nodded, bowing slightly. ¡°I will, Honored Father.¡± Justin blinked, surprised. Was Jarak his actual father, or was this some formality? Neither Jarak nor Veya betrayed any emotion, their faces set like carved stone. ¡°The sea is more dangerous than any beast,¡± Veya said. ¡°Take your time. The Vault isn¡¯t going anywhere.¡± ¡°Thank you, Honored Mother,¡± Ryak replied. ¡°We will not fail.¡± After this simple farewell, with a nod from Ryak, they pushed the umiak into the frigid sea, where the ice had been broken away, creating a narrow channel. Justin climbed in, bundling his parka around him. Despite the harsh wind, he felt comfortably warm, though his ears and face tingled from the cold. He took the paddle¡ªmade of sturdy birch with a thin metal edge¡ªand began paddling in rhythm with the others. Given the material of the paddle, Justin realized the Iceborne must have traded for it. Ryak barked directions, his voice carrying over the splashing water. Within minutes, they settled into a steady pace, paddling through patches of floating ice and frosty slush. The hours wore on, the coastline a desolate, rocky ribbon stretching to their right, while the ocean grew more foreboding. They paddled in near-total silence, each stroke feeling like a small battle against the relentless cold. The sun rose briefly, a pale sliver of light that cast an eerie glow over the frozen landscape before dipping below the horizon again. They took a quick break, chewing on hardtack and biting into frozen fish. Justin hesitated, but reminded himself that if sushi was safe, this probably was, too, especially considering the food was likely fresher than anything he¡¯d eaten back home. To his surprise, he didn¡¯t find the taste disagreeable, but that might have been the hunger. As dusk began to fall, the water darkened, the sky above streaked with faint, rippling auroras. The Ghostly Sea shimmered under the twilight, reflecting eerie green and violet hues. At last, a dark silhouette appeared ahead, larger than the icebergs that had been navigating around¡ªwhat had to be the Northern Promontory. Ryak pointed to the cliffs, where a narrow path wound toward a sheltered cave entrance. They docked the umiak, dragging it onto the ice-slick shore, and made their way up the rugged trail. The cave was cold but fortified, with stones arranged to block out the wind. Inside, they huddled around a small fire, the flames casting long shadows against the walls. As Justin looked out over the icy waters, he could barely make out the outline of Nithral Island, a dark mass against the starlit sky. At least from this distance, there was no sign of the Vault or its dangers. Kargan set up the party''s ward and they ate a warm meal. Such was the strain of their journey that they immediately fell asleep, with Ryak volunteering for the first watch. Tomorrow, they would cross the last stretch. Justin was far too tired to care about it, at least for now. He just wanted to get it over and done with so they can make their way back south, far from the Baron''s reach. 87. A Vault to Remember The cold pressed in on Justin as they prepared to leave. He stared across the icy expanse toward Nithral Island. Every instinct told him going there was a mistake. Yet here they were, breaking camp under the dark morning sky. They ate a quick meal before pushing their umiak into the water. The boat lurched as it hit the waves. Justin gripped the edge, steadying himself as he climbed in, joining the others. Ryak took his place at the stern, directing them with quiet authority. ¡°The way ahead will be difficult." His voice carried low over the sound of the sea. ¡°Pace yourselves.¡± With that warning, they pushed off from shore, the umiak carving a slow path through the icy water. The group fell into a steady rhythm, muscles straining with each stroke. After a few minutes, Justin watched Ryak. ¡°What exactly is waiting for us in this Vault? Do you really not know anything?¡± Ryak glanced at him, his face as impassive as the winter sea. ¡°We don''t know what the Vault holds. As I''ve said, no one has ever come back." He paused, gaze fixed ahead as if searching the horizon. ¡°Once we we make landfall, there can be no going back.¡± Justin¡¯s grip tightened on his paddle. Of course, he didn''t like that answer, but what other choice did they have? Wind whipped across the umiak, driving sleet into their faces. The sky darkened with heavy clouds. Each stroke became harder, the cold seeping through their gloves despite the enchantments. The island loomed ever larger, its rough shoreline an unforgiving mix of rock and ice. Finally, Nithral Island rose before them in full. Sheer cliffs jutted up from the water, leading toward a high, glacier-capped mountain. The auroras above reflected off its surface in shifting hues of blue and green. Ryak guided them into a narrow inlet flanked by massive boulders. They wrestled the umiak onto shore, wedging it between rocks to keep it sheltered from the wind. They gathered their day packs, filled with a few days'' provisions. Justin''s carried some of the potions along with his scryer''s lens. With the featherweight enchantment, he hardly felt the straps pressing into his shoulders. Justin glanced around, taking in the eerie silence. The snow muffled all sound except for the hollow whistle of the wind weaving through rocks. No movement, no tracks¡ªjust ice and stone. ¡°This way,¡± Ryak said, his voice a murmur. He started up a narrow path that wound between ice-encrusted rocks. They followed, feet crunching on the snow-packed trail, a natural path leading to the interior of the island. Justin cast wary glances around as they climbed. So far, there were no signs of any trouble. At last, they reached the mouth of a crevice leading into the glacier. The passage was narrow, carved by time and the snowmelt of warmer seasons. Justin wondered how Ryak knew the way. Granted, the island wasn''t large and this was the most obvious path. But as the crevice opened up, it revealed the rocky, icy slope of the mountain. And opening before them was a cave, covered with a red glow. Red. That was different. What could it mean? Justin, as he often did when he wasn''t sure of a situation, watched Eldrin. The Ranger''s face was impassive, but he detected notes of unease. They followed Ryak toward the opening. As they neared, Justin''s interface blinked to life. A line of text appeared before him.
Vault Discovered: The Star of Elara Recommended Party Level: 35 Average Party Level: 11.75 Risk Level: Fatal! Survival chances are near zero. Enter at your peril. Description: Long shrouded in myth, the Star of Elara is one of the most coveted relics of Eyrthian Legend. Known as the Sapphire Star, it houses the protective spirit of Alden the Brave. Alden sacrificed himself to shield Elara as they journeyed to his homeland. Grieved, Elara took the Star to bring news of his death to land of Kurath, from which Alden hailed. But while traveling the Seraphims, a frost troll fell upon her. Using the power of the Star, she defeated the monster and arrived in Kurath. When she died of old age, Alden''s kin buried the Star with her. The grave site bloomed with beautiful starflowers, no matter the weather. Centuries ago, the deadly Ice Drake Vorthyrn robbed the grave of the Star. The drake terrorized the north, until it was bound to this cave by the famed Wizard, Sikander. He put a curse on the drake to sleep six hundred and sixty-six years. Or until someone worthy approached to claim the Star of Elara, whichever came first.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. To clear this Vault, your party must endure trials that will test its strength, resolve, and unity¡ªand of course, to claim the Star of Elara. Elemental Wraiths are also bound to Vorthryn, guarding the terrible drake. Is any among you worthy to bear the Star of Elara? Rewards Upon Completion: ¡ªExperience: Scaled to party member level and individual contribution. ¡ªGuaranteed Platinum-Level Weapon: For each party member. ¡ªGuaranteed Gold-Level Leg Armor: For each party member. ¡ªThe Ice Drake¡¯s Hoard: Valued at 10 Platinum Shards, divided amongst the party. ¡ªA Selection of Rare Items: To be divided amongst the party. ¡ªPermanent Rare Boon: For each party member. ¡ªChance for the Star of Elara: The ultimate reward, if one among the party proves worthy. This Ascendant-level artifact offers unmatched protection. The spirit of Alden within the Star grants a loyal and unyielding defense to those who carry it. Do you accept the Vault¡¯s challenge?
Justin¡¯s heart pounded as he read, eyes locked on the glowing text: Level 35. He¡¯d never even imagined facing anything this high. The most challenging Vault they¡¯d cleared so far was Level 17. And even then, they¡¯d only made it through because Alistair had been there to carry them. But here? They didn¡¯t stand a chance. His mind buzzed with panic, his gut screaming to turn back. Eldrin was first to break the silence. "Care to explain this, Ryak?" Ryak¡¯s icy blue eyes softened for a brief moment. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it would be this dangerous. But my mind is set. My tribe needs this Vault cleared. Though this drake may be asleep, the Vault still twists the land and issues monsters. I will release you from your promise to help, given the danger. I would welcome it, but if you wish to brave the wilds alone, I hold no blame. I will attempt to clear it alone, if I must." Justin shook his head. He believed Ryak, but that didn''t stop him from being angry. This wasn¡¯t about the loot, or the fact that the famed Star of Elara, lost for centuries, was within. This was a suicide mission. Even if they fought with everything they had, there was no way they could survive long enough to reach the drake or the Star of Elara. No rewards, no glory¡ªonly death. "The Star of Elara," Lila said, her eyes wide. "That artifact is beyond value. Elara herself was from Daeloria, though it was at least a thousand years ago." "It''s not worth your life, Lila," Kargan said. "Read the Vault Description," Lila said. "It says to clear this Vault, one of us must claim the Star of Elara. It says nothing about defeating the Ice Drake." As Justin reread, he realized that this was true, in the strict sense. So far, every Vault description had held some sort of "clue" that helped out. "Maybe," he allowed, "but that doesn''t change the fact that it''s Level 35. Even one of these Elemental Wraiths would be far stronger than anything we''ve faced so far. It''s a gamble. One I''m not willing to make." "I agree," Eldrin said. "Level 35 changes things. Even if none have escaped this island once setting foot upon it, it''s still a better chance than walking into our deaths. "I wouldn''t be so sure," Ryak said. "Of course, you are free to decide." "Why is the color of the Vault red?" Justin asked. "It denotes that it is above Level 20," Eldrin explained. He then turned to Ryak. ¡°This is your mission, not ours. I''m sorry to leave you here, but we must look after ourselves." Ryak nodded, his face impassive. "I understand. The umiak, all the supplies...they''re yours. I have everything I need in my own pack." His voice then took on a note of warning. "But remember what I said. Don''t be surprised if something forces you back to the shores of this island." "We''ll take our chances," Eldrin said. "Good luck." Justin shook his head. ¡°Ryak, it¡¯s not too late to come with us. Even you know this is suicide. If it''s about money, I can offer you ten gold crowns if you lead us south of the Seraphims.¡± The offer hung in the air, and for a moment, Justin thought he might actually accept it. But in the end, he shook his head. ¡°This isn¡¯t about money, Southlander. If no one does anything, this Vault will be the end of us. For centuries, it has festered. At first, I thought its development was recent. But it''s now clear it has been here a long time. Long has my tribe considered this place cursed. The fact that its issuing monsters tells me that the ice drake''s curse is almost up. This Vorthyrn will awaken soon, and that has consequences far worse than any of us can imagine." He paused. "No, I will make this stand alone. If I die, then I will enter the Ether Realm and join my forefathers and my son, as a warrior should.¡± Eldrin looked up at the sky. ¡°We should be going now. The weather is turning.¡± ¡°Well, good luck,¡± Kargan said, though his tone seemed certain Ryak was going to his death. Justin felt nervous turning his back on Ryak. The Cryomancer had attacked them upon their first meeting, after all. He could easily kill them. But it was safer than joining him in his madness. [Ryak has left the party.] The words faded from view, but the weight of finality lingered. They turned their backs on the Vault, leaving Ryak alone with his impossible quest. Yet as they hurried down the icy slope toward the shore, Justin¡¯s gut twisted. The wind had picked up, stinging his face with flecks of frost, and the sky above churned with thick clouds. Ryak''s warning that it would be impossible to escape returned to him. What if the weather made it impossible to paddle back to the mainland? Within half an hour, they were back inside the icy inlet. They retrieved the umiak from its hidden spot and pushed it into the water. ¡°Stay alert,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Let¡¯s head back to the shelter. We can reassess there.¡± They paddled hard, muscles straining against the rough, ice-laden currents. Each stroke seemed like an uphill battle as the cold cut through their clothing. The wind grew fiercer, howling as it lashed across the inlet. The weather was actually holding, for now. It was far too soon to celebrate, though. But as it turned out, Ryak''s warning wouldn¡¯t manifest in the form of weather, but something far worse. As they rounded a small iceberg, a shadow loomed out of the haze of snow falling from the sky. It was to their right, toward the west, and the sight of it made Justin''s heart drop. A ship, low and fast, was bearing down on them, about half a mile away. Its prow, wrapped in some sort of magical shield, cut through the forming ice with ease. Justin''s eyes widened as a fireball arced from the bow. It blasted against a smaller iceberg, weakening it enough for the ship to split it in two. Justin could make out figures on deck from which the magic was issuing. Mages. Without needing to be told, even if it seemed impossible, Justin knew who it was. Baron Valdrik. 88. Scuffle in the Inlet All Justin could think was, it wasn¡¯t possible. The sea was supposed to be unnavigable at this time of year. And yet, there was the Baron, sailing through as if the frigid waters were a summer breeze. It hadn¡¯t occurred to any of them that Valdrik might use magic to make the journey possible. It was a glaring oversight. Justin saw the same realization dawning on Eldrin¡¯s face. ¡°Turn around!¡± They dug their paddles into the water, steering the boat back toward the island with frantic strokes. The small vessel rocked as they rowed. Within seconds, they were once again hidden behind the iceberg. Justin¡¯s heart pounded so hard that it felt as if it might burst. ¡°Did they see us?¡± Lila whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind. With luck, maybe their little umiak had gone unnoticed. While the ship was easy to spot because of its size, their vessel would be far harder to pick out among all the ice floes. They couldn¡¯t have been visible for more than a few seconds. ¡°I have Shadowflight monitoring them,¡± Eldrin said quietly. ¡°It¡¯ll be a few minutes before he¡¯s in position. For now, head back to the inlet.¡± ¡°Maybe we can head around the island,¡± Justin said. ¡°They won¡¯t expect that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a good idea, but the ice is too thick. We risk being caught out in the open.¡± ¡°You have a point there.¡± ¡°Paddle like your lives depend on it.¡± With rapid, silent strokes, they reached the rocky inlet of Nithral Island. They quickly dragged the umiak into their previous hiding spot, tucking it behind a ridge of jagged rocks. Eldrin led them off the trail, heading up the slope until they couldn¡¯t go any further. They took shelter behind a large boulder, in a spot that had a commanding view of the inlet below. ¡°Shadowflight sees them turning,¡± Eldrin said, his expression darkening. ¡°Turning?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Should we make a break for the Vault?¡± He shook his head. ¡°Too late now.¡± Kargan formed his ward. It would help hide them, but Justin doubted its efficacy against such a high-level enemy. ¡°Here¡¯s the deal,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We can survive this, but we must remain completely silent. We didn¡¯t leave any tracks coming up here, so they¡¯ll assume we went down the main path toward the Vault. Whatever trail the boat left is frozen by now. There¡¯s only one logical place for them to go, and that¡¯s the main path. When they follow it, we wait a few minutes before heading back for the boat.¡± It was a dubious plan, but it was all they had. Justin watched the opening of the inlet intently. It didn¡¯t take long for the ship¡¯s dark silhouette to come into view. Its black wood glistened with frost while a single large single sail flapped in the breeze. A faint blue shield ensconced the bow, clearing small bits of ice from the water. Eldrin motioned Justin down. Justin lowered himself, allowing the Ranger to be the spotter. He¡¯d left his parka in the boat, wearing only his new color-shifting cloak he¡¯d earned from the previous Vault. He blended right into the icy rocks around him. Coupled with Kargan¡¯s ward, he¡¯d be practically invisible. Justin heard shouting above the surf. It was hard to tell what was going on down there. Eldrin watched closely. Justin could only assume they hadn¡¯t been spotted yet. Ryak¡¯s warning echoed in his mind: Anyone who tried to flee the Vault would be forced back. Something told Justin that the Baron¡¯s arrival was not merely bad luck, but was because of the Vault¡¯s magic. Without a word, Lila reached for her golden harp, her fingers trembling. It was a good backup plan, but Justin doubted it would work on Valdrik. Soon, the sound of voices dissipated. Justin could only assume they were heading for the main trail, as Eldrin had predicted. Justin exhaled, trying to calm his nerves. Just a few more minutes and they¡¯d be back on the boat, taking a second crack at escaping. But that was when a sudden shout erupted from the shore. Eldrin winced, and with that one motion, Justin knew they had been discovered. ¡°They found the boat,¡± Eldrin said, watching below. ¡°The Ranger is heading this way with ten men, a mix of swordsmen and archers. There¡¯s a mage, too, but he¡¯s hanging back with the Baron. Gareth is also hanging back, thank the gods. If we can take care of the ones coming up, there¡¯s less to face down there.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Besides die.¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± Justin said. ¡°I want to try something.¡± [Affinity Chosen: Elea¡¯s Whisper. Send a whispered message through the air to any known person within one mile and hear their response. Immunity to Slow and Sleep effects.] He wasn¡¯t sure how this Affinity worked, but when he focused it on Valdrik, he felt a connection. Valdrik. We need to talk. To his surprise, he felt a flicker of recognition that wasn¡¯t his own. Ah, Mr. Talemaker, came Valdrik¡¯s response, tinged with amusement. It was as if he was speaking into Justin¡¯s ear. It sent chills down his spine. What magic is this, that you whisper to me through the air? Just know it won¡¯t save you. It¡¯s not the only trick I have, Valdrik, Justin replied. If you want to live, you¡¯ll listen to me. You and your men are in grave danger. Danger? Valdrik¡¯s voice oozed skepticism. I believe that is your position, not mine. There¡¯s a Vault on this island, Valdrik. One that¡¯s capable of killing us all. It¡¯s impossible to escape while it¡¯s active. If you want to live, you¡¯ll have to stand down and work with us. Is that so, Justin? The faint sneer was unmistakable. Idle words will not save you. You embarrassed me greatly in Windfall. If you surrender now, I might even spare your life. We could¡­renegotiate things. If I can talk to you through the air, what else do you think I could do? You¡¯ll find us no easy prey. We need to be working together. The Baron¡¯s chuckle resonated in his ear. Is that so? For a desperate ploy, this one is especially sad. My hunt has ended at last, Mr. Talemaker. You have no idea how good it feels.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Justin didn¡¯t have the chance to respond. ¡°Fireball!¡± Kargan shouted. There was a sudden flash of blinding light and heat, instantly destroying Kargan¡¯s ward. The orc gasped as he conjured a new one. He was clearly putting most of his Life Force into the shield to counter the next volley. ¡°Kargan won¡¯t hold out long,¡± Eldrin muttered. ¡°Justin, can you distract that mage? He¡¯s out of range of my arrows.¡± Justin reached out again, this time attempting to speak to the mage. However, there was no connection. That made sense; he wasn¡¯t a ¡°known person,¡± even if he was within one mile. He switched tactics, setting his mind on Ryak. He was certain the front of the Vault was within a mile. If the Iceborne hadn¡¯t gone in yet, he might help them out. Ryak? Are you in the Vault yet? No, came the terse reply. I¡¯m busy fending off some Elemental Wraiths that just escaped it. I could use your help. Listen. The Baron is here, and we can help each other. How many wraiths are there? Do you think they would follow you to the beach? A pause. There¡¯s more than I can count. I¡¯m already heading in that direction, but I doubt I¡¯ll make it unharmed. Just get here, Ryak. Don¡¯t fight them¡ªrun with everything you have! Justin cut the connection and turned to the others. ¡°Ryak¡¯s on his way, and he¡¯s bringing a horde of Elemental Wraiths with him.¡± Eldrin nodded, tossing a vial to Kargan. ¡°Regeneration potion. It should boost your Life Force recovery for ten minutes, enough to keep those wards up.¡± ¡°Right,¡± Kargan said, his face pale but determined. Lila took a quick peek over the ridge, grimacing. ¡°Half their forces are climbing the cliff. My knives won¡¯t reach from here. If they get too close, I¡¯ll play them a nice lullaby.¡± Another fireball burst against Kargan¡¯s shield, destroying it with a sharp crack. Justin took a peek at the mage below, who smirked, clearly enjoying himself. He was a hulking man in heavy black robes, brandishing a gnarled staff alight with magical energy. Justin also caught a glance of the dark-clad Ranger scaling the slope below them. He had a pale face, greasy black hair, and cold gray eyes, plus a satchel filled with those bladed discs he¡¯d hurled at them in Drakendir. They¡¯d be upon them in a couple minutes or less. Eldrin had asked him to delay them, so now was the time. [Affinity Chosen: Nyriss¡¯ Frenzy: Your words naturally sow passion and discord, amplifying your ability to instill Berserk and Charm effects.] Justin watched another fireball crash against Kargan¡¯s ward and waited for him to renew it. He took a deep breath before steeping out into full view. He activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger with a dramatic flick of his cane and a tip of his top hat. The sight had to be absurd¡ªa parka-clad gentleman strutting atop some rocks¡ªbut the gesture filled him with the confidence he needed, while also giving him a nice Charisma boost while debuffing everyone who saw him. A couple of arrows flew, striking the ward but falling flat. Combined with his Chaos Affinity, Justin was hoping his Poison Barb would become especially potent. He channeled the ability toward the mage down below, certain that his voice wouldn¡¯t carry so far. But he was surprised at what came out. It began with a crazed laugh, like a villain from a Bond movie, his voice mocking and amplified. It echoed throughout the inlet. ¡°Oh, what¡¯s the matter? Is the big, bad mage too scared to throw his spells with any proper heat? I bet you couldn¡¯t even light a pipe with that little spark!¡± The mage¡¯s face contorted in rage, but the words had an instant effect. He was frozen, albeit in fury. [Poison Barb refreshed.] The mage broke free of the stun, hurling another fireball with a grimace. Justin defied every instinct he had, choosing to remain in place and trust Kargan¡¯s ward. The fireball crashed against it, just a few feet from his face. Warmth washed over him like a caress. He raised his hands as if were a campfire meant to warm him. ¡°Is that it?¡± his voice boomed. ¡°Come on, hit me!¡± He gave another sharp laugh that seemed to come from outside himself, as if he were channeling the jeering essence of Nyriss herself. The mage was now blind with fury. With a roar, he raised his staff, summoning a column of pure fire that surged up the icy slope. The soldiers in the way dove for nearby boulders, but at least a couple of them had nothing nearby. They were instantly incinerated. Kargan¡¯s ward would do nothing against this. Justin leaped behind their own boulder just in time. As the fire crashed against it, the intense heat made his skin prickle. The outer edges of the stone became molten, the surrounding flames melting patches of the icy slope in seconds. Torrents of steaming water streamed down the rocks. Justin emerged from behind the boulder as Kargan created a fresh ward. The melting ice made the ground treacherous in front of the attacking soldiers. Sure enough, one of the Baron¡¯s men lost his footing, skidding wildly before plunging off the cliff and into the frigid inlet below. His scream echoed off the cliffs. On the shoreline, Justin spotted the Baron and the mage in the middle of a heated argument. Perfect. ¡°Yes, my puppets!¡± he screamed maniacally. ¡°Dance, dance!¡± He gave a mocking bow, just in time for a bladed disc to whirl through the air above him, missing his top hat by inches. He caught sight of the black-clad ranger, eyes narrowed in concentration as the disc came back to his outstretched hand. ¡°Ah, you again. The darkness of Drakendir suits you. Until now, I thought nothing could be uglier than that bat of yours!¡± The ranger snarled, redoubling his efforts to climb only to lose his footing on the slick slope. Justin cackled as the ranger bowled into one of his men. Justin celebrated with an impish jig. Eldrin, never one to waste an opportunity, sent a couple of arrows in the ranger¡¯s direction. The ranger rolled to avoid them, but one arrow found its mark in the arm of a nearby shoulder, who howled in pain. ¡°He¡¯ll be dead in minutes,¡± Eldrin muttered with satisfaction. ¡°Concentrated nightshade¡ªtakes out even the toughest in record time.¡± Justin remained on the boulder, Kargan¡¯s ward going unchallenged, given the soldiers¡¯ disarray. This was going far better than he had hoped. But their satisfaction was short-lived. The Baron and the mage seemed to resolve their argument. Valdrik, his face a mask of dark fury, started ascending the slope himself, his gaze locked onto Justin and the others. ¡°Now what?¡± Lila asked. That was when a sudden, violent tremor rattled the cliffs, causing everyone to pause. The ground shuddered beneath them, forcing Justin to grab onto the boulder for balance. Another quake followed, this one deeper and more ominous. At first, Justin thought it might be an avalanche caused by the mage¡¯s fire spell. But that was when his eye caught a movement on the trail leading into the glacier. An eerie green light flickered, casting jagged shadows across the shoreline. That was when a horde of spectral figures appeared, each wrapped in elemental fury. Some were wreathed in flames, others with torrents of icy water dripping from their forms. Still others kicked up blasts of bitter wind, while a few stomped with stone-heavy steps that shook the earth. And at the head of this terrifying parade was Ryak, fleeing with long strides. He turned, using his staff to fend off a fire wraith with an icy blast. Immediately, the Baron ordered his men to face the new threat. The undead ranger gave a curse before ordering the soldiers down the slope. The mage was lobbing fire spells at the wraiths, fighting back-to-back with Valdrik. The Baron was shooting spells from his own staff. Gareth stood in front of both, slicing a nearby Earth Elemental with his shadowy blade. Justin¡¯s heart sank as he saw the number of wraiths descending on them¡ªat least twenty, and more emerging from the trail. The Baron¡¯s soldiers were outnumbered and quickly overwhelmed, their panicked cries filling the frozen landscape. ¡°There¡¯s no escaping this,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°They¡¯ll be overwhelmed if we do nothing.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that what we want?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Now¡¯s our chance to get to the boat!¡± ¡°I wish you were right, Lila. But remember what Ryak said. If we failed to escape the island the first time, we won¡¯t succeed the second time.¡± ¡°Then what do you suggest?¡± Lila asked. ¡°That we head to the Vault instead?¡± ¡°We need to go down there, join up with Ryak. Find an opportunity in the chaos.¡± ¡°What about the Baron?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°Why not just let these wraiths take care of him?¡± ¡°The Baron is going to win this fight, make no mistake,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Like us, the Baron is stuck on this island until that Vault is cleared. I¡¯m thinking he might actually want to keep us alive¡­for now.¡± ¡°You¡¯re crazy, Eldrin,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Crazy is all we have right now. Who¡¯s with me?¡± Strangely, Justin accepted Eldrin¡¯s explanation. It wasn¡¯t as if they had any other option. None that he could see in the heat of the moment, anyway. They were stuck on an island, and their only way out was a boat in the thick of the battle. It was join the Baron, or die. ¡°Let¡¯s get down there,¡± he said. ¡°I already told him we needed to work together, so maybe that seed will bear fruit.¡± Lila blew a strand of hair out of her eye. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is happening. We need a code word or something. If you want me to play the harp, shout ¡®pineapple.¡¯ If you want us to run for the boat, shout ¡®unicorn.¡¯¡± ¡°Those words are¡­incredibly random,¡± Justin said. ¡°That¡¯s the point of code words,¡± Lila said. Eldrin was already moving down the slope. As one, they joined him. Kargan sighed. ¡°We are so going to die.¡± 89. Bound by Circumstance Within minutes, they had joined the fray. It didn¡¯t take long for the first wraith to attack, what appeared to be an Earth Elemental. The wraith¡¯s ethereal, boulder-like form oscillated as it approached. It was strange to see something so solid fade in and out of existence. The entity was at least eight feet tall, a collection of rocks and dirt held together by pure magic. Justin activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger, then switched his Affinity to Seraphis¡¯ Clarity for the evasion boost. He fell in beside Eldrin, his cane finding purchase on the wraith¡¯s lower half. His cane glowed at each point of impact. The Earth Elemental groaned, fading. Eldrin¡¯s unenchanted longsword only found empty air, but Justin¡¯s cane was still doing work. Each successful strike caused the wraith to reform. Seeing Justin as the threat, it roared and surged forward, throwing him back. Justin arced through the air, landing hard on the rocky beach. Before he could register the pain, he was surrounded by a bluish light, a shock of coldness running through his body. Kargan had healed him. It was as if no damage had been done at all. The elemental shifted its attention to Kargan, who was working to set up a new ward. Lila threw her knives furiously. Enchanted as they were, they chipped away at the wraith, forcing it to remain solid and take more hits from Eldrin. Justin rushed in to distract it from Kargan. His healing could not be interrupted. As Justin worked to command the wraith¡¯s attention, Lila¡¯s voice launched into a slow, resonant melody. It was deep, grounding, almost like the steady beat of a giant¡¯s heart reverberating through the air. As the song rose and fell, an unexpected wave of resilience settled over him, every note reinforcing his resolve like layers of steel. Even Kargan, whose healing spells had been waning, seemed emboldened. Justin was suddenly wrapped in a fresh aura of Sacrificial Armor, which would allow him to tank some hits from the elemental. Lila must have been fortifying Endurance, a smart move considering it would not only help him stand up to the Elemental, but it would aid Kargan¡¯s healing and wards. As they continued to fight, a flash of movement caught Justin¡¯s eye. Baron Valdrik was advancing toward them, his lips moving as he spoke a spell into existence. A sudden rush of wind whipped up from his staff, coalescing into a small tornado that barreled straight into the Earth Wraith. It groaned, the air forcing its collection of floating rocks asunder, until the magical bonds could no longer contain it. Ghostly rocks flew in all directions as the rest of it crumbled into a fine, glowing powder. Justin¡¯s gaze locked with the Baron¡¯s. Had the man just saved his life? It seemed they were working together, at least for now. Valdrik leaped back into the fray, summoning a giant globe of water that doused a fire wraith. Never pausing, he formed new spells, all pouring from his lips in a rapid stream. An invisible barrier shimmered into place, deflecting an incoming blow. Then he shot a burst of freezing energy toward an advancing fire wraith, snuffing out its flame. Without pause, he summoned a jagged arc of lightning, which crackled through the air before a water wraith, leaving it stunned and sputtering. The Baron¡¯s mage¡ªwho had been shooting fireballs at them minutes ago¡ªjoined the Baron, along with the ranger. Gareth the Shadowblade fought nearby with his curved katana, his black cloak swirling. Though they fought with ferocity, none could match the Baron in prowess. But for all that, and Justin¡¯s party¡¯s own minor contributions, there were still more wraiths. The Baron¡¯s soldiers were falling in droves, while the fire wraiths were turning their rage toward the anchored ship, which was engulfed in flames in no time at all. Justin had to wonder, if this was the end. It certainly felt like it. That was when a notification appeared on his interface: [Baron Valdrik has invited you to join his party. Do you accept?] Justin frowned as Eldrin shouted above the din. ¡°Do it! If we¡¯re in the same party, he can¡¯t attack us¡ªsame as we can¡¯t attack him.¡± Justin took a second to consider, then accepted with a mental push. The others followed suit. Looking at his interface, Justin could see they were now a party of nine: the four of them plus Ryak, the Baron, and the three surviving members of Baron Valdrik¡¯s party. A chill ran down his spine as he scanned the list of names: Gareth Everett, Level 26 Shadowblade with the Assassin Focus. Wolfram Gravesong, Level 18 Ranger with the Hunter Focus. Rothian Nightflame, Level 24 Sorcerer with the Pyromancer Focus. Of all the Baron¡¯s men, he was the only one who wasn¡¯t undead. And at the top of the list¡­Dragomir Valdrik, Level 36 Lexicant with the Necromancy Focus. That was all it allowed him to see, along with a small list of minor buffs he was getting from each party member. The battle raged on. Justin and Eldrin struck at a Water Wraith, Justin using his cane to puncture its fluid while Kargan¡¯s Knives of Fury forced the water apart. Gareth¡¯s shadow-infused blade sliced through the air, Wolfram¡¯s discs cut through the semi-solid forms of Earth Elementals, while Rothian launched walls of flame. Valdrik himself was a whirlwind, moving with unnatural speed and grace. Clearly, he¡¯d cast some sort of spell that made his move faster. His magic shifted in seamless, deadly arcs as he cut down wraiths with incantations that seemed to bend reality. The chilling strains of Vranthillis cants floated through the air. The Baron¡¯s pale face was calm, as if this were no trouble for him. Finally, they destroyed the last of the wraiths, each of which left behind ethereally glowing remains. A notification flashed in Justin¡¯s vision: [1,500 Experience Gained! Your experience stands at 2094/2070. Level-up available!] The weight of it hit him. Even with Valdrik¡¯s group carrying much of the battle, the sheer level of these wraiths had to be somewhere near 30, given the level of the Vault. That had to be the reason for so much experience. Justin and the others had only downed about two wraiths altogether. If he¡¯d gotten this much experience, how much had Valdrik gained, considering he¡¯d killed at least three-fourths of them? It was probably in the tens of thousands.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. An uneasy silence settled as the two groups faced each other. Ryak stepped forward, meeting Valdrik¡¯s eye with a look that suggested wariness, but also respect. It would be a simple thing for Valdrik¡ªDragomir, Justin supposed¡ªto boot them from the party and attack them. For now, the Baron had other things on his mind. He glanced back at the inlet, the remains of his burning ship casting a dark orange glow across the ice and snow. The crackling fire illuminated his features in harsh relief, his sharp face almost demonic in the firelight. Then he turned to Justin, his voice measured. ¡°Well, it seems you were right. Just as you couldn¡¯t leave, now neither can we.¡± Ryak¡¯s gaze was solemn. ¡°That is the truth of this Vault. None who enter this island return. The only way out is to clear it.¡± Valdrik¡¯s gaze shifted to Ryak. ¡°You must be the Qilungik that Bohemond mentioned.¡± ¡°That bastard,¡± Lila said. ¡°He sold us out!¡± ¡°Was it any surprise?¡± Valdrik asked. ¡°Despite their fanatical bluster for Arion, there is no honor among the Ashcrofts.¡± ¡°Did you kill him?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Would you have liked that?¡± Valdrik asked with a dark smile. ¡°No, I let him leave with five crowns¡ªa small price for his services.¡± Justin shook his head. He shouldn¡¯t have been surprised. He¡¯d read Bohemond¡¯s intentions like a book. But foolishly, perhaps, Justin had hoped for a better outcome. Bohemond had likely spied them heading northeast across the tundra. Once Valdrik had that information, he¡¯d hired a ship and used magic to gain ground, despite the danger of the Ghostly Sea. He would have had to have found a way around Iceward Barrier, which guarded the bay in which Kaldrath was situation. But if anyone could manage all that, it would have been Valdrik. Wolfram stepped forward, his gaze murderous. It was more than their scuffle earlier; Justin had killed his bonded blood bat back in Drakendir. The ranger touched the satchel slung over his shoulder, filled with the bladed discs that had come so close to killing Justin. ¡°I say we rid ourselves of these nuisances,¡± Wolfram said, glancing toward Valdrik. Gareth stood as still as death, his hand never leaving the hilt of his katana. His eyes were cold and blue, his skin cadaverous. This was Alistair¡¯s murderer, Valdrik¡¯s second in command. And for now, at least, he was content to remain silent. The Baron half-turned his head to his sorcerer. ¡°What¡¯s your opinion, Rothian?¡± The sorcerer stared at Justin with cunning brown eyes. He had a darker complexion than the fair-skinned Aranthians, his head was shaved bald, and his black cloak glowed subtly with some form of enchantment. When he answered, his voice was high for a man of his heft, his accent lilting. ¡°This one is¡­interesting. What he did with his voice is like nothing I¡¯ve ever seen. That he is only Level 10 is beyond belief.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Valdrik said, eyeing Justin closely. ¡°It makes me wonder what other surprises he holds.¡± ¡°He¡¯s dangerous,¡± Wolfram said. ¡°I say we end things here and make our way back to the mainland.¡± ¡°My magic could do that,¡± Valdrik allowed, ¡°but I¡¯m concerned about this Vault.¡± ¡°As am I,¡± Rothian said. ¡°If the Vault demands we clear it before we can leave the island, they may prove useful.¡± Valdrik considered this, then nodded. ¡°Precisely my thoughts.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not clearing any Vault for you,¡± Lila snapped. ¡°It¡¯s Level 35. We¡¯d be dead in minutes.¡± Whatever number they had been expecting, it wasn¡¯t that. They considered this in silence. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to suggest the four of you going alone,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°That would be completely folly. Rather, we should work together to clear it. We destroyed many of these wraiths already. It will be some time before the Vault¡¯s Magic replenishes them. Though it¡¯s Level 35, the time to strike is now.¡± ¡°The Baron is right,¡± Ryak said. ¡°It¡¯s foolish to leave. The Vault won¡¯t allow it. It¡¯s killed many of my people in this way.¡± ¡°That¡¯s how it is with some Vaults,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°Especially the more dangerous ones. Once you get close enough, they have a certain gravity to them. They warp reality itself. Think of it as a sort of ¡®Event Horizon.¡¯ Once you cross it, you can¡¯t turn back.¡± He winked at Justin. ¡°You should be familiar with the term, Mr. Talemaker.¡± The others looked at him curiously. Of course, Justin, being from Earth, knew about event horizons and black holes. The metaphor was apt, but of course, it would mean nothing to a native Erythian. The asshole was toying with him. ¡°If we¡¯re going in, let¡¯s get it over with,¡± Justin said. Valdrik turned, his tone commanding. ¡°Then I¡¯ll lead. We¡¯re here because of your mistakes. If we escape this, it¡¯ll be because of my orders. Follow them without question.¡± ¡°Yeah, so you can send us to our deaths first,¡± Lila said. Valdrik¡¯s gaze narrowed. ¡°Would you prefer another leader? Refuse, and you¡¯re free to go your own way. I¡¯m sure the Vault will be kind to you.¡± Ryak stepped in, a note of diplomacy in his tone. ¡°Let¡¯s put aside our differences. We¡¯ll need every advantage if we¡¯re to survive.¡± ¡°Wisely spoken, Ryak,¡± the Baron said. Justin wasn¡¯t sure if he¡¯d learned the name from Bohemond, or if he¡¯d gleaned it from the party menu. Justin shot a quick glance at Valdrik. ¡°And after the Vault? Do we walk free?¡± Valdrik¡¯s smile was as cold as the surrounding air. ¡°Naturally.¡± ¡°Liar,¡± Lila spat. He shot her an annoyed glance. ¡°My patience wears thin. Are we going to argue all day, or are we going to do something about this Vault?¡± No one responded. Even Eldrin was quiet. ¡°I¡¯ll take your silence as assent. Follow me.¡± Valdrik started toward the path leading into the glacier, weaving around the dead bodies as if they were nothing more than rocks. Eldrin kneeled and harvested some of the ethereal residue left behind by the wraiths. ¡°Elemental dust is a rare ingredient for both alchemy and enchanting,¡± he explained. ¡°I can¡¯t pass up the opportunity.¡± He gathered the dust and put it in a small satchel, tucking it in his daypack. Eldrin might have been thinking ahead to a future beyond the island. Justin inwardly commended his optimism. As they followed a suitable distance behind, Justin couldn¡¯t feel anything but bewildered. At any moment, he realized Valdrik could decide to kick them from the party and end their lives. That he hadn¡¯t already meant he intended to keep them alive for some purpose, even if it was just as meat shields. If what Eldrin said was true, as long as they were in the same party, they couldn¡¯t attack each other. But that didn¡¯t mean Valdrik couldn¡¯t indirectly attack, or perhaps allow a party member to die by holding back help. The march in the crevice was silent. Justin wanted to hash out some sort of plan with the others, but it was going to be overheard. The Baron had sharp senses, and it was probable that he could guess their thoughts just by scanning their faces. The best play was to work together¡ªfor now. At last, they arrived at the mouth of the Vault. The barrier of red magic shimmered, a dense, pulsing aura that responded to their arrival. The Vault description blinked to life in their interfaces once again, the dreaded Level 35 marker as clear as ever. At least it hadn¡¯t gone up a level or two in the interim. There was no difference in the description or rewards. The only thing was that their average party level was now 17.88, so the risk level had adjusted slightly. Instead of saying ¡°fatal,¡± it said, ¡°almost certainly fatal.¡± It was something, at least. Valdrik and his party studied the description in silence, talking quietly with each other before the Baron gave a final nod. Turning to face both groups, Valdrik¡¯s tone was hard and commanding. ¡°I will take the lead as tank. Kargan, Wolfram¡­prioritize healing. Everyone else, attack as directed. Our survival depends on this, so there will be no distinctions between parties. If anyone is caught shirking their role or sabotaging, I will handle it¡ªswiftly and without mercy. Kargan, you will shield me with that spell of yours. I¡¯m not sure what it¡¯s called.¡± ¡°Sacrificial Armor,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Good. Blood Warden is a rare and powerful class. It¡¯ll let you punch above your weight. The spell you cast will be highly effective against large groups.¡± ¡°I have seven of them left,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Then we must use them judiciously.¡± Justin blinked. That meant, at some point, Kargan had jumped to Level 8, since he could cast Knives of Fury as many times as his level. Kargan had said nothing to any of them about it. He wondered what new spells, skills, or boons he had access to now. ¡°Wolfram, you¡¯ll also prioritize healing. If anyone needs help, give it. Anyone who doesn¡¯t follow orders, or shirks their duties will be dealt with most severely. Test me at your own peril.¡± His gaze took on a new intensity. ¡°And of course, this should go without saying¡­the Star of Elara is mine. Divide the rest as you see fit.¡± The weight of his words left no room for argument. Justin gave a brief nod, his stomach knotting. He¡¯d never trust Wolfram to heal him in a million years, but it seemed Valdrik¡¯s ranger carried a stock of potions and, perhaps, enough skill to keep them going. For now, it would have to be enough. ¡°After you, Valdrik,¡± Eldrin said, his tone neutral. Valdrik met his gaze with a thin smile. ¡°Into the maw of the beast, then. Let¡¯s hunt this drake.¡± 90. A Gentlemans Decision As they passed beyond the red veil, the Vault entrance opened into a wide, icy cave. Valdrik muttered a few arcane words, casting a light spell that hovered above his head. It illuminated about ten meters in every direction. The light crackled like lightning, a swirling, electric blue ball of energy half a meter wide. It pulsed, giving off a strange, fluorescent sheen, casting sharp shadows on the frozen walls. It wasn¡¯t as powerful as Alistair¡¯s Creator¡¯s Light. That could illuminate much further and seemed to radiate with every spectrum. Then again, Justin doubted Valdrik had access to Life Magic, given his Death Affinity. Thinking of Alistair filled Justin with a pang of hopelessness. He saw no way out. It was certain that one or more of them would end up as collateral. Either the Baron or the Vault¡¯s trials would kill them. ¡°Wolfram, Gareth,¡± the Baron commanded. ¡°Scout ahead.¡± The two men obeyed, slipping past the Baron¡¯s light. They vanished into the shadows at its edge, leaving seven party members behind. The icy stalagmites and columns sparkled around them, slick with frost. The cave was quickly lost in darkness, though it was clear this cavern was quite vast. ¡°What now?¡± Ryak asked. ¡°We wait for information,¡± Valdrik replied. Justin supposed that was a wise choice, to see what the threats were before moving to engage them. For about an hour, they remained at the entrance, undisturbed. For a Level 35 Vault, Justin had expected a flood of enemies right from the start. Instead, they were granted an unexpected reprieve. He couldn¡¯t complain, but the stillness felt like the calm before the storm. Kargan cast his Ward of Aegis, while Rothian and Eldrin took turns watching the perimeter. Valdrik urged them to get some rest, warning it might be a while. Still, the thought of sleeping seemed laughable. After a time, Eldrin approached Justin and Lila, his expression grave. ¡°I can¡¯t pretend to know what we¡¯re in for, but I¡¯ve read enough to know that Red Vaults are longer and more involved. They can take days to clear.¡± Justin let out a bitter laugh. The idea of being trapped with a confirmed psychopath for that long was unbearable. ¡°I¡¯d rather throw myself off a cliff.¡± ¡°Red Vaults are known for their rewards, though,¡± Eldrin continued, ignoring the remark. ¡°Experience, treasure. Sometimes there are checkpoints or ways to escape early, if you¡¯re lucky. So don¡¯t lose hope. It might be wise to get some rest and earn the level. You two have earned it.¡± He patted Justin¡¯s shoulder before walking back to Kargan, likely to offer him a similar pep talk. Lila watched him go. ¡°Notice how he¡¯s not trying to catch a nap?¡± Justin gave a humorless chuckle. ¡°Well, at least I¡¯ll get a new skill. Hopefully, it¡¯ll help me survive.¡± ¡°I got 2,000 experience from that last fight,¡± Lila said. ¡°Enough to get me past Level 10.¡± ¡°That means you can choose your Focus,¡± Justin said. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll get something like ¡®Escape Artist.¡¯ And it would let us warp out of a Vault once a day.¡± Lila managed a laugh, but it was half-hearted. Justin heaved a sigh. ¡°We¡¯re doomed, aren¡¯t we?¡± The silence stretched between them before she spoke again, her voice low. ¡°Hard to shake the feeling that all hope is gone.¡± Justin had no words of comfort. He stared into the darkness beyond the light¡¯s edge. The stillness made his skin crawl. He glanced up at the Baron¡¯s sickly light source. ¡°Creator¡¯s Light is better.¡± Valdrik caught the words, giving him an amused glance. ¡°Each kind of magic has its specialties. This spell, ¡®Floating Lightning,¡¯ serves its purpose well enough. Air magic, for reference.¡± ¡°So you can¡¯t use Life Magic, then?¡± ¡°No, those magics are closed to me,¡± Valdrik confirmed. ¡°I¡¯m a Disciple of Morvath, after all. But my cants allow me to draw from the Foundation Language of Vranthillis. With the right words, I can access any school of magic.¡± He tilted his head. ¡°I could teach you, you know.¡± ¡°Thanks, but I have no desire to become a Death Mage.¡± ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes gleamed with something like satisfaction. ¡°Just remember. The Nether offers powers that some might consider¡­enlightening.¡± ¡°Thought you were going to say ¡®unnatural¡¯.¡± Valdrik frowned, aware that there was some reference he was missing. ¡°Ask your friend Kargan if he disagrees.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bring me into this,¡± Kargan said. ¡°As you wish,¡± Valdrik said. Justin ignored him. Despite their perilous situation, he realized that rest might be his best bet. The party was safe from Valdrik¡¯s attacks due to being in the same party. So, there was no immediate threat, at least in theory. Justin lay down on the cold ground, tugging his parka close to form something of a barrier. ¡°You¡¯re insane,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°If it¡¯s my time, it¡¯s my time,¡± Justin replied with a shrug. ¡°Kargan and Eldrin are on guard. A couple of hours is better than nothing. I suggest you join me so you can get your own level-up.¡± ¡°It has to be a decent enough sleep, or it won¡¯t work,¡± Lila said. ¡°Nothing ventured, nothing gained.¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, too. And the level-up would be useful. It would at least unlock my Focus.¡± ¡°Just stay close to me,¡± Justin said. He had made it seem like he was protecting her, but he wanted her nearby for his own sake, too. She lay down a few inches away from him. With a final glance at the surrounding shadows, Justin closed his eyes. Sleep enveloped him.
[You have reached Level 11. Remember, that no matter the situation, a Gentleman is never without his faculties.] Justin blinked awake to find a small fire now burned in the center of the group, adding light and warmth. That had to have been the handiwork of Rothian the Pyromancer. They had to have been asleep for a good while for the System to level him up, though it only felt as if a few hours had passed.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. [As a Level 11 Gentleman, you have one Attribute Point to distribute.] Justin locked it into Charisma without hesitation. [Your Charisma is now: 22] Justin nodded in satisfaction. He was two levels away from getting it to 24, which would add another +1 to all his other Attributes. [As a Level 11 Gentleman, you have unlocked your next class skill. Choose wisely! There is no going back.] Justin evaluated both options that the System offered him. Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep: The true art of the duel lies in not being touched. Avoid all damage from a single attacker for five seconds. Cooldown: 1 minute. Gentleman¡¯s Blitz: Refined form equates to relentless force. Gain 50% increased attack speed versus a single target for 5 seconds. Each hit has a chance to stun for five seconds. The percentage chance is your Charisma minus your target¡¯s Charisma. Cooldown: 45 seconds.
Justin stared at the two shimmering options before his interface. Each skill was tempting in its own way, so he had to think carefully. This next decision could make or break him, given the stakes. The first option, Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, had an undeniable appeal. To completely evade damage was a powerful advantage. It meant stepping aside right as an enemy¡¯s blade or spell struck. There was nothing in the description that said there was a limit to the power of the attacker. He could dodge them, no matter how strong or skilled they were, for five seconds. Combined with his other dodge-related abilities, it made survivability even more likely. Five seconds wasn¡¯t long, but in the heat of combat, it might be all he¡¯d need to stay in the fight longer. To evade a life-ending blow, buy time for a potion, or to beat a hasty retreat. But then there was Gentleman¡¯s Blitz. This option whispered to his more aggressive instincts. The rush of dashing forward, the thrill of increasing his speed against a single foe. It was a skill that could shift the balance of a fight. With this skill, he could close the gap with a truly dangerous foe. He would overwhelm them with speed and finesse, his cane striking faster than they could parry. And each blow had the potential to stun his target, offering an opening for a lethal follow-up. Against the right enemy, it was the type of skill that could end a fight outright. And unlike most people, he had a way to boost his Charisma to ridiculous levels. It all but guaranteed a stun while the skill was active. He took a breath. He weighed each skill against the mantra he¡¯d been repeating since Drakendir: Survive to Kill. Was Gentleman¡¯s Blitz survivable? Yes, if he could eliminate an enemy swiftly enough. It played into his Charisma, gave him a burst of speed, and would let him dominate a one-on-one encounter, much like the Duelist Focus. It would be especially useful against low-level enemies. Or, those with low Charisma. But Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep gave him the surety of survival in ways that weren¡¯t dependent on beating his foe in a few previous seconds. He¡¯d be enduring, outlasting, and surviving. The choice was clear. Even if Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep wasn¡¯t as flashy, it was the superior skill, at least for his build. Indeed, the true art of the duel lay in not being touched. His survival, by any means, was key when one mistake could cost everything. [You have chosen: Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep.] As the skill¡¯s knowledge settled, a cool, instinctual understanding washing over Justin¡¯s mind. He could feel the timing in his muscles. A whisper of motion to guide his steps when the next deadly strike came. [Go forth, Brave Adventurer, and let no strike mar your impeccable composure.] The voice of the System¡ªVeyrith¡ªdeparted. Justin was now alone with Lila, who was already awake. ¡°I¡¯ve chosen my Focus,¡± she whispered. Justin arched an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? What did you choose?¡± She beamed. ¡°Juggler. There were so many tempting choices, but Juggler was the one that called out the most. It¡¯ll help me with both my knife-throwing and survivability.¡± ¡°Makes sense. What¡¯s your Focus Boon?¡± ¡°It¡¯s called Dance of Blades. Each thrown knife boosts my Coordination by 1 for ten seconds and can stack as high as my level.¡± ¡°Damn, that sounds powerful. We need to get you more knives. You could sit at a permanent +10 in Coordination if you throw fast enough. Plus, your Amulet of Everblade can keep the knives flowing.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I chose it! Seems I¡¯m falling into a damage dealer role, mostly. Might as well specialize in it.¡± Justin was about to respond when he spied something in the darkness ahead. A brief flash of light, almost like a flame. It disappeared almost as soon as he saw it. He turned back to the group. Eldrin was the only one awake. Rothian was curled up next to the fire, asleep, along with Ryak and Kargan, who kept a healthy distance. Valdrik, to Justin¡¯s surprise, was also asleep. It was strange to think of the man as needing sleep as much as they did, but Justin supposed he was flesh and blood, too. He turned back to Lila. ¡°Did you see that?¡± ¡°See what?¡± ¡°Thought I saw something over there. Like a flame.¡± ¡°Could be one of those elemental wraiths.¡± Eldrin approached them. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± ¡°Thought I saw something like a fire out there.¡± Eldrin peered in that direction, his eyes roving. ¡°I detect nothing that wishes us harm, but in a place like this, I¡¯m not taking any chances. We should wake the others.¡± At that moment, two figures manifested from the darkness outside the Baron¡¯s light spell. Gareth and Wolfram stalked forward, going straight to the Baron. Valdrik¡¯s eyes opened at their approach as he rose to greet them. ¡°This cavern is completely clear,¡± Gareth began, his voice like the rattle of dead leaves. ¡°You sure about that?¡± Justin asked, interrupting before Valdrik could speak. Gareth¡¯s gray, undead eyes turned to Justin, filling him with an icy chill. ¡°Why? Did you see something, mortal?¡± ¡°Mortal? You trying to scare me or something?¡± Gareth gave a slight smile, his gray, cadaverous lips showing a slight upturn. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t antagonize him,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°This undead asshole killed Alistair,¡± Justin said. ¡°Yes, I did,¡± Gareth said. ¡°And what do you plan to do about it?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Ryak said, answering for Justin. ¡°We intend to work together, not sow discord.¡± The Iceborne gave Justin a stony gaze, one more intense than anything he had ever seen. ¡°The survival of my people depends on it.¡± Justin nodded. He owed Ryak for bringing the wraiths to the beach and forcing the Baron¡¯s hand. But he couldn¡¯t forget he was the reason they were on this island in the first place. ¡°Report your findings,¡± Valdrik said. Wolfram took over. ¡°This is a large cavern, with three possible passages out. Two branch off and lead deep underneath the island. The last one was burrowed out by the drake himself through the glacier. There was a magical barrier blocking it, beyond which we could see some elemental wraiths. They didn¡¯t seem to notice us.¡± ¡°Magical barrier?¡± Valdrik asked. ¡°What did it look like?¡± ¡°It was blue,¡± Wolfram said. ¡°It had some glowing runes on it.¡± ¡°Some sort of Arcane Ward, most likely,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°Drakes are usually practitioners of the Arcane School.¡± ¡°Arcane School?¡± Justin asked. ¡°The most basic of magic schools, from which wizards get their Cants of Arcanis. It should be simple enough to counter, since Vranthillis is a higher language. If not, it likely means there is something in this Vault we¡¯ll need to unlock it.¡± Eldrin stepped forward. ¡°Justin said he saw something over there in the darkness. A fire of some sort.¡± Valdrik scanned the direction Eldrin indicated, then turned back to his scouting party. ¡°Was that either of you?¡± ¡°No, my lord,¡± Gareth said. Valdrik stepped into the shadows, his form partially swallowed by the darkness. He raised his pale hand, signaling the others to stay back. ¡°A moment. This might feel¡­strange.¡± With a smooth movement, he lifted his staff, speaking an incantation in Vranthillis. Each syllable seemed to curl through the air, dark and twisted. As the last word left his lips, a surge of inky darkness shot outward at great speed. An unsettling wail tore through the cave as it passed. Justin felt a chill coil around his chest, sinking deeper with each breath. For a moment, panic gripped him, but he remembered they were in the same party. It couldn¡¯t harm them. Right? ¡°Wh¡­what was that?¡± Kargan stammered, his eyes wide and haunted. ¡°Cant of Life Detection,¡± Baron said. ¡°A Death Spell. There are only seven living beings in this cavern, which includes all living members of our party. If there was something out there, it must have been one of those wraiths. Especially if you saw fire.¡± ¡°We should destroy it,¡± Rothian said. ¡°It could ambush us while we are investigating the barrier.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°Then again, that may prove unnecessary, or even dangerous. Besides, we have Kargan¡¯s Ward of Aegis. It¡¯s a powerful little spell, as it will always tank at least one hit, no matter how powerful. It¡¯s enough to give us enough reaction time.¡± Justin saw what Valdrik was doing. He was ingratiating himself with Kargan. It was obvious he saw his Blood Warden abilities as a boon, and his affinity for Chaos Magic as a useful asset. Worse, Justin noticed Kargan was standing too close to him. He didn¡¯t think Kargan would turn his back on them. But the orc was vulnerable, and all he wanted was a sense of belonging. Valdrik, as a Death Mage and master manipulator, could give that to him. It was a horrible thought, but Justin could see it happening. He had to keep an eye on him. ¡°We move,¡± Valdrik said, interrupting Justin¡¯s thoughts. The Baron nodded to Gareth. ¡°Lead the way to this barrier.¡± ¡°At once, my lord.¡± With that, they packed up and headed off into the darkness, the Baron¡¯s source of light following above.
Name: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite (Gentleman Focus) Level: 11 Experience to Level 12: 27/2700
Attributes: Power: 14 (10 + 4) Coordination: 14 (10 + 4) Endurance: 15 (10 + 5) Intellect: 13 (10 + 3) Perception: 14 (10 + 4) Charisma: 24 (22 + 2) 91. Ghostlights Call Gareth led the party through the cavern¡¯s winding passages. The walls narrowed and widened at random intervals. Frosted stalagmites rose from the ground, while jagged columns extended from floor to ceiling. At times, the path opened into wider chambers. Branching passages stretched off into the shadows. After about half an hour, they reached the end of the main passage, where a shimmering blue barrier blocked their way out. As Wolfram had mentioned, its plane was filled with luminous, shifting runes. The runes were angular and elegant, appearing almost fluid as they wove together in complex, glowing patterns. Beyond it, Justin could see a tunnel of bluish ice, which had to lead into the heart of the glacier outside. Valdrik stepped forward, scrutinizing the intricate markings with narrowed eyes. From his frown, Justin could tell this barrier wasn¡¯t something the Baron could easily dispel. After a tense silence, Valdrik turned back to the group. ¡°This won¡¯t go down with anything but a key crystal. Attempting to bypass it without it would be¡­disastrous. I had hoped we could expedite our progress here, but it appears we¡¯ll need to investigate the Vault further.¡± ¡°What¡¯s a key crystal?¡± Kargan asked. ¡°Just what it sounds like. It¡¯s an ether crystal that¡¯s been enchanted to control barriers like this. It¡¯s also possible it¡¯s not a key crystal, but something magical that¡¯s attuned to the ward. If we can bring it here, it will go away.¡± He looked at Gareth. ¡°You mentioned two other paths out of the main cavern?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Gareth replied. ¡°One appears to be an ancient city frozen in the ice. The other leads to a series of descending tunnels that smell strongly of brimstone.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll start with this city,¡± Valdrik decided. ¡°However, I¡¯ve never heard of any city on Nithral Island. Not even during Serenthel¡¯s Golden Age two millennia ago.¡± ¡°Perhaps the city is a conjuration of the Vault,¡± Rothian suggested. ¡°Maybe,¡± Valdrik replied, his expression thoughtful. ¡°We¡¯ll have to discover that on our own. Let¡¯s move out¡ªand stay alert.¡± They retraced their steps, heading back through the cavern. The Baron¡¯s light barely pushed back the surrounding darkness. As they walked, Valdrik called out. ¡°Mr. Talemaker. A word, if you please.¡± Justin considered ignoring the invitation, but he knew he had as much to gain from this exchange as the Baron. He gave Lila a quick nod to show he¡¯d be all right, then stepped up beside Valdrik. He was careful to keep his distance. They walked in tense silence, the Baron content with the quiet, while Justin felt a prickling awareness of every echoing footfall. ¡°So, Justin,¡± the Baron began with a slight, ironic smile. ¡°Enjoying yourself?¡± ¡°Does it look like it?¡± Valdrik chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s always important to enjoy the game you¡¯re playing, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a game. To call it one is disingenuous at best.¡± The Baron smirked. ¡°I noticed you selected the Gentleman Focus. It¡¯s not a poor choice. It adds a bit of survivability, offers a little of everything. Still, I find it lacks the scaling potential of other Focuses.¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°A Seducer, for example, can become a master manipulator, gaining passive bonuses for every character they can Fascinate.¡± Justin noted the term ¡®Fascinate¡¯¡ªa clear System mechanic, by the sound of it. ¡°The more lands and vassals a Noble commands, the greater their advantages. And even the Duelist, who might seem too narrowly specialized at first, unlocks a powerful boon called Victor¡¯s Aura, usually around Level 15. It grants a temporary boost to all their Attributes each time a worthy opponent falls. Sometimes, this Attribute boost can become permanent.¡± He gave a small shrug. ¡°Gentleman, on the other hand? The evasion boost is useful, but Attribute Points are so rare that its scaling potential pales compared to everything I just mentioned.¡± Justin realized the Baron didn¡¯t know about his Amulet of Equilibrium, which would allow him to accrue Attribute Points far more quickly. And he could never learn about it. ¡°I didn¡¯t know all that. But I feel fine about my choice.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all in how you use it. A word of advice: you should really take it upon yourself to find a library and learn more about your class. In the end, it¡¯s not the strength of your arm that will save you, but the depth of your understanding.¡± ¡°Hard to do some reading when you¡¯re being chased by a power-mad fool.¡± Valdrik chuckled. ¡°Fair point. How many Focus choices did the System present to you?¡± ¡°Eight, if I recall correctly,¡± Justin said. Both of Valdrik¡¯s eyebrows lifted in surprise. ¡°Eight? Impressive. I was given three.¡± ¡°And you chose¡­?¡± ¡°The Noble Focus. Quite fitting, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°I thought you chose Necromancer.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Noble was my first Focus, one that I was fortunate enough to keep the benefits of when I took on Necromancer. Normally, you can¡¯t switch Focuses, but sometimes, the System makes exceptions.¡± ¡°I imagine Necromancer scales very well.¡± ¡°Very well indeed. I get ten percent of the experience any of my thralls get. It may not seem like much, but it can really add up.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s how you¡¯re Level 36.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the Baron said. ¡°It¡¯s painfully difficult to level up this high. I need almost two million experience just to get to Level 37. And over twice that to get to 40. Necromancy is my shortcut. But I won¡¯t get there in any amount of time unless I gain more thralls.¡± ¡°And you want to get to Level 40¡­why? For the sake of power itself?¡± ¡°Power is a means to an end. At Level 40, most places in the world will be open to me. But there are places that even I can¡¯t go to unless I find others who are as strong as me. The secrets of reality lie buried in the most dangerous places. And these secrets might be the key to escaping this place once and for all.¡± ¡°Maybe you should check out the Vault of Draegor.¡± Valdrik chuckled. ¡°I¡¯d be quite the hero, wouldn¡¯t I? But I wouldn¡¯t dare try unless I had at least seven others just like me, and if I were Level 40 myself. Level 40s are rarer than phoenix feathers dipped in dragon blood.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­a grisly image. But why stop at Level 40? With a Prismatic Core, you can gain an Ascendant Class. If only you knew somebody who had one.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°You are incisive. But a Prismatic Core wouldn¡¯t do me good. Not right now. In the best conditions, I won¡¯t reach Level 40 for another five years or more, and I can¡¯t even absorb a Prismatic Core until Level 40 is unlocked. My two other slots are already filled.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean you couldn¡¯t just store it with your little Cant of Repository. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to accomplish with this conversation. You¡¯ve already shown your hand, Valdrik.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right, of course. It¡¯s a shame, isn¡¯t it? Had you never stumbled upon that core, what a friendship we might have had.¡± Justin had his doubts, but he saw Valdrik¡¯s point. Valdrik continued. ¡°You¡¯ve proven more capable than I¡¯d expected. You¡¯re Level 11. You should have been dead long ago. But from what I gathered, you and Kargan handled a Level 15 Vault back in Drakendir.¡± ¡°Did Kargan tell you about that?¡± Valdrik shook his head. ¡°No. It was the goblin queen, Grizshara. I sought information, and she provided it freely. When she saw the danger I posed, she was quite insistent on recounting your exploits rather than risking her soldiers. She told me all I needed to know¡ªand then some. As I understand it, you unraveled quite a mystery. And won a couple of important items to boot.¡± Justin felt a surge of anger but pushed it down. He supposed he shouldn¡¯t feel surprised at being betrayed by the Queen, but after saving her daughter, he had expected a bit more. ¡°So, what are you saying, Valdrik?¡± ¡°That maybe we can¡­rethink things. I can¡¯t even use the Prismatic Core until I¡¯m Level 40. That¡¯s quite some time away. Until then, we work together. I could teach you a lot. Surviving on luck will only get you so far, especially if you¡¯re set on going to Mont Elea. Facing the Templars would be the height of foolishness. After everything I¡¯ve warned you about them, you should know better.¡± Justin chose his words carefully. Of course, he had no plans to go to Mont Elea, but the Baron didn¡¯t know that. And the less he knew, the better. ¡°Someone has to know what you¡¯re really after, Valdrik. Alistair¡¯s death is proof enough that you can¡¯t be trusted. You say you¡¯re doing everything you can to find a way out, but how am I supposed to know that¡¯s the truth? The point is, I have something you want. A Prismatic Core only shows up four times a year, and I imagine most go unclaimed. If you¡¯re ever going to get one, I¡¯m your only shot. Whether it¡¯s right after this Vault, or five years from now, you¡¯re going to have to kill me. There¡¯s no way around that.¡± Justin watched for a reaction from the Baron¡¯s men, but there was none. As he had suspected, the Baron was warding their conversation. The Baron¡¯s smile faded slightly, replaced by a cold, calculating gleam in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re a bold one, Justin. But even I can¡¯t predict how this will turn out. Sometimes, I think I should just kill you and be done with it. And yet I see your potential, along with a certain amount of kinship, given your origins.¡± He paused. ¡°How you conduct yourself will be how you tip the scales.¡± Justin felt a shift in the air. He somehow knew it meant they were no longer being warded. It was a signal that the conversation was over. He slipped back to the rear of the party, where Lila, Eldrin, and Kargan were walking well behind. They looked at him questioningly. As Justin suspected, they had caught none of the conversation. ¡°Well?¡± Lila asked. ¡°He said I¡¯m a stand-up guy and he¡¯d like to work with me. What do you think?¡± Lila blew a raspberry. ¡°Yeah, right. And I¡¯m sure he¡¯s offering free lessons in necromancy on the side.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be shocked at this point.¡± ¡°Just remember what he¡¯s after,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°For all his words of friendship, he only wants one thing.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll never forget it,¡± Justin said. Kargan and Ryak remained silent. Justin noted Kargan in particular. He wondered if he should speak to him about Valdrik¡¯s machinations, but something in the orc¡¯s manner told him now wasn¡¯t the time. He had to trust Kargan had a good head on his shoulders and wouldn¡¯t be taken in by the Baron¡¯s lies. Besides, if Justin said anything now, Valdrik would likely overhear it and counter it effectively down the line. Justin found his gaze wandering off as they turned down a new passage, which he assumed to be the one leading to the ruins. He wondered when, or if, they would be challenged. Perhaps all those elemental wraiths had been guarding this area, and that was why it was empty. But that was when he saw it. The same flame as by the cave entrance, except this time, it wasn¡¯t going away. It wasn¡¯t just a flame, but something like a spear floating in the darkness. Justin continued to watch, a spectral form materializing next to the spear, clad in radiant armor. Its face was human, a young man with flaming red hair. The spirit held a long, bony finger to its lips, as if its presence should be kept secret. It made no move to attack. Justin watched Lila for a reaction. Her eyes widened. She made to call out a warning, but then her eyes became hooded, as if under a spell. Justin, with a rising alarm, attempted to give the same warning. That was when he felt a mental push, which was quickly rebuffed. [Mind Control attempt resisted by the Top Hat of Mental Clarity!] Recovering, Justin shouted. ¡°There¡¯s a ghost over there! It¡¯s mind-controlling Lila!¡± Already, Lila was stepping off the trail, heading toward the ghost. Justin tried to hold her back, but she threw his arm away with surprising strength, continuing to navigate her way down the side toward her doom. ¡°Lila!¡± Justin called. ¡°Lila, turn around!¡± ¡°It¡¯s no good,¡± Wolfram growled. ¡°She¡¯s completely bewitched. Weak-minded fool.¡± The Baron was quick to cast spells over every member of the party, a silvery aura settling around everyone¡¯s head. Justin could only assume it was some sort of mind resistance ward. Justin was the only one who didn¡¯t get one. From Harrington¡¯s party, Valdrik already knew Justin had mind-control immunity. The ghost still wasn¡¯t attacking; instead, it was content to hypnotize Lila, who was now at the edge of the light. ¡°Come on!¡± he said. ¡°We need to go after her.¡± But just as he stepped off the trail, a shimmering barrier was raised, blocking his path and knocking him back a step. Justin whirled on the source of the magic: Valdrik. ¡°Valdrik, let me go!¡± ¡°She¡¯s as good as dead, Justin. I will not risk the entire party for one lost sheep.¡± ¡°Lost sheep? Dispel the magic! Or better yet, kill that spirit!¡± Already, Lila was lost to the darkness. Justin wanted to scream in frustration. ¡°That¡¯s not as simple as you would believe,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°We¡¯re moving on. Stay here if you must, but just know it will end in your death.¡± And if Justin died, he would leave something behind for the Baron to pick up. Something he couldn¡¯t be allowed to have. ¡°This is no time for games, Valdrik,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We must at least attempt to save her!¡± ¡°I have a boon that allows me to see the levels of all monsters and characters,¡± he said. ¡°That spirit over there is Level 40. It¡¯s far too great a risk, even working together.¡± ¡°Level 40?¡± Eldrin said, his face paling. ¡°How is that possible in a Level 35 Vault?¡± Valdrik shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. And I don¡¯t care to find out.¡± Justin opened his mouth to argue, but a prickling sensation ran down his spine. His eyes darted around the cave, catching the faint glimmer of shifting figures just beyond the reach of the Baron¡¯s light. Shadows coalesced into forms, each shimmering with an eerie, elemental glow. And closest to Justin, an icy wraith drifted forward, its body cloaked in whirling frost that radiated an intense chill. Before he could think, Justin switched Affinities. [Affinity activated: Vorthak¡¯s Flame.] A sudden heat blazed to life around him, casting flames along his body and even extending down his cane. The wraith¡¯s frost met his flames with a hiss, its advance stalled by Justin¡¯s fiery aura. He seized the moment, driving forward with two swift strikes to push it back. The flames spread along its incorporeal form. The wraith let out a pained shriek. Eldrin and Kargan were fighting a few paces behind Justin, teaming up against a water wraith. As their battle drifted further from him, a sharp, crystalline sound erupted from the ice wraith. A jagged icicle formed at its core, aimed directly at Justin¡¯s chest. He activated Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep just in the nick of time, and in one seamless movement, shifted aside. The icicle shot past him, missing by mere inches before being obliterated by one of Rothian¡¯s fireballs. Justin stepped closer to the wraith, his flame-wreathed cane striking directly into the wraith¡¯s icy core. The magical flames seemed to cling to the creature, burning into its form with an otherworldly intensity. The wraith¡¯s screeches echoed, its body writhing under the magic that ate through it with increasing ferocity. Justin continued wailing on it until piece by piece, it dissolved. A fine, silvery dust floated to the ground. Justin knew that without Vorthak¡¯s Flame, he would have been dead. The mystical fire had allowed him to punch far above his weight. He scanned the area. The others were deep in their own battles, each tangled with one or two wraiths. A dozen elementals filled the cave, casting flickering shadows across the icy walls. Valdrik fought furiously, locked in combat with two wraiths that swirled around him like wolves circling prey. Eldrin, Kargan, and Ryak were still fighting the water wraith. Gareth, Wolfram, and Rothian were fighting next to Valdrik. Which left Justin alone with a terrifying choice, the only one in a position to even save Lila. Peering deeper into the darkness, he saw no trace of her. But the barrier Valdrik had created was gone. The fiery spirit, spear in hand, still glowed in the distance, flickering like a distant beacon. Every instinct told him it was a trap. But Lila was out there, and Justin knew he couldn¡¯t leave her behind. He made his decision, moving off into the darkness. ¡°Justin!¡± Eldrin shouted over the clamor. ¡°Stay back!¡± Justin called, already moving. ¡°Watch out for Kargan.¡± He didn¡¯t wait for a response. He sprinted away from the battle, determined to save Lila or die trying. 92. The Warrior Spirit The sounds of battle faded as Justin plunged deeper into the darkness. He knew his reckless pursuit might kill him in seconds. But it didn¡¯t dull his determination. Lila was in danger, and he was the only one who could save her. His fiery form, still cloaked in Vorthak¡¯s Flame, cast a flickering glow around him, lighting the rocky path ahead. The fiery spear, shining like a distant beacon, appeared closer, but it was still out of reach. Justin pushed his legs to the limit, scrambling over uneven rocks and weaving between jagged stalagmites and towering columns. He¡¯d hoped to catch up to Lila by now, but at some point, she must have started running. Cresting a small incline, he spotted the spectral figure wielding his blazing spear, along with Lila, who stood before him with her back to Justin. She stood motionless, as if entranced. The red-haired ghost stood tall, wearing radiant armor with eyes ablaze, but he made no hostile moves. Justin slid to a stop beside Lila, gripping his cane tightly. If this turned into a fight, he knew he was as good as dead. At best, he had Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep to avoid initial aggression, which might be enough time to set up Dazzling Display and hope for the best. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was all he had. Justin readied himself to do just that. Before he could act, the specter lifted a ghostly hand, speaking in a lyrical, flowing language that washed over him, entirely incomprehensible. It wasn¡¯t a magical cant, like Vranthillis. At least, Justin didn¡¯t think so. The ghost was simply trying to communicate but didn¡¯t speak Aranthian. But closing the communication barrier was paramount. ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Justin said. ¡°What language is that?¡± The ghost¡¯s expression darkened in concentration, then shifted to Lila. Justin jumped as a burst of white magic surrounded her. Her eyes blinked, the haze fading as she came to. Whatever spell he¡¯d cast just broke the Mind Control effect. Justin reached out, steadying her arm just as she took in the figure before her, her eyes widening in fear. ¡°He said something to me,¡± Justin whispered. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand a word, but it doesn¡¯t seem like he wants to harm us¡ªat least, not immediately.¡± The ghost turned to Lila again, speaking with slow, deliberate clarity. She listened, her expression shifting from fear to cautious understanding. ¡°You understood that?¡± Justin asked. Lila nodded. ¡°He¡¯s¡­speaking Daelorian, but it¡¯s old-fashioned. Almost like it¡¯s from a classic Telfaryn play. I can understand it. Mostly.¡± She paused, listening closely. ¡°He says he has a task for us¡ªone that, in his current state, he can¡¯t complete on his own. He needs our help.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes narrowed. Was this ghost part of the Vault, somehow? ¡°What task? And why us?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ask,¡± she said. She asked something, once again in the flowing language of Daelorian. The ghost responded, and Lila translated. ¡°He says he chose me because he could sense my Daelorian blood. He used a mind control spell to draw me to him. He meant to calm you with a different spell, so you wouldn¡¯t warn the others, but he didn¡¯t expect you to resist it.¡± Justin swallowed, considering this. ¡°How did he know you were Daelorian?¡± Lila asked, and the ghost spoke more. ¡°He¡­said something quite unbelievable,¡± Lila interpreted. ¡°He¡¯s actually a distant ancestor of mine. Many generations ago. That the Starfire blood runs in my veins, weak though it is.¡± ¡°Starfire blood? What does that mean? Is he a hero of some sort?¡± The ghost asked a question, and Lila responded, mentioning both of their names. Then the ghost continued to speak, Lila interpreting as he did so. ¡°He says it can be nothing other than the will of the gods, Old and New, that I have come here.¡± She hesitated at the next part. Her face grew pale. ¡°What?¡± Justin asked, his heart beating faster. ¡°Can¡¯t be that bad?¡± ¡°Not bad, per se,¡± she said. ¡°Just¡­insane.¡± She swallowed, steeling herself to continue. ¡°He says his name is Alden Starfire. That he has come here to reclaim the Star of Elara, which the Ice Drake Vorthyrn robbed of his beloved¡¯s grave.¡± ¡°Alden Starfire?¡± Justin asked. Justin recalled the song Lila sang in the Wildwood Forest, what seemed ages ago. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the name of Elara¡¯s husband? The one who died protecting her?¡± She nodded shakily. ¡°The very same. It¡¯s said he had a mighty spear called Starlance, though I¡¯ve never heard that it was covered in fire, like that one.¡± The ghost of Alden continued to speak. ¡°He says his spirit was awakened when the Star was stolen by Vorthyrn a little over two centuries ago. He followed her to exact vengeance and return the Star to its rightful place. He and Vorthyrn have been here ever since. He says he can¡¯t reach Vorthyrn because of that barrier we came across. It has a powerful enchantment, designed to banish all spirits like him to the Ether Realm. He cannot cross it or even attempt to undo it. Plus, the key crystal had a similar enchantment, meaning he can¡¯t touch it. He needs help from a living being¡­and he wants our help to do it. He knows where the crystal is. If we help him get it and lower the barrier, he pledges to help us destroy Vorthyrn. He says we can never do it without powerful fire magic.¡± She paused again, allowing Alden to continue speaking. ¡°He also says he¡¯s willing to gift me Starlance for our help.¡± Justin¡¯s eyes widened. He looked at the weapon, what surely had to be one of the Platinum-Level weapons guaranteed by the Vault. Unable to help his curiosity, he reached into his pack, which contained the scryer¡¯s lens he¡¯d purchased on shore. He watched the ghost version of Alden for a reaction. When there was none, he held the iridescent lens up to the fiery spear and gawked at the ethereal text that appeared above it.
Weapon: Starlance Tier: Mythic Enchantments:
  • Alden¡¯s Might: +10 Power.
  • Dance of Flames: Cast Wall of Flames as many times as your Level per day.
  • Flametouch: 25% chance to spread flames on contact; 50% chance for ice-based enemies.
  • Last Stand: When near death, gain Berserk status and auto-cast Greater Regeneration on Self.
  • Ethereal Bond: Summon and dismiss Starlance at will as many times per day as your Level.
  • The Starfire Legacy: If wielded by a descendant of the Line of Starfire, Starlance bestows Advanced Spear Proficiency while equipped. Class restrictions for Starlance are lifted. Grants Starfire Oath.
  • Starfire Oath: If Last Stand is active, you may summon Alden¡¯s spirit to fight by your side until the end of the current battle. Alden gains the benefits of Last Stand. Starlance is Banished permanently.
Justin¡¯s eyes went wide as he read off the enchantments. Nothing he had encountered so far in this world even came close to this level of power. At Lila¡¯s questioning look, Justin handed her the lens with shaking hands. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head at the sight. ¡°A Mythic tier weapon,¡± she said. ¡°The Vault said nothing about that!¡± Justin looked at Alden, considering. ¡°Somehow, I have the feeling that Alden¡¯s presence here wasn¡¯t part of the equation¡­¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I¡¯m¡­not sure. But a Mythic Tier weapon? I¡¯m assuming that¡¯s the best one, right?¡± ¡°Well, Mythic is one tier below Ascendant. And it¡¯s above Platinum. So almost best of the best.¡± ¡°And it¡¯s all yours, assuming we survive all this.¡± This Starlance was beyond powerful. The only thing that balanced it somewhat was the fact it could be permanently erased if they got into a dicey situation and needed to summon Alden in the future. And it could only do that if Lila suffered a grievous injury that threatened her with death, activating Last Stand. But with luck, it would never come to that. Alden had already pledged his help to fight Vorthyrn, so they shouldn¡¯t have to use it in this Vault. This Starlance, with its fire magic and insane Power boost, not to mention length, seemed perfectly designed to counter something as deadly as an ice drake. That Alden was here, along with Lila, his descendant, couldn¡¯t just be coincidence. Once again, it was hard to know just how much of this was a conjuration of the Vault, or if Alden really had awakened from the dead to avenge Elara. Justin was glad the weapon wouldn¡¯t be his. He wouldn¡¯t know how to handle such power. But if the Vault description was correct, he¡¯d at least be getting a Platinum-tier weapon of his own. ¡°What¡¯s Alden and Elara¡¯s full story, anyway?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Like you said, they were husband and wife. He died protecting her on the road after they were attacked by bandits. His core was then bound to the Star of Elara, which was then buried with Elara. It¡¯s said he got the Star from the Vault of Eternity to give to her as an engagement gift, after her father promised her hand if he could do it. The King meant for Alden to die, as it was an Ascendant Vault that was far beyond his abilities. Yet, he cleared it alone. The king was bound by his word, and he allowed Alden and Elara to marry. Given all that, it makes sense Alden¡¯s spirit would stir knowing that someone had stolen the Star for their own reasons.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°And now he needs our help,¡± Justin finished. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± ¡°Even if we wanted to say ¡®no,¡¯ it¡¯s not like we have any other choice. We could use his help, just as he could use ours.¡± This entire time, the spirit of Alden watched them impassively. His mighty lance burned brightly, illuminating the cavern. He seemed to look at Justin¡¯s own flames, which he hadn¡¯t turned off yet. He allowed them to vanish; if he needed their light again, he could turn them back on. ¡°What about the others?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It would make this easier if we all worked together.¡± Lila spoke to Alden in Daelorian, and the ghost gave a strong negative response that required no translation to understand. ¡°He won¡¯t work with Valdrik or his men,¡± Lila said. ¡°He can tell they¡¯re followers of Morvath.¡± Alden shifted, eager to be off. His feet were already floating above the rugged ground. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll follow, then,¡± Justin said. The ghost said something else, which Lila translated. ¡°He asks, with your permission, he¡¯d like to cast a Harmony Magic spell called Universal Words. It will allow you to understand each other as long as it¡¯s active.¡± ¡°Is it harmful in any way?¡± ¡°No,¡± Lila said. ¡°It will just make this more convenient.¡± Justin didn¡¯t see why not. ¡°All right. Go ahead.¡± The ghost raised its left hand, a burst of white magic spreading and encompassing Justin. It seemed to wash over him, settling in his ears and mind with a sensation not unlike a deep breath of fresh air. The hum faded, along with the aura of light, but the warmth lingered. Justin blinked, looking at the ghost. ¡°Testing, testing¡­can you hear me?¡± He¡¯d spoken in Aranthian, but the spirit of Alden was already responding in his own language, which Justin understood. ¡°I hear you. We must depart soon. It¡¯s unsafe to remain in any area of this cavern for too long. The elementals are easy to destroy but become difficult in larger numbers.¡± Justin took it as a good sign that Alden thought dealing with the Elementals was easy. ¡°This is crazy,¡± Justin said. ¡°So, let¡¯s get down to business. How are we supposed to get this key crystal?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get to that in due time,¡± Alden said. ¡°It¡¯s far past time we left. Are you ready?¡± ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be,¡± Justin said. ¡°That is well enough,¡± Alden said. ¡°Try to keep up.¡± Alden turned and floated across the rocks, deeper into the cave. Justin and Lila followed.
Alden moved with purpose, his spectral form gliding through the twisting tunnels at a brisk pace. Justin and Lila did their best to keep up, but they were soon hopelessly disoriented. Shadows stretched and curved as they passed, and Justin felt a twinge of unease at how lost he¡¯d become without the ghost¡¯s help. The thought occurred to him that Alden could be leading them to their doom, but the spirit had already had plenty of chances to end them. At one junction, they encountered a trio of elemental wraiths, one made from air, the other two from water. Justin¡¯s hands tightened around his cane, but before he could even react, Alden sprang into action. With a swift, blazing slash of his spear, he obliterated the air wraith, which disintegrated into a puff of cloud. Alden then raised his hand, releasing a rain of white-hot bolts that streaked like shooting stars, striking the remaining two water wraiths. They disintegrated instantly, their watery forms splashing onto the stone floor in puddles. Justin¡¯s jaw dropped at the display of power. But he supposed he shouldn¡¯t be surprised. Valdrik had mentioned the ghost was Level 40, while the wraiths were clearly meant to be the Vault¡¯s warm-up enemies. In normal circumstances, with a properly leveled party, they would be minor obstacles. If it weren¡¯t for Alden¡¯s help, these two wraiths would have easily overpowered him and Lila. The journey continued as Alden led them onward. The tunnels eventually opened up to the outside, giving way to an expansive cliff ledge high above a new vista that took Justin¡¯s breath away. They stood overlooking the ruins of an ancient city sprawled far below them, half-entombed in ice. Moonlight cast an eerie glow over the landscape, illuminating towering spires that rose like skeletal fingers toward the sky. The spires were joined by sweeping stone bridges that arched gracefully over wide, empty chasms. The entire city was on a high peninsula jutting into the frozen Ghostly Sea. Some towers reached almost skyscraper heights, reminiscent of the buildings of Eldareth¡ªbut this city had once been even grander. That much Justin could see. And in the far distance was a tower, larger than the rest, that seemed to be on its own separate island, connected by a gracefully arched bridge, eroded but not completely broken. A line of greenish light extended from its spired top. Justin¡¯s stomach dropped at the sight. Without having to ask, he knew that it was the location of the key crystal. The air was frigid, so much so that Justin reignited his Fire Affinity, the flames enveloping him and providing a warm glow. Lila huddled closer, grateful for the warmth. ¡°What is this place?¡± Lila whispered, her tone filled with awe. Alden¡¯s gaze turned solemn as he regarded the ruins below. ¡°This was the city of Salinuk,¡± he said. ¡°During the Godswar, it was a stronghold of the Qilungit. But now, Salinuk lives only in the memories of the Qilungit; I doubt any have laid eyes on it in centuries. And those who have perished for it. Ships know not to sail by its shores unless they wish to meet their doom. It was destroyed by the Harrower at the height of the Godswar, alongside dozens of other cities lost to memory. Now, it lies frozen in time, a monument to what once was.¡± ¡°And the key crystal is in that tower, huh?¡± Alden nodded. ¡°It is. That¡¯s where the ethereal well is. It¡¯s what powered this entire city in the past. The well keeps the key crystal enchantments active. Without it, the crystal would lose power and the barrier would dissipate.¡± ¡°So, that¡¯s why Vorthyrn keeps it here rather than with her,¡± Lila said. ¡°It loses charge quickly enough that it has to stay here the whole time?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem smart to leave it out in the open like this.¡± ¡°For an arcane barrier as powerful as what Vorthyrn cast, the key crystal drains quickly. Especially with the enchantment she placed on it that repels a spirit of my strength. It¡¯d lose its charge within days without the well¡¯s power. It¡¯s more efficient to keep it here.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Justin said. ¡°But I assume it won¡¯t be as easy as just grabbing it.¡± ¡°Alas, no,¡± Alden replied. ¡°The ruins are perilous enough on their own, given the number of elementals created from the well¡¯s ether. This place is the source of those elementals, as you might have guessed. But Vorthyrn is wise. While she lies safe in her glacier, hibernating and birthing her brood, surviving off the bounty of the northern sea, she has left a formidable guardian over the ruins.¡± ¡°A guardian?¡± Justin¡¯s heart sank. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound promising.¡± ¡°Rimefang is one of her eldest progeny¡ªa drakeling over two centuries old. But don¡¯t let that fool you. He is actually larger than Vorthyrn, but not as cunning. I bested him in battle ten years ago, but he flew away before I could finish him. I nearly claimed the key crystal, but that was when I discovered I couldn¡¯t touch it without banishing myself.¡± Justin forced a smile. ¡°Well, now you¡¯ve got us.¡± He paused, frowning. ¡°But surely we¡¯re not the first to try this?¡± Alden¡¯s expression turned grim. ¡°No, there have been¡­others. The last one was about ten years ago, a proud Qilungik warrior named Ryak, along with three others.¡± ¡°That has to be Ryak¡¯s son,¡± Lila said, her eyes widening. ¡°You know him?¡± Alden asked, surprised. ¡°We know his father. He was actually with us in that group. He came here to clear this Vault and avenge his son. He¡¯s kind of the whole reason we¡¯re here.¡± ¡°There¡­wasn¡¯t much hope in that battle. I¡¯m sure he thought it was a well-balanced party. They fought valiantly, but in the end, they fell to Rimefang¡¯s might.¡± ¡°And who else has died?¡± Justin asked. Alden hesitated. ¡°I won¡¯t lie. No one has ever survived Rimefang. The drake is smart enough to attack living beings before going after me. He knows that while I can fight it, I can¡¯t touch the crystal.¡± All was quiet as they took this in. Justin looked down at the city, but there was no sign of the elementals or the ice drake. Only the wind howling through the ruins. ¡°So, the question is, how do we get the key crystal without Rimefang targeting us?¡± Lila asked. ¡°That¡¯s what we must discuss.¡± ¡°I have a question,¡± Justin said. ¡°When we first entered the Vault, Baron Valdrik¡ªthat¡¯s the Death guy you don¡¯t like¡ªsent scouts to do some recon. They found the path to this city, but they also mentioned another path that smelled like brimstone. Is that part important?¡± ¡°It is. This island is a volcano, but it hasn¡¯t erupted since the days of the Godswar. That part of the Vault is a magma chamber, but you don¡¯t need to worry about it since I completed that bit about a century ago.¡± ¡°What do you mean, completed?¡± Lila asked. ¡°There was a basilisk there, which I defeated. This gave me access to a Scaling Crystal, which I used on Starlance. It increased its tier from Platinum to Mythic. It¡¯s a step supplied by the Vault to ensure at least one person is powerful enough to face Vorthyrn. It¡¯s possible to take on the drake without this step if you already have the tools for it. However, without powerful fire magic, most parties are doomed to fail against Vorthyrn.¡± Well, that at least explained how a Mythic tier weapon had appeared in this Vault. That had been Alden¡¯s doing. ¡°So, when you came into this cave, was it already a Vault?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Are spirits like you even allowed to enter Vaults?¡± ¡°Usually, no. But I was allowed, given my connection to Elara. Even so, I couldn¡¯t complete that section without help from another party.¡± ¡°And now you¡¯re stuck on this next part,¡± Justin said. ¡°How many people have died?¡± Alden was silent for a moment. ¡°You deserve to know the truth. Well over a hundred adventurers have died since the Vault first opened. The basilisk was a formidable foe, but I at least got the Ascension Crystal, ensuring no one else had to suffer its wrath. Then it was another ninety years before the next party showed up. Ryak¡¯s party was the first one to attempt this fight with Rimefang, but I think I¡¯ve learned enough about the drake to have an edge this time. At the time, I didn¡¯t understand why he was targeting the others rather than me. But when I tried to claim the crystal, the reason became obvious.¡± Justin had to admit that this was sounding worse and worse. ¡°What can you tell us about Rimefang?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when we get down to the city. I know a safe spot you two can rest for the night. We¡¯ll want to encounter the drake in daylight, if possible. And this northern climate doesn¡¯t grant a lot of that.¡± It was obvious why Alden wanted to attack the drake during the day. The difference in visibility alone made waiting worth it when the odds were already so stacked against them. But another question was nagging at Justin. ¡°What happens if we clear the Vault? The Vault description said someone would get the chance to have the Star of Elara, yet it seems like you would rather it go to Elara¡¯s resting place once all this is done.¡± Alden hesitated before answering. ¡°Well, that depends. It¡¯s not so much that it deserves to be with her in particular. Rather, it deserves to be with someone who proves themselves worthy. These things are beyond me and are left up to the Creator to determine.¡± Justin supposed it made sense. The Creator had to be the one who determined Vault rewards and such. For all Justin knew, the Creator himself was the source of the Vaults. It was something he had given little thought to, but Eldrin had mentioned Vaults were a manifestation of Eyrth¡¯s magic. A place with an ethereal well, like this, was probably a prime spot for a Vault to appear. Alden faced Lila. ¡°Your coming to this place cannot be a coincidence, Lila. You are of the Line of Starfire, however many generations removed. I know neither of you is a mighty warrior, the kind that might be expected to destroy a monster as foul as Rimefang, or even Vorthyrn. But neither was I when I braved the Vault of Eternity and won the Sapphire Star, and then Elara¡¯s hand.¡± Justin considered this. Maybe Alden had a point, but the fact remained that they were way in over their heads here. This Level 35 Vault was certainly proving to be the most challenging by far, and it wasn¡¯t even close. ¡°So, how can we defeat Rimefang?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy,¡± Alden said. ¡°The first step is to review each other¡¯s skills, boons, gear, and overall capabilities, and then to form a solid battle plan. Rimefang is mighty, but with cunning, we might yet overcome it.¡± He looked down toward the city. ¡°Let¡¯s head to our campsite for the night. We can discuss things in more detail there. 93. Plans in the Tower Alden led them down the cliff to the outskirts of the city, following a natural path carved into the icy rock. Justin¡¯s boots crunched over frost-coated stone as he glanced nervously at the darkened ruins. The eerie silence made his heart pound; the faint howl of the wind felt like the whisper of unseen predators. With Vorthak¡¯s Flame active, he felt like a sitting duck, easily seen from a distance. And yet, with the bone-chilling temperatures, he felt as if he didn¡¯t have a choice but to keep it activated. Thankfully, Alden led them to the interior of a broken tower on the outskirts of the city, which might have once been part of the city wall. Its jagged spire loomed over them. Justin wondered if it had been broken by the elements, or the Harrower himself. Perhaps it was both. Frost crept over the crumbling stone, lending the ruin a ghostly sheen. It was empty and, hopefully, would be a good place to make a detailed plan out of sight. ¡°Okay,¡± Justin said, glancing at Alden. ¡°Is there a way for you to join our party? It would make this next part so much easier.¡± Alden¡¯s translucent form shimmered faintly, his ethereal edges blurring with each movement. Only the blazing spear in his hand seemed solid. ¡°Alas, I am not of Eyrth anymore, and I have become a part of the Vault besides. We have to settle for simply telling each other about our abilities. Try to leave nothing out. Even a minor boon or skill could be the difference between victory and defeat.¡± Over the next couple of hours, they hashed it out. Justin went first, going through every skill, boon, Attribute point, and even piece of gear. He didn¡¯t want to share everything with Alden, but he felt there was no choice. If Alden¡¯s knowledge could save their lives, he had to take the risk. Justin could never forgive himself if things went south for a lack of information. Lila went next, and Justin learned all the new things she¡¯d picked up. If she¡¯d used her new skills and boons in battle, well, he¡¯d been too busy trying to survive to notice. For one, her Harmonic Amplification boon now conferred a +6 to a chosen Attribute, rather than a +4. Of course, Justin had felt the benefit of the buff during battle, but he¡¯d never formally checked to see just how large the buff was. She also had access to a new song called Melee Melody, which boosted the party¡¯s damage by 10%¡ªsomething that could be incredibly powerful. She had earned another boon called Descant Defense. Basically, every time she sang, all damage was reduced by 5% while simultaneously casting Minor Regeneration on the entire party for ten seconds, enough to heal minor wounds. Justin hadn¡¯t even noticed the effect. She also had a new skill called Encore Performance, which allowed her to refresh the cooldown of any skill once every thirty minutes¡ªuseful for when she needed an extra burst of damage and accuracy with her knives. The final boon she had unlocked was called Unbroken Melody, which allowed her singing buffs to persist for an additional five seconds after ending a song. This enabled her to perform one of her skills quickly before resuming her song, never missing a beat. With all of that combined¡ªplus her Amulet of Everblade that automatically retrieved her knives, her Ring of Eagle Strike that increased her knife-throwing speed by 20%, and her new Harp of Nyriss, which could put hostiles to sleep¡ªshe was a force to be reckoned with. Alden considered their abilities for a moment before speaking. ¡°For a Level 11 and a Level 10, you have some powerful resources to marshal. More than would be expected. It might be enough to punch above our weight, especially with what I can bring to bear.¡± ¡°You¡¯re Level 40,¡± Justin said. ¡°You¡¯ve got to have a billion skills and boons, right?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s not quite as many as that,¡± Alden replied with a ghostly smile. ¡°As a spirit, my abilities are a bit more¡­limited. But I have a powerful repertoire of Harmony Magic, not to mention my melee skills. After what you two have told me, I think we can bring this drake down.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Lila asked. ¡°So, it¡¯s not hopeless?¡± Alden nodded. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy, but take heart: there is hope. Though Rimefang isn¡¯t as wily as his mother, he¡¯s still quite intelligent. He can react to anything we try. Our main chance of winning is setting up a deadly combo that takes him by surprise and puts us at an enormous advantage from the get-go.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Justin said, leaning forward. ¡°What exactly are we up against?¡± ¡°First, there¡¯s his ranged attack. He can breathe chilling frost from his mouth that can kill in seconds. That will freeze you solid, preventing you from moving. Once that happens, you¡¯re as good as dead.¡± ¡°I have my Vorthak¡¯s Flame,¡± Justin said. ¡°While it¡¯s active, I¡¯m immune to freezing.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll need that. You might get closer to Rimefang than Lila, but I wouldn¡¯t risk too much. Keep in mind the frost breath will still hurt you, even if you resist frost magic. It will only take a few seconds before you¡¯re beyond all hope.¡± Alden turned to Lila. ¡°As for you, Lila, you must absolutely be out of range of that attack.¡± She nodded grimly. ¡°Thankfully, I¡¯m a ranged fighter. And with my Amulet of Everblade, I¡¯ll never run out of knives.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be the one to draw Rimefang¡¯s attention at the outset,¡± Alden said. ¡°Though that¡¯s easier said than done. He knows the living are the only ones who can touch the key crystal. And he will never stray too far from it.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s impossible to grab the crystal and run away?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Practically impossible. He has to be brought down or incapacitated.¡± ¡°Incapacitated,¡± Lila mused. ¡°Would the Harp of Nyriss work?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a powerful tool,¡± Alden acknowledged, ¡°but it¡¯s based on your Charisma against Rimefang¡¯s. His Charisma is certain to outlevel yours. It might be worth a try if you have a spare moment, or if the primary plan fails. But we shouldn¡¯t count on it.¡± ¡°Noted,¡± Lila said. ¡°What else do we have to watch out for?¡± ¡°Well, Rimefang is just as deadly up close. He has razor-sharp claws that can pierce steel. And despite his size, he¡¯s faster than you would guess.¡± Alden paused. ¡°And, of course, he can fly.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°What¡¯s stopping him from just flying and using his frost breath on us?¡± ¡°Nothing at all,¡± Alden said. ¡°Except that if he does a flyby, he will be forced to wheel around¡ªan action that will take at least ten to fifteen seconds before he can come in for another round. The ethereal well is in a large temple in the Tower of Skaldarn. That¡¯s the big tower on the northern island just north of the city, across the bridge. The roof of which has collapsed, and many of the walls are broken, meaning he can pop out at unexpected places. That said, the ruins themselves should slow him down somewhat while providing cover. He won¡¯t be leaving the crystal unattended, even for thirty seconds.¡± Alden paused again to gather his thoughts. ¡°Rimefang, like all drakes, has a natural resistance to magic and arrows. Those scales of his are harder than steel.¡± ¡°I suppose knives won¡¯t do too much either,¡± Lila asked.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°There are weak spots,¡± Alden said. ¡°I¡¯ll get to that in a moment. Basically, all kinds of magic won¡¯t work against drakes, with one exception.¡± ¡°Fire,¡± Justin said. ¡°Yes. That means Starlance is our only chance to bring him down. It can cast Wall of Flames, a Greater Fire Spell. If it hits Rimefang, it¡¯s going to hurt. But Wall of Flames alone won¡¯t be enough. I¡¯m going to have to get in there and actually hit him where it hurts. His underbelly and wings are the vulnerable spots, along with his eyes and mouth. But he¡¯s going to do his damnedest to make sure I don¡¯t hit any of them.¡± Alden looked at Justin. ¡°That¡¯s where you come in.¡± ¡°Me? How?¡± ¡°Well, Rimefang has a spell called Frost Veil. It¡¯s a powerful shield that can only be brought down by fire magic. Before we can even think of killing the drake, that shield has to come down.¡± Justin and Lila listened attentively. Justin¡¯s stomach churned with equal parts dread and determination. They were up against something monstrous, but Alden¡¯s confident tone gave him a shred of hope. Alden faced Justin. ¡°When you told me about that Rare Skill you have, Dazzling Display, I thought it would be enough to get the drake¡¯s attention. Enough to Fascinate him.¡± ¡°Fascinate?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a status condition where a target can¡¯t look away from you, even if they want to. It¡¯s a kind of social magic that your class gets. Your base Charisma is already 22, which is higher than most classes¡ªeven those at Level 30 or higher, if they don¡¯t make the Attribute a priority. My idea is to stack your Charisma as much as possible. That way, your Dazzling Display will be truly impossible to ignore, even by a Level 32 drake like Rimefang.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Justin said, thinking it through. ¡°I have my cane and my Party Skill¡ªeach gives me +1. So that¡¯s 24. Then there¡¯s my Dandy¡¯s Swagger. That¡¯s an easy +2. That gets me to 26. Then there¡¯s Lila¡¯s Bardic Inspiration. That boosts it to 32. Anything else I¡¯m missing?¡± ¡°This is where I come in,¡± Alden said. ¡°I previously mentioned my Harmony Magic spells. Some are quite high level. There are three that will be crucial in this battle. The first is Righteous Shield. It¡¯s a Lesser Harmony spell that doesn¡¯t tank a lot of damage, admittedly. But the nice thing about it is that if an attack is particularly powerful, it will negate all the damage before disappearing. I¡¯ll do my best to make sure that shield is cast at all times, but you must do your part to avoid damage. Battles are chaotic, and if I¡¯m busy casting another spell, I might not save you in time.¡± ¡°Makes sense,¡± Justin said. ¡°What other spells do you have?¡± ¡°The second spell is a Major Harmony Spell called Heroic Aura. It¡¯s a Charisma-based spell. Basically, I cast it on the party member with the highest Charisma. That Charisma is then divided by six, rounded down. Everyone gets that number boost to all their Attributes for one minute.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Justin asked. ¡°That¡¯s powerful!¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Alden said. ¡°So, that would give you a +5 boost to all your Attributes¡­including Charisma, for one minute. Bringing it up to 37, while bringing the rest of your Attributes in line with this Vault¡¯s expectations. So, with Dandy¡¯s Swagger, Bardic Inspiration, and Heroic Aura combined, your Dazzling Display will be almost impossible for Rimefang to ignore. Or at least, that¡¯s the hope.¡± ¡°And then what?¡± Justin asked. ¡°After you use Dazzling Display, I charge Rimefang and take down his Frost Veil, doing whatever damage I can. With luck, I can bring it down alone. Lila¡¯s job is to use her Razor Focus and Rhythmic Attack and aim for the eyes. It¡¯s a long shot, but if Lila can take out even one eye¡ªand by the grace of the gods, both¡ªit will all but ensure our victory.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°What¡¯s stopping Rimefang from just obliterating us if the Fascinate effect wears off early?¡± Alden hesitated before answering. ¡°If that happens, we¡¯ll need to switch tactics. You¡¯ll rely on Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep to evade, while Lila uses Acrobatic Tumble to maximize her mobility. At that point, it will become a battle of attrition¡ªdangerous, but not impossible. I continue casting Wall of Flames and attacking where I can. If you have the opportunity, you can try to stagger Rimefang with Poison Barb. He will perfectly understand your speech, so he can be affected by insults. But take great care to stay out of the line of fire. A drake¡¯s wrath can be terrible indeed.¡± Justin nodded slowly, his mind racing. The plan sounded as solid as any he¡¯d heard, but it hinged on so many variables. He glanced at Lila. At some point, she¡¯d gotten out the harp and was twisting the strings absently, her expression unreadable. He wondered if she was masking the same doubt he felt. ¡°It¡¯s not good enough,¡± she said. ¡°There are too many ifs. We need a backup plan if this fails and my harp doesn¡¯t work.¡± Alden was silent for a moment as he considered. ¡°If things go truly wrong, there is¡­one final contingency.¡± ¡°You mentioned a third Harmony Spell,¡± Justin said, gripping his cane tightly. ¡°Is that some kind of ace in the hole?¡± ¡°It can be,¡± Alden replied, his tone grave. ¡°If the Dazzling Display gambit fails¡ªand let¡¯s pray to the Six that it doesn¡¯t, and the Harp of Nyriss proves ineffective, we¡¯ll have to rely on my most powerful spell: Heroic Demise. A Legendary Harmony spell.¡± ¡°And what does that do?¡± Justin asked breathlessly. ¡°Why not use it at the outset if it¡¯s so powerful?¡± ¡°For one reason only,¡± Alden said. ¡°It guarantees my banishment to the Ether Realm. The spell increases all of my Attributes by +1 every second. This continues for one minute until they are each 60 above baseline. By the end of that minute, I will fade completely into the Ether Realm, unable to return.¡± Justin stared at him, stunned. Lila, who had been in the middle of balancing one of her knives on her hand, froze. Justin saw her jaw tighten, her composure slipping for just a moment, before quickly sheathing the weapon with a flourish. He could not wrap his mind around it. +60 to all Attributes? He understood it was a Legendary spell, but that was beyond imagination. ¡°Would it guarantee the kill?¡± Justin asked after a long silence. ¡°Most likely,¡± Alden said. ¡°Especially if we¡¯ve already weakened him significantly. But it would also mean that you would have to face Vorthyrn alone, without my help. And Vorthyrn is far more dangerous than Rimefang. She has all of his tricks, and then some.¡± ¡°So, we need to avoid the Heroic Demise idea,¡± Justin said firmly. ¡°We need you for Vorthyrn.¡± But in the back of his mind, Justin already knew there was another way to access Alden if he perished here. If Lila could somehow get her hands on Starlance, the weapon had the ability to summon Alden again. He didn¡¯t want to rely on that; for the summoning to even work, Lila¡¯s state had to be critical, and Starlance would be banished along with the ghost. It was far better to do this right the first time. Alden¡¯s blazing eyes met theirs. ¡°We will only have one shot at this.¡± He paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. ¡°If we are victorious, the ethereal well will produce one or more of the Vault¡¯s rewards. In a Vault like this, the loot is spread across different areas.¡± ¡°Like your weapon upgrade in the magma chamber,¡± Justin said. ¡°Exactly like that. For defeating a beast as fell as Rimefang, there¡¯s a chance one, or even both of you, will win the prize promised to you. The grand prize awaits in Vorthyrn¡¯s chamber.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re right, then I¡¯ll be getting a Platinum-level weapon for defeating Rimefang,¡± Justin said. ¡°I can only imagine how much of an upgrade that would be.¡± ¡°Let that dream spur you on as we fight,¡± Alden said, his tone sharp with purpose. ¡°Remember your courage¡ªyou¡¯ll need it.¡± Justin hesitated before asking his next question. ¡°What does the Star of Elara do, anyway? I assume that¡¯s the grand prize for defeating Vorthyrn.¡± Alden smiled faintly. ¡°It is among the most powerful Ascendant Artifacts on Eyrth. Its utility is beyond measure. As for what it does, well, it depends on the wearer. Whoever wields it gains immense power. It¡¯s from the Vault of Eternity originally, after all. But if Rimefang proves too much, the odds of freeing the Star become bleak indeed.¡± Justin swallowed hard. The weight of the potential reward bore down on him, but so did the threat of failure. He looked at Lila again. At last, he could see the nervousness written on her face. Somehow, it made him feel better, knowing he wasn¡¯t alone. ¡°We¡¯ve got this,¡± Lila said quietly, moving beside him. Her voice was steady, though her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her parka. ¡°We¡¯ve been through worse.¡± Justin chuckled dryly. ¡°I don¡¯t know if we¡¯ve been through worse. But thanks for the pep talk.¡± Alden stood at the entrance, gazing out at the city¡¯s frozen expanse. ¡°Get some rest, if you can. You¡¯ll need every ounce of strength you can muster.¡± At that moment, Justin realized just how late it was. It didn¡¯t feel safe to sleep in these old ruins, but they had been marching all day for hours on end, and the cold had a way of sapping one¡¯s strength. Without his Fire Affinity, they would have both been frozen solid by now. He had to keep it active, at least for the outside duration of this Vault. He and Lila ate some of the frozen fish, knowing they needed strength. They huddled together for shared warmth, throwing their parkas over themselves in the back corner of the tower, as far from the entrance as possible. Alden stood vigil in the narrow archway, having no need for sleep. It was hard to tell just what the spirit was thinking, if anything at all. Tomorrow, they would face an ice drake. It seemed impossible. Definitely suicidal. But this was where the path had led them, to this frozen northern hellhole. ¡°Damn it all, Ryak,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯re telling me,¡± Lila said. They closed their eyes, and in moments were fast asleep. 94. The Halls of Salinuk The next morning dawned, barely brighter than the night. The sun rose reluctantly, casting a pale, silver glow over the frozen landscape. Justin knew they would only have a few hours of daylight, and they had to make the most of it. He felt more energetic than he had expected, his sleep deep and undisturbed. He wondered if Alden had something to do with that. Kargan¡¯s Ward of Aegis provided an effect that enhanced rest, so it wasn¡¯t out of the realm of possibility if Alden had a similar spell. Whatever the case, Justin was grateful for any potential advantage. After a quick breakfast of dried rations, Alden led them from the broken tower into the ruins of Salinuk. The icy winds swept through the broken city like the breath of a vengeful ice god, but Justin''s Vorthak¡¯s Flame kept him warm. Lila pressed against him. The ruins, skeletal and jagged, held an austere beauty¡ªonce proud spires now bowed under the weight of time and frost. Every step crunched over frost-laden stone, and every shadow seemed to hold a thousand unseen dangers. Justin couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the city was watching him. Navigating deeper into the city, they began to encounter elemental wraiths, mostly of the ice variety. Their forms drifted through the streets, translucent bodies shimmering with bluish frost. Their cold, glowing eyes scanned the ruins for threats. Alden weaved around the wraiths, seeming to know the best way to avoid them. As they went deeper into the city, Justin marveled at the sheer density of them. Every so often, a faint screech echoed in the distance, the sound twisting through the frozen air and making the hairs on Justin¡¯s arms rise. Soon, they found a sheltered alcove beneath the remains of what might have been a grand archway. Alden gestured for them to stop. ¡°We¡¯re close to the ethereal well,¡± he said, his voice low but firm. ¡°We¡¯ll need to tread carefully. The wraiths will grow more numerous the closer we get.¡± Justin, feeling it was safe enough to talk, asked a question that had been pressing on him. ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering¡­is ice its own element? I thought Fire, Water, Air, and Earth were the physical elements.¡± Alden nodded. ¡°Ice isn¡¯t its own element per se. It¡¯s what¡¯s called a dual element. It¡¯s formed by a fusion of Water and Air. There are other combinations as well.¡± ¡°Like what?¡± Justin asked, intrigued. ¡°There are four dual elements of the physical variety,¡± Alden explained. ¡°Water and Air create Ice. Water and Earth create Darkness, which is potent for trapping and debilitating enemies. Fire and Earth form Poison. Lastly, Fire and Air give us Lightning, unpredictable and immensely destructive. Opposing elements, like Fire and Water, cannot combine¡ªthey cancel each other out.¡± Justin furrowed his brow. ¡°So that¡¯s all of them? Ice, Darkness, Poison, and Lightning?¡± ¡°Correct,¡± Alden said. ¡°Dual elements are more difficult to master, usually requiring a dedicated Focus. But their power can turn the tide of any battle.¡± So, that was how Ryak¡¯s Cryomancer Focus worked. He wondered if there were ¡°Poisonmancers¡± and similar for the other dual elements. Probably. ¡°Good to know,¡± Justin said, filing the information away. It might come in handy later. Alden straightened, his spectral form shimmering faintly. ¡°Time to press on. The next section can be tricky, but with some luck, we might avoid a fight. We could actually encounter some wraiths of dual elemental nature, though the ice ones are most abundant. So be on guard.¡± They moved into the northern edge of the city, where the ruins gave way to an imposing structure, what seemed to be a royal palace. Its icy spires stretched toward the heavens, their surfaces reflecting the pale sunlight like shards of a shattered mirror. The air here was heavier, almost oppressive, as if the palace itself were alive. ¡°This is what remains of the Palace of the Elements,¡± Alden said softly. ¡°Where the Mage-King of the Ancient Qilungit ruled. Their mastery of elemental magic was second to none. Even today, they carry on this ancient tradition, though the grandeur of this place can only be found in their deepest lore.¡± Justin took in these words, but he was more focused on the elemental wraiths swarming the area, their forms flickering and shifting between physical and spectral states. Among them, Justin noticed not just ice wraiths, but others¡ªgreen-tinged ones that left a trail of toxic mist in their wake, and crackling lightning wraiths that seemed to warp the surrounding air with electricity. He hoped they wouldn¡¯t have to face either of those. Such was the density of the wraith groups that they were forced into a narrow corridor flanked by ruined walls. Alden¡¯s pace quickened. ¡°Stay close,¡± he whispered. ¡°This corridor leads directly to the North Bridge and the Tower of Skaldarn. If we move quickly and quietly, we might¡ª¡± A shrill screech tore through the air. Justin¡¯s head snapped up just as the dark shapes above dove toward them. It was a cloud of icy blue bats, each one as large as a hawk, wreathed in a veil of frost that preceded them. There could have been fifty or a hundred of them; Justin couldn¡¯t say. ¡°Run!" Alden called. "Head down the passage and wait for me." As Alden cast Wall of Flames, incinerating the first wave with pained shrieks, Justin and Lila beat a hasty retreat. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, their footfalls echoing loudly in the narrow confines of the passage. They were nearing the end of it, which opened into a ruined arcade, when something dark and oscillating blocked their passage, almost like a cloud of pure shadow. Justin skidded to a halt as his pulse hammered in his ears. At first, he thought it was a trick of the light¡ªa shadow cast by something behind him. But then it moved, rippling like water and coalescing into a vaguely humanoid shape. The entity stood taller than any man, its form half-substance, half-void, with edges that bled into the air like wisps of smoke. Its eyes¡ªor what passed for them¡ªglowed faintly red, piercing the oppressive darkness of its body like hot coals. Tendrils extended from its mass. ¡°The hell is that?¡± Justin whispered, his voice catching in his throat.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. The elemental answered with a low, resonant hum that seemed to vibrate in its chest, more felt than heard. It stepped forward, the ground beneath its feet dimming and cracking. Lila drew her knives, her breathing quick but steady. ¡°Does it matter? It¡¯s in our way.¡± Justin tightened his grip on his cane. His heart was pounding, but he forced himself to focus. The corridor behind them was narrow, barely wide enough to turn around without bumping into one another. If they wanted to escape, they¡¯d have to fight through this thing. The creature attacked first. A swirling cloud of shadow spread outward, impossible for Justin to dodge. He expected it to be smoke or poison, but to his surprise, he felt nothing at all. The darkness seemed to assail his eyes, but he felt no effect. [Darkness resisted by Vorthak¡¯s Flame!] ¡°Damn it, I can¡¯t see a thing!¡± Lila called out, her voice edge with fear. ¡°Justin, a little help here!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a blinding attack,¡± Justin called out. ¡°It¡¯s still focused on me for now. It should fade with time. Just hang back.¡± Justin wasn¡¯t sure if that was true, but he hoped so. This has to be a dark elemental. The elemental shuddered, unleashing a new attack. Dark tendrils snaked toward Justin. Justin activated Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, narrowly avoiding the attack as the elemental¡¯s tendrils slammed into the wall behind him. Lila, at last seeming to recover from the blinding attack, unleashed a volley of her knives at the elemental¡¯s torso. Most went wide, but a couple landed, sinking into the shadowy substance. The creature recoiled with a shudder, wisps of darkness peeling away like smoke from a fire. ¡°I hope that hurt!¡± she said, her tone shaky. Justin pressed forward, swinging his cane with precise, practiced strikes. Each hit seemed to disrupt the creature¡¯s form, scattering fragments of shadow into the air. But it retaliated with frightening speed, whipping its tendrils around in a wide arc. Justin barely managed to duck, the rush of air chilling him as the attack passed overhead. ¡°Keep moving!¡± he shouted. The elemental shifted again, the darkness around it deepening. The air grew cold and oppressive, and for a moment, the world seemed to dim. Justin tried to activate his Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, but the skill was still on cooldown. He could do nothing as a general malaise fell over him. [You have been slowed!] He glanced at Lila¡ªher movements were slowing, too. It was like trying to move through molasses. ¡°Lila, fall back!¡± he barked. She hesitated, gritting her teeth as she just barely dodged another tendril swipe by activating Acrobatic Tumble. The skill at least seemed to cut through the slow effect, but after the motion was complete, she was right back to where she was. The elemental, sensing her vulnerability, turned its attention fully on her. Justin moved to intercept, feeling as if he were running in slow motion. ¡°No, you don¡¯t,¡± Justin muttered. He wasn¡¯t sure if it would work, but in the past, Dandy¡¯s Swagger had a way of gaining attention. He activated it now, strutting forward with exaggerated grace, cane twirling. When that wasn¡¯t enough, he followed it up with a Poison Barb, feeling he had nothing to lose. ¡°Hey, shadow-face! Over here! I¡¯ve seen puddles more intimidating than you!¡± The elemental hesitated, its glowing eyes shifting back toward Justin. The Poison Barb had landed its mark, and Justin felt the rush of satisfaction as the creature seemed to quiver, its focus torn from Lila. Suddenly, he could move again as normal. The dark elemental created another cloud of shadow, once again blinding Lila, but the attack was useless against Justin. He darted forward, feinting left as the elemental lashed out with its tendrils again. Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, now off cooldown, kicked in, his movements a blur as he evaded the strike by inches. Lila, now freed from its immediate attention and once again able to see, took the opportunity to flank the creature. Her knives flashed in the dim light, striking true with every throw. The elemental¡¯s form wavered, its edges fraying further with each hit. Justin continued pelting it with his cane. After another minute of this, the elemental¡¯s form darkened as it began gathering energy for a new spell. A sphere of dark energy shot out toward Justin. Gentleman''s Sidestep was off cooldown, and despite evasive maneuvers, the sphere enveloped him. The pressure was crushing, making it almost impossible for him to move. The elemental¡¯s tendrils lashed at him like whips, the pain searing. Soon, the sphere dissipated, leaving Justin bloody and staggered. Lila broke into her Bardic Inspiration, and Justin felt his limbs strengthen. The pain subsided a bit as his wounds started to knit themselves together slowly. slowly. By the time the regeneration ended, he was still bleeding and not completely healed, but at least he could better face his enemy. The fight stretched on, a grueling ten minutes of dodging, striking, and countering. This time, Justin reserved his Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, only using it when the elemental cast the sphere attack, which seemed to be its main damaging spell. He could easily tank the darkness cloud and the whipping attack that caused the Slow effect. When that happened, he retreated while Lila broke into a new song, which restarted her health regeneration effect. It was enough to heal him somewhat. Sometimes, he got lucky, and his Essence of a Gentleman boon procced, allowing him to dodge damage entirely, and this was besides the dodges he got in naturally. If they had been at the Vault¡¯s recommended level, he was certain he and Lila could have taken care of this entity in half a minute or less. As it stood, it was like a boss fight from one of his video games. Winnable, but it took everything he had. Finally, Lila¡¯s knives hit dead in the center of the elemental¡¯s core while Justin delivered a finishing blow with his cane after softening it with another Poison Barb. The creature let out a low, resonant wail, its darkness dissipating into the air in wisps of smoke, revealing the ethereal dust Eldrin so prized. The corridor grew still again, save for their heavy breathing. Justin was just grateful the sounds of the fighting hadn¡¯t attracted more of them. Justin turned to Lila, who was leaning against the wall, one hand clutching her side. ¡°You okay?¡± ¡°Just a scratch,¡± she muttered, wincing as she straightened. ¡°That thing didn¡¯t like me much.¡± As Justin kneeled to gather the dust, he was interrupted by a voice behind him. ¡°Well done.¡± Justin spun to see Alden standing at the far end of the corridor, his spectral form glowing faintly in the dim light. He had hidden himself behind a broken pillar. ¡°Seriously?" Justin asked. "You¡¯ve been there the whole time?¡± Alden inclined his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to run quite so far. I dealt with the bats quickly and followed. I thought it prudent to see how you handled yourselves against a formidable foe.¡± Justin¡¯s temper flared. ¡°You could¡¯ve helped us!¡± ¡°And I would have, had you been in true danger,¡± Alden replied calmly. ¡°But I needed to gauge your abilities. Your teamwork is commendable, though your decision-making could use refinement.¡± Lila shot Justin a look, half-amused, half-exasperated. ¡°We¡¯ve been working together for a while now. We¡¯ve got this.¡± Alden reached out his hand, and both were wrapped in an aura of whitish-gold light. A pleasant, cooling sensation surrounded Justin, like dipping into a spring on a hot summer day. When the spell ended, all his hurts had been mended. ¡°Thanks,¡± Justin said. ¡°So, what was that thing, anyway? A dark elemental, right?¡± ¡°That''s right. As I said earlier, it''s a combination of Water and Earth magic. They can be exceedingly dangerous, especially in large numbers, or bolstered by other elementals. Their spells are mostly designed to debilitate, so if you can learn to work around that, they¡¯re not too bad.¡± ¡°That crushing spell it did...¡± Justin said. ¡°I never want to feel that again.¡± ¡°Crushing Abyss,¡± Alden said. ¡°A nasty darkness spell. Thankfully, Vothrak¡¯s Flame was a good counter to the elemental in general. But just imagine having to face one of these things without the gift of sight. If they catch the wrong party unawares, he can be lights out, and not just for a few seconds." Justin suppressed a shudder. "Needless to say," Alden continued, "you must be careful going up against darkness magic. There are countless ways it can ruin your day.¡± Justin crossed his arms, still annoyed. ¡°So, did we pass your test?¡± ¡°What I saw was encouraging,¡± Alden said. ¡°There''s hope yet. Now, if we¡¯re done bickering, we should move on. The Tower of Skaldarn awaits, and the challenges ahead will make this encounter seem trivial.¡± With that, Alden turned and began walking. Justin shook his head, muttering under his breath before following. Lila gave him a small, reassuring smile as they moved deeper into the ruins. 95. The Tower of Skaldarn A thick layer of ice covered the North Bridge. The going was slick, especially with the fierce north wind. Beneath the bridge, the frozen ocean shimmered in the dim sunlight, which was already lowering in the southwest. Every step felt precarious, the frost-covered stone threatening to betray their footing. Ahead, the towering silhouette of the Tower of Skaldarn loomed larger with each step, its spires clawing at the dim sky. It was hard to guess how tall it was. Twenty stories or more, at a guess. Justin¡¯s stomach twisted when the bridge ended and he stood before the threshold. The doors were massive, carved from weathered stone and caked with a thin layer of frost. Justin somewhat doubted they would even open, given the extent of the ice covering them. Alden turned to regard them both. ¡°Beyond those doors, Rimefang is waiting. Remember the plan.¡± Justin nodded shakily. More than at any point since his adventures on Eyrth had begun, he felt he was going to die. But at the same time, he felt strangely confident. Maybe upon accepting death as a possibility, the rest became easier. ¡°Let¡¯s do this,¡± he said. ¡°Even with this Affinity, I¡¯m freezing my ass off.¡± Lila nodded, all but embracing Justin for warmth. ¡°Gods be with us,¡± Alden said. With a sweep of Starlance, the ice melted along the doors'' hinges. With a deep groan, they creaked open. Justin followed Alden and Lila into an atrium. The space inside was massive, a circular chamber that stretched nearly the length of a football field. A circle of towering columns supported the crumbling dome far overhead, and Justin could see the balcony of each floor between. There was plenty of space for this drake to maneuver. The remnants of upper-tier arcades hung precariously from the walls, their stone arches chipped and cracked. Besides this, there were three gaps in the wall that were probably large enough for the drake to go in and out. He could be literally anywhere. In the chamber''s center, the ethereal well pulsed faintly. Its sickly green light stretched upward in a pillar of energy. Suspended within the glow was the key crystal, slowly rotating in place. Its surface caught the green light and refracted it, sending faint ripples across the walls. Justin scanned the interior space. This place had "boss chamber" written all over it, but there was no sign of the boss. He gripped his cane tighter. ¡°Where is he?¡± Lila stopped beside him, her eyes darting around the atrium. ¡°It feels like a trap.¡± Alden nodded, his expression unreadable. ¡°It is. But the only way forward is to spring it.¡± He stepped ahead, his blazing lance casting an orangish glow around him. ¡°I need to cast Seraphis¡¯s Insight.¡± ¡°And what will that do?¡± Justin asked. ¡°It should find any magical traps Rimefang has set for us.¡± Alden raised his free hand, and a wide dome of white-gold light expanded faster than an eye blink, seeming to encompass the entire atrium. The magic of the ethereal well glowed faintly in response, but after a moment, Alden lowered his hand. ¡°Nothing,¡± he said. ¡°We should be safe to proceed. Keep an eye out for the drake." Justin followed Alden with trepidation, thankful that his Vorthak¡¯s Flame gave him some measure of protection. Lila, however, enjoyed no such benefit. Justin had to do whatever he could to protect her. Justin¡¯s unease didn¡¯t lessen as Alden approached the well. His eyes darted to the shadows clinging to the broken walls, the gaps that led outside, where the wind howled fiercely. ¡°He isn¡¯t going to just let us grab the crystal, will he?¡± Justin asked. It was within arm¡¯s reach. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s out hunting or something,¡± she said. ¡°Maybe we can skip this fight altogether.¡± "Try to take it," Alden said. She reached for the key crystal, but before she could grasp it, she was interrupted by the din of breaking stones coming from behind. Justin whipped around. Through the open doorway, the North Bridge shuddered and began to collapse. The ancient stone cracked and fell away, crashing into the frozen sea below. ¡°What the¡ª¡± Justin started, but Alden silenced him with a raised hand. ¡°Stay focused,¡± Alden said. ¡°Don''t lose sight of the goal.¡± Justin clenched his jaw. He turned his attention back to the well. The light it emitted began to pulse faster, almost like a heartbeat. It flickered once, then again, before erupting in a sudden burst that sent a wave of energy rippling outward, throwing him off balance for a moment. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Justin demanded. ¡°Back away,¡± Alden said. ¡°Head for the wall over there.¡± He pointed to a section between the open front doors and a large opening in the wall. Whatever trap this was, Alden''s spell hadn''t found it. But for now, it was the ethereal well he was focused on. Shapes began to form within its glow. Figures began to emerge of fire, water, ice, lightning, air, and more. Mixed among them were forms of darkness and green, elemental wraiths of every stripe. They were twenty if Justin had to guess. ¡°Alden, this wasn¡¯t part of the plan!¡± ¡°Stay back!¡± Alden called. ¡°If one slips past me, stay alive!¡± At that moment, Alden roared, creating a wall of flame with Starlance. A couple of ice elementals, which had led the charge, shrieked as the strike melted them. He then raised a ghostly, gauntleted hand, sending out a storm of white-hot bolts that seemed to strike most, if not all, of the elementals. The damage wasn¡¯t enough to destroy them outright. As the warrior spirit leaped into the fray, one of the elementals slipped past. Its noxious green surface bubbled and dripped, leaving a trail of corrosive fluid that sizzled on the stone. ¡°Oh, hell no,¡± Justin said. ¡°Poison Elemental,¡± Lila said. ¡°Alden!¡± Alden spared a moment to shoot another bolt at it, this one more powerful than the area of effect one from before. It landed true, but the elemental simply regathered itself, set on Justin and Lila. Alden looked quite busy, surrounded by a wave of elemental attackers. Justin supposed he should feel lucky they only had to fight one. ¡°Lila, we¡¯ll have to deal with this bastard,¡± Justin said, his voice steady despite the rapid pounding of his heart. ¡°I¡¯ll take the hits. Just like the other one.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Lila nodded, her knives already in hand. ¡°Let¡¯s try not to get killed.¡± The poison elemental surged forward, its body distorting and splashing as it moved. Justin raised his cane, bracing himself for the fight of his life. The air around it turned acrid, the sharp, sour tang stinging Justin¡¯s nostrils. Wherever the elemental touched the stone, the floor hissed and blackened. Justin barely had time to process its speed before it unleashed a green spray of venom. He activated Gentleman''s Sidestep. His body twisted into a fluid, almost theatrical dodge. It was a move better suited to a ballroom than a battlefield. With a dramatic flourish of his cane, he pirouetted out of harm¡¯s way. ¡°Stay mobile!¡± Justin shouted, coughing as the mist burned faintly in his throat. It wasn¡¯t enough to poison him, however. Before Justin could even react, a thick tendril shaped like a knife extended from the elemental''s form, pricking Justin in the shoulder. A sharp pain spread across his skin as he staggered back. [You have been poisoned by Caustic Drip!] The pain was searing, spreading from the point of impact like fire. It was as if his flesh were being eaten by an army of bullet ants. ¡°Justin!¡± Lila cried. Justin gritted his teeth and swung his cane, striking the elemental¡¯s core, all the while Lila unleashed a volley of knife throws. The attacks connected, dispersing a chunk of its poisonous mass. But it immediately reformed, the bubbling surface hissing with renewed intensity. ¡°Damn it, this thing doesn¡¯t go down easy,¡± Justin muttered. But Justin would. He staggered again as he tried to stand on his own two feet. He noted Lila had started up a song, which was healing him somewhat with her Descant Defense boon, but it wouldn¡¯t be enough. He was too weak to even glance at Alden to see if there was help coming. As Lila unleashed a new flurry of knives, he knew there was only one way out. He was being forced down a path he didn¡¯t want to take, but he had no choice. [Affinity Chosen: Lathalon¡¯s Grace. Gain increased passive healing and immunity to Poison and Deathtouch effects.] [Caustic Drip has been healed by Lathalon¡¯s Grace!] Immediately, the pain of the poison went away. Combined with the minor regeneration from Lila¡¯s boon and the Affinity, he could already feel the wound closing, albeit slowly. ¡°Back in action,¡± Justin said. ¡°Take this, you rotting bastard!¡± Apparently, the System counted that as a Poison Barb, which landed true because his next two attacks hit far harder than they should have. The stag¡¯s head of his cane glowed with sunny yellow light. The elemental shuddered with each hit. [Poison Barb refreshed.] Lila darted in from the side, knives flashing as she unleashed another flurry of attacks. Each strike drew a hiss as the elemental''s body fell away. She was easily doing most of the damage, switching songs every minute to keep the effects of her regeneration going. Meanwhile, Alden was slowly defeating the elementals assailing him. For now, the drake was still absent. Justin wondered where his Righteous Shield was when he really needed it. He supposed Alden was out of range and he didn¡¯t want to draw the main fight closer to them. ¡°Focus on weakening it!¡± Lila called, circling the creature with her characteristic agility. ¡°I¡¯ll aim for the core!¡± The elemental hissed and turned its attention to her. Without warning, a low groan was emitted, releasing a wide cloud of toxic spores that drifted outward in a sickly green haze. Lila backflipped away, her Acrobatic Tumble skill kicking in, but Justin wasn''t sure if she had avoided the attack completely. The attack hit Justin directly, but it had no effect. [Toxic Spores resisted by Lathalon¡¯s Grace!] ¡°Are you okay?¡± Justin called. Lila entered a coughing fit. Blood came up. Cursing, Justin stood before her and the elemental that wanted to finish the job. ¡°Alden! Do something!¡± Eventually, Lila stopped coughing, but her actions were slower. With her next volley of attacks, three of her knives went wide of the mark. Justin cursed. Lathalon¡¯s Grace was keeping him protected. But the same couldn¡¯t be said for Lila. He quickly realized, like the dark elemental, that they could not count on Alden''s help. He stepped forward, drawing the elemental¡¯s attention with a taunting flourish of his cane. He activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger, the aura of charisma and confidence pulling the elemental¡¯s focus toward him. ¡°You¡¯re going to have to try harder than that, sludge-for-brains!¡± Its bubbling surface rippled violently as it turned its full attention to Justin, but only for a moment. It was stunned, the Poison Barb doing its work. [Poison Barb refreshed.] Justin charged, not wasting the opportunity to deal increased damage with his Add Injury to Insult boon. He unleashed a flurry of attacks, hitting as hard and fast as he could. He ended the combo by sticking out his cane and extending the enchanted blade from the stag¡¯s head. When the stun ended, the elemental''s tendrils lashed out in response. Justin dodged with Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, sliding smoothly as if he were on a dance floor before whipping around to strike again. ¡°Lila, now!¡± he shouted. Lila, with blood dripping from her mouth, threw all her knives. Each hit harder than the last. The elemental shuddered, its form flickering as it began to destabilize. The creature roared and shifted back, gathering energy for another attack. Justin charged forward, intending to end it before that ever happened. But he would be too late. The air around the elemental crackled and hissed as a wave of green liquid shot forth before it. Justin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Brace yourself!¡± The tide of poisonous sludge struck the ground with a deafening hiss. There was no way Justin could dodge it, as Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep was still on cooldown. But just at the nick of time, a glowing shield appeared before him, completely tanking the hit before disappearing. Glancing back at Lila, it seemed she had managed to use her Acrobatic Tumble to get out of harm¡¯s way. Justin aimed for one last taunt. ¡°Hey! You call that an attack? I¡¯ve had Taco Bell leftovers that are far deadlier!¡± The elemental trembled a bit, hesitating. Even if his enemy couldn''t understand the insult, it could understand the intention. Lila seized the opportunity. Buffing her attack with Bardic Inspiration, her blades flew true, piercing deep into its core. Justin surged forward, cane raised high. ¡°Time to end this.¡± He drove his cane deep into the elemental¡¯s bubbling core. The creature let out a keening wail, its form trembling violently before collapsing into a pool of harmless green liquid. The corrosive muck hissed and steamed as it evaporated, leaving behind a shimmering pile of ethereal dust at its center. Justin staggered back, leaning heavily on his cane, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Despite the cold, sweat clung to his brow. Nearby, Lila slumped against a column, her face pale. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Justin asked, his voice hoarse. Lila managed a faint smile, wiping a streak of grime from her cheek. ¡°I¡¯ll live. I think." Before they could fully catch their breath, Alden strode over, his spectral armor glowing faintly in the dim light. He raised a hand to heal Lila more fully. She nodded gratefully. ¡°That was¡­unexpected," Alden said. "I would have stepped in sooner, but the rest of the elementals required my attention.¡± Justin glanced at the faint scorch marks and fading wisps of other elemental remnants around the room. "Yeah, I noticed.¡± By now, the effects of Lathalon¡¯s Grace had fully mended Justin''s wounds. The passive healing was subtle but effective, and Justin couldn¡¯t help but think this Affinity might be his best default option. It wouldn''t stand up to heavy damage, but it was enough to heal the smaller stuff, and maybe even the bigger things, given enough time. Alden turned to them both. ¡°We need to stay sharp. Justin, I understand you had to switch Affinities, but I suspect the poison elemental attacking you wasn¡¯t a coincidence.¡± Justin frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Not idly did that bridge collapse. It was Rimefang¡¯s doing. He probably got one look at your flames and recognized it for what it was.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re saying he sent that poison elemental after me to force me to switch Affinities?¡± ¡°It wouldn¡¯t shock me. Either way, we must take the adjustment in stride. No doubt, this was his way of getting the measure of us. At any moment, the drake will¡ª¡± A deafening roar cut him off as something massive shot through one of the gaping holes in the wall. A blur of silver and blue streaked overhead, its massive wings stirring up a whirlwind of freezing air. Rimefang, the ice drake, soared through the tower. Its crystalline scales caught the faint green glow of the ethereal well. Frost clung to its wings, and jagged ice spikes protruded along its spine, shimmering like deadly ornaments. Its head was round with long, jagged ears that flapped behind it. If Justin had to guess, it was twenty meters from snout to the tip of its spiked tail. The drake banked sharply, circling the chamber. Its glowing blue eyes seemed to lock onto Justin''s, filled with a cold, predatory intelligence. ¡°Take cover!¡± Alden barked. Justin and Lila dove behind a column as Rimefang unleashed a stream of freezing air that blasted across the room. The column trembled under its force, frost rapidly spreading across its surface. Ice crept along the floor, jagged spikes forming in its wake. From the edges of their cover, Justin glimpsed the drake banking again, its massive wings beating as it circled back toward the ethereal well. The chamber shook as Rimefang landed before the glowing pillar of energy, its bulk dwarfing the well itself. Frost bloomed outward from its claws as it settled, its head rising high to survey its prey. Justin could have sworn from the flash of its long, needle-like teeth that the damn thing was smiling at him. Justin¡¯s heart pounded as he gripped his cane tighter. It was difficult to believe, but after everything they had just faced, the real fight was only just beginning. 96. Rise of the Rizzler ¡°Remember the plan,¡± Alden called. ¡°Now!¡± Justin didn¡¯t have the luxury of hesitating or wondering just how "the plan" would work when he no longer had access to Vorthak''s Flame. He just had to hope he could get the Dazzling Display off before the drake decided to end him. His heart pounded as he considered activating Dandy¡¯s Swagger while still partially hidden behind the column. The thought was tempting¡ªlet the move work its magic while he remained safe. But deep down, he knew it wouldn¡¯t be effective unless the drake saw him fully. The whole point was to draw its attention, and that meant stepping into the open like a beacon. He swallowed hard, taking a quick glance at Rimefang¡¯s massive form from around the column. The drake¡¯s crystalline scales gleamed with frost, each breath sending curling clouds of icy mist into the air. Its glowing blue eyes watched with a predatory intelligence that made Justin¡¯s stomach twist. The thing was taking its job of guarding the key crystal quite seriously, not leaving anything to chance. Justin could only hope it didn¡¯t have enough energy for another frost breath attack yet. ¡°Showtime,¡± he muttered under his breath, straightening his top hat. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out into the drake¡¯s full view and activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger. He executed a cheesy sideways shuffle, twirling his cane like a vaudeville performer. The absurdity of the move sent a rush of nervous energy through him. Justin kept his eyes on the drake, watching for any reaction¡ªa moment of hesitation, confusion, anything other than outright aggression. To his relief, Rimefang paused, its head tilting slightly as if trying to process what it was seeing. Justin had risked that his frost breath wouldn¡¯t come for him immediately, and for now, the risk was paying off. He felt a surge of confidence from the skill. His steps became lighter, and his movements more fluid. But now he was completely isolated, fully exposed. Rimefang¡¯s hesitation didn¡¯t last. The drake let out a piercing screech that echoed through the chamber, its massive wings pulling back. ¡°Uh-oh,¡± Justin muttered. The drake slammed its wings forward, sending a mighty wind hurtling toward him. Justin braced himself, reading a Gentleman''s Sidestep, but before the force could reach him, a shimmering Righteous Shield materialized before him. The barrier absorbed the brunt of the wind, holding firm as ice shards rattled harmlessly against it. It collapsed, its magic spent. That was when Lila¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, bright and lively. She had broken into Bardic Inspiration, her song an upbeat, jaunty melody that seemed absurdly cheerful given the circumstances. The incongruity would have made Justin laugh if he weren¡¯t so focused. The rhythm was strangely familiar¡ªsomething that reminded him of those Irish Riverdance videos his fourth-grade teacher had shown in class years ago. The buff hit him almost immediately. Energy coursed through his veins, his confidence swelling. Without thinking, he found himself tapping to the rhythm of Lila¡¯s song, his feet breaking into a tap-dance routine that he hadn¡¯t realized he remembered. A radiant smile spread across his face as he moved, his cane twirling in precise arcs. The drake¡¯s massive head swayed slightly, its glowing eyes locked onto him. Was it entertained? Confused? Either way, it wasn¡¯t attacking¡ªfor now. Then, a second wave of magic hit him. Alden¡¯s Heroic Aura burst forth, a shimmering halo of white-gold energy that enveloped Justin. The effect was instantaneous. Power surged through him, every part of his being invigorated. His muscles felt stronger, his senses sharper. His mind seemed to expand, as if clarity had been poured into his thoughts. Even his movements grew more precise, as though his body had become perfectly attuned to his will. The boost to Charisma was the most profound, making him feel as if he could sway even the stars to his side. For the first time, he truly understood what it meant to command attention with nothing more than his presence. And to his delight, Rimefang seemed to agree. The drake swayed slightly, entranced by his movements. The drake¡¯s aggression was momentarily stilled. Justin¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Time for a little...razzle-dazzle." With a single thought, he activated Dazzling Display. The power hit him like a tidal wave. It wasn¡¯t just a skill¡ªit was a force, an inevitability. Justin felt as if he were at the center of the universe, everything drawn toward him like gravity. Confidence surged, transcending anything he¡¯d ever experienced. He could do anything. He could charm anything. Even a Level 32 Ice Drake. In previous uses, Justin had instinctively channeled the essence of charismatic actors and musicians he¡¯d seen, drawn from the copious amounts of media he consumed. But now, his mind conjured someone entirely unexpected¡ªsomeone he had met in real life. The image was that of Sarah McCallister, captain of the color guard at Enid High. She had been his unrequited crush, and though that was a decade ago, her graceful, lithe form twirling batons of fire during halftime shows had mesmerized him as a teenager. He¡¯d watched her from the bleachers, captivated by her poise and flair, the way she moved with an effortless confidence that seemed almost magical. Though he had noticed the beauty of women before that moment, such had been the effect of that performance that it had awakened something within him a bit more...primal. The memory burned bright, and Justin drew on it fully. His movements became a dance of fire, his cane spinning in intricate, flaming arcs. He floated slightly off the ground, his body surrounded by an aura of shimmering yellow magic. Rimefang¡¯s gaze never wavered. It was completely enthralled. Justin moved with the grace of a performer at the peak of their craft, the echoes of Sarah¡¯s fiery routines blending seamlessly with his own improvisation. Rimefang¡¯s massive head lowered slightly, its glowing eyes softening, entranced by the beauty of Justin¡¯s movements. For a moment, it seemed as though the drake had forgotten its predatory instincts. From the corner of his eye, Justin spotted Alden stealthily maneuvering into position, Starlance blazing in his hands. The drake was none the wiser, even letting out a low croon, an oddly melodic sound that sent chills down Justin¡¯s spine. Its frosty veil of magic, the same one that needed to come down, shimmered as it edged closer, the icy energy radiating from it in waves. Justin swallowed hard. As the drake sidled closer, its lithe movements seemed almost too...affectionate. He couldn''t help but feel this was a Donkey and Dragon situation from Shrek. Before Justin could debate the question further, Alden launched into action. With a tremendous leap, the spectral warrior brought Starlance down in a fiery arc, slamming it into the shimmering frost veil. The barrier cracked and hissed under the intense heat, and the drake¡¯s trance broke with an ear-splitting shriek. Rimefang whipped its tail with deadly force, aiming for Alden, but the ghostly warrior flipped forward, dodging the attack. The ghost struck again, flames erupting from the lance as it tore through the veil. The fiery assault burned away the icy shield in a cascade of mist. ¡°Now!¡± Alden boomed. Justin¡¯s Dazzling Display ended as his feet touched the icy floor. Rimefang turned his head to glance at him, and for a fleeting moment, Justin saw something he never expected¡ªconfusion and heartbreak. The drake let out a mournful bellow, a sound so raw and sorrowful that it tugged at Justin¡¯s chest. He would have felt bad, but there was no room for pity. The drake roared and turned on Alden, charging with claws outstretched. But with Starlance extended, the drake changed course, leaping into the air, its massive wings beating to get it aloft. Lila darted forward, her song shifting to enhance the party¡¯s Coordination. The melody quickened, its lively tempo seeming to add additional agility to Justin¡¯s limbs, even as the effects of his Heroic Aura faded. The drake circled high above. Justin and Lila scrambled for cover as it passed overhead, focusing its attacks on Alden. The warrior spirit stood firm, tanking a blast of icy breath with a perfectly timed Righteous Shield. He retaliated with a bolt of Harmony magic, the white-hot projectile striking one of Rimefang¡¯s wings and eliciting a screech of pain. ¡°This is going exceedingly well,¡± Justin said, watching as Alden continued to hammer the drake. ¡°Time to sit back and let Alden do his thing.¡± The drake, however, had other plans. It circled again, this time lowering its claws as it swooped toward Lila. She tumbled away just in time, while Justin dove forward, though the drake wasn''t even close to touching him. As Rimefang ascended once more, Justin realized the drake hadn¡¯t been targeting him at all, even though he had been closer. It had gone straight for Lila. Was the drake still under the effects of Justin¡¯s charm? Or was it even trying to protect him? Alden conjured another Wall of Flames, attempting to catch the drake mid-flight, but Rimefang rose above it with majestic grace. Its scales glittered with an otherworldly beauty, silver and blue hues refracting the light from the ethereal well. Justin jogged a few steps, deliberately stumbling and letting out a panicked scream. ¡°Help! It¡¯s got me!¡± Instantly, the drake veered off course, circling back and landing heavily in front of Justin, far faster than Justin would have guessed. This was a terrible idea, but it was already too late. Rimefang¡¯s massive neck arched above him, though it made no move to hurt him. Clearly, the beast was still smitten, his aim to protect Justin. Justin took a deep breath, his pulse pounding in his ears as he raised his cane. He knew what he to do, but still felt like a bastard doing it. Alden had mentioned the underbelly was a weak spot, and Justin had direct access. He steeled himself for what came next. ¡°The first love is always the sweetest, but the first cut is the deepest.¡± Justin activated the cane¡¯s blade extension and plunged it into the drake¡¯s exposed underbelly. Black blood gushed onto his parka, steaming as it hit the cold air. Rimefang leaped into the air, a piercing scream of both pain and heartbreak escaping its maw. As it fled, Lila unleashed a flurry of knives, several finding purchase in its wide wings. The drake faltered, its once-proud movements now sluggish and labored.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. But as it circled back, its serpentine eyes were filled with icy fury. With startling speed, it unleashed a devastating combination of a powerful wingbeat and frost breath. The icy blast tore through the air, aimed directly at Justin. Desperately, he activated Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, not entirely sure how it would work since he had no safe space to withdraw to. But to his astonishment, he slid smoothly forward, a protective bubble of space forming around him to deflect the freezing winds. Lila, however, wasn¡¯t as fortunate. She screamed as the drake¡¯s massive form collided with her. Though a Righteous Shield softened the blow, it couldn¡¯t protect her from being hurled across the icy floor. She slammed into a pillar and crumpled to the ground, motionless. Justin¡¯s shock turned to rage. Gripping his cane tightly, he charged at the drake with a roar. Rimefang whirled to face him, its icy jaws opening to reveal a glowing orb of frost magic. A Righteous Shield materialized in front of Justin, but it wouldn¡¯t last long. With an exaggerated strut, Justin activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger and followed it with Poison Barb. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Snowflake? As if you ever had a chance with me!¡± The insult struck home. Rimefang froze, the glowing orb in its mouth dissipating as it stared at Justin, momentarily stunned. [Poison Barb refreshed.] Justin didn¡¯t hesitate. He charged forward, unleashing a flurry of strikes with his cane. Alden joined in, spreading flames along the drake¡¯s battered body with Starlance. The drake screeched, its wings too damaged to lift it off the ground. With a final, desperate swipe of its tail, it struck Justin, sending him flying toward the same pillar where Lila lay. All he felt was white-hot pain searing his ribcage. A Righteous Shield flickered into place as Justin hit the ground, his cane spiraling a few feet away. The impact was jarring, but no additional harm was done. Gasping for breath, he managed to crawl toward Lila, never minding his own pain. He just had to trust Lathalon''s Grace to cure him...slowly. But for now he was out of commission. Pressing two trembling fingers to her neck, he found a faint pulse. ¡°Alden!¡± he rasped, his voice hoarse and desperate. The spectral warrior turned, standing between them and the drake, which was preparing for a final, devastating attack. ¡°This is the end,¡± Alden said, his voice steady. He cast a circle of white-gold magic around them and then cast another healing spell on Lila. ¡°That¡¯s all the healing spells I have left. But by the grace of Seraphis, we won''t need any more." With those words, Alden turned back to face Rimefang, his ethereal form blazing brighter than Justin had ever seen. He raised Starlance high above his head, the fiery weapon igniting with a radiant golden flame. The air around him grew charged with golden energy. Despite their best efforts, Justin knew Alden had cast Heroic Demise. Justin watched in awe as the faint outline of a figure appeared in front of Alden, between him and Rimefang¡ªa towering, regal presence cloaked in shimmering light. Time seemed to slow as the godlike presence floated in the air. Somehow, with no prior knowledge, Justin knew who it was. It was Seraphis, the God of Harmony itself. The deity¡¯s form radiated an overwhelming sense of peace and strength, his expression serene. Seraphis extended his hand toward Alden, and the golden light around him intensified, pouring into Starlance like a waterfall of divine energy. As Seraphis faded, the aura around Alden exploded outward, engulfing him in a blinding halo of light. Alden¡¯s once-translucent form now shimmered with solid golden hues. The oppressive cold of the drake¡¯s presence was no longer biting; the warmth of Seraphis¡¯s blessing filled the air instead. Even Lila, regaining some strength from the healing spell, lifted her eyes to watch. Rimefang roared, its wounded form trembling with fury, but Alden was already moving. The spectral warrior leaped into action with a speed that defied logic, Starlance trailing arcs of golden flame as he struck. The drake swiped with its claws, but Alden phased out of existence just before the blow landed, reappearing in an instant on its opposite side. He delivered a series of rapid strikes, each one tearing through Rimefang¡¯s scales and sending showers of molten frost scattering across the atrium. Alden¡¯s voice boomed: ¡°For Elara!¡± Rimefang howled in agony, its tail lashing out wildly. Alden caught the blow mid-swing with Starlance, deflecting it effortlessly. He raised the lance high, summoning a pillar of golden fire that engulfed the drake. The flames burned with divine intensity, reducing the creature¡¯s icy armor to steam and ash. Justin could only watch in awe. Alden¡¯s every movement was like watching an unstoppable force in motion. Each strike was precise, each spell perfectly timed. The drake, for all its ferocity and power, was utterly outmatched. It took less than a minute for Alden to deliver the finishing blow. With a final roar, he plunged Starlance deep into Rimefang¡¯s chest. The drake¡¯s body convulsed as a massive explosion of light erupted from the weapon, scattering frost and ice across the chamber. Rimefang¡¯s lifeless form crumbled to the ground, its body dissolving into glowing particles of ether that spiraled upward into the light of the ethereal well. Alden turned to Justin and Lila. The golden aura around him flickered, dimming with each passing moment. He had only seconds left. ¡°I don¡¯t have much time,¡± Alden began, looking at Lila. ¡°Starlance is yours now.¡± He released the weapon, and it hovered in the air before Lila. She reached for the lance, her hand trembling as she grasped it. Alden smiled faintly, his form beginning to fade. ¡°My protection is with you in the spear,¡± he said, his voice growing fainter. ¡°The challenges ahead are greater than you know. But stay true to the Path of Light, and you will overcome them.¡± And with that, Alden dissolved into a cascade of golden light, his spirit returning to the Ether Realm. The chamber was silent, save for the faint hum of the ethereal well. Rimefang¡¯s remains had completely faded, leaving only faint scorch marks on the stone floor. Justin staggered to his feet, clutching his ribs as the pain from his injuries began to fade thanks to Lathalon¡¯s Grace, sped along by the healing circle, which was already fading. He turned to Lila, who was grasping Starlance, her expression a mix of awe and determination. The flame along the spear flared to life at her touch. Her green eyes were alight at the weapon¡¯s flame. ¡°To think a down-on-her-luck girl like me would ever get to wield such a weapon.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got the Starfire blood,¡± Justin said. ¡°And to be honest, I¡¯m starting to feel a bit like the sidekick here.¡± Lila flashed a smile. The spear disappeared from her hand, then reappeared. ¡°This is amazing. I don¡¯t even have to carry it around. It will follow me everywhere I go.¡± Their conversation was interrupted when the light of the ethereal well shifted. Within the glowing column, a new shape formed. It became very clear exactly what it was. Its icy blue metal shimmered faintly in the glow. As it floated toward Justin, he could see that its top was fashioned in the likeness of a drake¡¯s head, with twin sapphire eyes. The mouth was slightly agape. No scryer''s lens was necessary for him to read the details; it seemed the System wanted him to see them without impediment.
Weapon: Cane of the Drake Tier: Platinum Class Restriction: Socialite, Diplomat Enchantments: Drake¡¯s Majesty: The majesty of a drake commands awe; even the heavens bow before its will. While wielded, the Cane of the Drake grants +6 to Charisma. Rimefang¡¯s Bite: A single bite from the frost-bound drake can freeze even the fiercest warrior. While wielding this cane, all strikes deal bonus ice elemental damage, with a 10% chance to inflict Freeze on the target for 5 seconds. The chance increases to 20% when the bone blade extension is activated. +2 to Power. Drake¡¯s Breath: From the maw of the drake, winter¡¯s wrath descends. Release a cone of frost from the drake¡¯s head, dealing significant ice damage. Inflicts Slow for 5 seconds. Cooldown: 5 minutes.
Utility Enchantments: Adaptive Glow: In dark places, the Cane of the Drake will glow with a cold blue light at its master¡¯s discretion. Featherweight: This cane is deceptively light, allowing for fluid movements and precise strikes. Psychic Extension: The boneblade extension, made of pure drake bone, will extend and retract at the owner''s will. It will never go dull and will pierce all armor of Gold quality or less.
Justin approached the floating weapon, his eyes wide as he clasped it. [Would you like to bind the Cane of the Drake to your core?] As Justin accepted, a soft frost spread across his hand. Rather than being uncomfortable, it felt right. The sapphire eyes of the drake¡¯s head seemed to glow as they gazed at Justin. The countenance looked incredibly like Rimefang. With a thought, the sharp drake bone extended about one foot from the mouth. It returned just as fluidly. ¡°Quite the prize,¡± Justin said. Lila smiled, hefting Starlance with ease. She gave the weapon a few experimental twirls, her movements graceful. By now, Alden¡¯s residual magic had completely healed her. ¡°That¡¯s a deft hand you have there,¡± Justin said. ¡°Well, I get Advanced Spear Proficiency while wielding it,¡± she said. She turned to watch him. ¡°What you did with Rimefang. I can¡¯t be sure, but he almost behaved like he¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªwas in love with me?¡± Justin smiled. ¡°Well, it wasn¡¯t what I expected. But it was what we needed at the time.¡± ¡°Either way, he wanted us dead,¡± Lila said. She smirked a bit. ¡°Justin Talemaker, Charmer of Drakes.¡± ¡°Even I didn¡¯t know my talents extended so far,¡± he said, puffing out his chest. She gave him a playful punch. ¡°You¡¯ve got your weapon, and I¡¯ve got mine. Ready for the next step?¡± It was at that moment that a System message populated Justin¡¯s ethereal interface. [Rimefang the Frostbound has fallen. The Tower of Skaldarn has been cleared, and its bounty has been claimed.] [Two of the three checkpoints of this Vault have been cleared, but the ultimate challenge remains. Do you wish to continue your adventure and claim the Star of Elara, or return to the surface?] And after this was something Justin had never seen before in this world: a timer counting down from one minute. ¡°Holy hell,¡± he said. "Can we return to the surface?¡± Lila¡¯s face paled. ¡°It seems like it.¡± And more than this, they had to make the decision quickly. Justin considered. It was definitely wrong to leave with Eldrin, Kargan, and even Ryak stuck in the Vault. Would they get the same opportunity to leave? At some point, Justin had lost the ability to see the other party members on his interface. Even now, when he checked, they weren¡¯t there. It probably worked by proximity. Either that, or they were dead. But for some reason, Justin didn''t think they were dead. If he and Lila left now, it was likely dooming everyone else to remain. ¡°What do you think?¡± Lila asked. Justin shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t leave them behind as long as there¡¯s even a chance they¡¯re still alive.¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I was afraid you might say something like that.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t seriously be considering leaving.¡± Twenty seconds. ¡°It¡¯s tempting,¡± she said. ¡°And I¡¯ve never claimed to be the honorable one. But Alden trusted me to finish the job. There¡¯s a chance this Starlance might give me bad luck if I try to escape this place.¡± Ten seconds. ¡°So, is it a yes?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Lila said. Justin directed his thoughts at the System. ¡°We¡¯re staying.¡± [You have chosen to continue your adventures within the Vault of The Star of Elara. May courage guide your steps, Brave Adventurers.] [7,000 Experience gained. Level-up available!] Justin felt the departure of the System. Justin gasped at the raw amount of experience. From Lila¡¯s shocked expression, it seemed she had gotten something similar. ¡°7,000,¡± she said. ¡°Is it the same for you?¡± Justin nodded shakily. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s enough for another level up. Maybe two.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was possible to get experience before the end of a Vault,¡± Lila said. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s different with these checkpoints.¡± ¡°It said two out of three checkpoints had been cleared,¡± Justin said. ¡°What was the first one?¡± ¡°The basilisk Alden killed, I assume. Either that, or Valdrik and the rest have been busy.¡± ¡°They were supposedly heading here,¡± Justin said. ¡°We¡¯ll have to be on the lookout for them.¡± ¡°Let me check out that cane,¡± she said. Justin handed her the scryer¡¯s lens so she could take a look. ¡°This is powerful,¡± she said. ¡°I guess this is what it¡¯s like when you enter a Level 35 Vault.¡± ¡°And this isn¡¯t even the grand prize,¡± Justin said. ¡°There¡¯s more to come.¡± ¡°Assuming we survive, of course.¡± He once again examined his new weapon. The +6 bonus to Charisma was incredible on its own, and he was only two more level ups away from another point in every stat. With that amount to experience, it was hard to imagine not being Level 13 soon. He wasn¡¯t sure how much the 7,000 experience would carry him, but he was going to be stronger all around. Much stronger. It also gave him an additional 2 in Power. Combining that with the armlet he bought in Windfall, along with the bonus of his Amulet of Equilibrium, he was up to 16 in Power, meaning he would hit much harder than before. And that wasn¡¯t to mention the sheer utility of the weapon. With the Drake¡¯s Breath enchantment, he had some crowd control capability, while every hit of his cane had a decent chance to freeze his targets. All in all, it was an exceptional cane, with the side effect of also looking badass. He wondered what would happen if he hit a creature with it that happened to be immune to frost damage. Did the cane do less damage, or was it just like a normal hit? Only time would tell. "Let''s get out of here," Justin said, after strapping his old cane to his back. It would be useful to sell down the line, or perhaps keep for old time''s sake. "If we''re going to enjoy our prizes, we have to get out of this alive."
Name: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite (Gentleman Focus) Level: 11 Experience to Level 12: 7,027/2700 (Level-up available!)
Attributes: Power: 16 Coordination: 14 Endurance: 15 Intellect: 13 Perception: 13 Charisma: 29
Stat-boosting Equipment: (Weapon) The Cane of the Drake: +6 Charisma, +2 Power (Chest Piece) The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: +1 Endurance, +1 Coordination. (Arm Piece) Squire¡¯s Armlet: +1 to Power. (Foot Piece) Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance. (Accessory) The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Highest base Attribute: Charisma (Base 22): +3 to Power, Coordination, Endurance, Intellect, and Perception.
Stat-boosting Skills: Stately Presence: +1 Charisma 97. Dungeon Crawling "We didn''t think this one through, did we?" Justin asked. They stood before the collapsed bridge, the gaping void seeming to mock their earlier triumph. The jagged remains of stone jutted out like broken teeth, offering no means of passage. The icy wind howled, biting through their clothing. Without the warmth of Vorthak''s Flame, the cold was relentless. The sun dipped lower, its feeble light giving way to the encroaching northern night. Now that the battle was over, the elements were their enemy once again. And with the setting of the northern sun, the temperature was plummeting with every passing minute. "We''re going to have to find a way down to the ice," Lila said, her teeth chattering so hard it was a wonder she could speak at all. "There''s no other way around it." Justin shook his head. "We need to warm up first. Without Vorthak''s Flame, we''re done for out here." "How long until it refreshes?" Lila asked. "Twenty-three hours," Justin said, checking his interface. "That''s a long wait." He shivered, the heat enchantments on his clothing seeming to do nothing. "We need to get out of the wind." "The only place to shelter is the tower," Lila countered. "Is it really safe?" "Good question. My guess is, it''s safer than this place. The System¡ªI mean, Veyrith¡ªmentioned we cleared it. Hopefully, that means all the other enemies, too." "Let''s hope so," Lila said, her tone doubtful, but she didn''t argue further. Together, they retraced their steps into the Tower of Skaldarn. Minutes ago, it had been a battlefield of chaos and fury, but now it stood eerily silent. The only sound was the faint thrum of the ethereal well, its light now dimmed to a pale flicker. Shadows loomed large against the cracked walls and surrounding pillars, and the cold seemed to seep from the very stones. They moved cautiously, exploring along the tower''s periphery. Doorways led in all directions¡ªsome upward toward the tiers above them, others descending beneath the tower. They chose one of the downward paths, going down a spiral staircase hewn from the rock of the island itself. It warmed somewhat as they went deeper, at least. The ornate carvings and embellishments of the upper levels gave way to utilitarian stonework. They went past six or so landings, not bothering to explore each level. It would take far too long, plus there was always the chance something was lurking down there. The bottom was the most likely place to give them access to the frozen sea itself. At last, they reached the bottom. The passage before them was dimly lit by pale magical sconces mounted on the walls, their glow faint and uneven. Justin turned his thoughts to his cane, willing it to cast more light. In response, the sapphire eyes of the drake-shaped handle emitted a steady blue light, bright enough to rival a modern electric lantern. The glow illuminated the corridor ahead, casting eerie shadows on the walls. "This light will come in handy," he said, his voice hushed. "Be ready for anything," Lila whispered, her knives already in hand. "This place is giving me the creeps, and we don''t have Alden to fall back on anymore." Justin tightened his grip on his cane, the weight of Alden''s absence hitting him anew. But there was no time for sentiment now. They had to survive. The wide corridor stretched ahead, lined with doorways. Some were sealed with heavy iron doors; others stood open, revealing only darkness beyond. Justin began checking each room as they passed, his cane''s light cutting through the gloom. The first room they passed was small and cluttered with decayed wooden furniture. Its desks, chairs, and shelves had long since succumbed to rot. Among the debris, Justin''s light caught the glint of something metallic. He bent down, brushing away frost and debris to uncover a small pile of coins. The gold and silver coins were intricate. They had engravings of Qilungit faces, fantastical creatures, and the harsh landscapes of the frozen North. Justin flipped one over in his palm. He tossed one into his coin pouch. It nestled alongside his modern coins, glowing faintly in response to the pouch''s magic. "Fascinating," Lila said, putting some coins in her pouch as well. "These hold the same etheric properties as modern currency." "Etheric properties?" Justin asked. "All coins worth anything are enchanted to interact with universal ledger books," Lila explained. "Including these. Meaning they''ll be accepted as legal tender, despite being minted thousands of years ago. Now is not the time for an economics lesson, though. Let''s keep moving." In the next room, they found rows of dusty cots, their frames rusted and brittle. The air was thick with the scent of mildew and old decay. "A barracks, maybe," Justin guessed, prodding one of the cots with his cane. It collapsed under the slightest pressure, its sound echoing loudly. Lila looked as if she wanted to punch him. "Sorry," he managed. The third room held a collection of ancient weapons. Rusted spears, dented shields, and broken bows lay scattered on the stone floor. Most were too corroded to be of use, which was why something in particular caught his eye. Justin picked up a dagger in its sheath that still looked as new as the day it was forged, gleaming faintly under the light of his cane. It was forged from a dark metal that seemed to drink in the light around it, its surface smooth but faintly rippling like liquid shadow. The hilt was wrapped in deep crimson leather, supple to the touch, and accented with silver fittings etched in swirling, predatory patterns. As he drew it to inspect the blade, it was slender and slightly curved, tapering to a wickedly sharp point. "My, what''s this?" Lila asked. Justin produced his scryer''s lens and held it up to the dagger. Both he and Lila took a look.
Deathkiss Dagger Tier: Gold Core Restriction: Coordination, Charisma Affinity: Death
Enchantments: Vampiric Edge: Each strike absorbs part of the target''s Life Force, slightly mending the wielder''s wounds. There is a chance of inflicting the Vampirism status.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Perfect Balance: The dagger is masterfully weighted, allowing it to be thrown with uncanny accuracy. Kiss of Death: The Deathkiss Dagger, upon a kill, gains Deathtouch for its next attack, ensuring lethality against most foes.
"Damn," Justin said. "This sounds powerful for you!" Lila watched the dagger with misgivings. "Did you miss the part saying it has a Death Affinity? Using this dagger, especially over time, will align my core with Morvath." She shook her head. "No thanks. I don''t even want to touch it." "We could sell it, though, right?" She looked as if she were insane. "To whom? This knife is illegal in most places. Trust me, the sort who would buy this isn''t who you want to be dealing with." Justin let out a sigh. "Well, is it all bad news? Where there''s one piece of loot, there should be others." "I say leave it," Lila said. Justin was about to agree when a thought struck him. "Wait. I can change my Affinity at will. All without this unseemly sullying of my core." He glanced at Lila with a triumphant grin. She raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. "I wouldn''t risk it if I were you. That thing looks like bad news waiting to happen." "But it can kill in a single stroke, potentially. That''s too good to pass up." Justin''s hand inched closer to the weapon. Lila crossed her arms and sighed. "Fine, but don''t expect me to bail you out when it goes sideways. You''re a big boy, right? Make your call." Her words of caution didn''t stop him. With a determined look, Justin grabbed it by the sheath, taking care not to touch the weapon directly. He wouldn''t core it¡ªfor now. He wondered what would happen if he simply tried to use the knife without coring it first. Would it just work like a normal knife, without the benefit of enchantments? Justin had a feeling that that was the case. He placed it in his pack. "For a rainy day." She rolled her eyes and gave him a faint smirk. "Come on. There''s one thing you''ve said that I actually agree with. There might be more rare items to find in here. That''s what we should focus on. If we''re getting out of this alive, I''d rather do it rich." They explored all the rooms on the level, poking through the remnants of a civilization long past. In one room, they discovered a Silver-Tier staff leaning against a crumbling wall. It gave a soft blue sheen, made of basic steel with a spherical top. Justin''s interface indicated it could only be equipped by Wizards. The enchantments granted access to lower-tier Harmony Magic spells. They also gave a slight boost to Intellect. It was ultimately useless to either of them, so for now, Lila just used it as a walking staff. They pressed on. In another room, they found an artifact called the Amulet of Frost''s Grace, a teardrop-shaped pendant that shimmered with an icy hue. Its enchantments included resistance to ice magic and a small boost to Endurance¡ªperfect for the frigid environment. Lila snatched it up immediately. It wasn''t better than her current Amulet of Everblade, so she set it in her pack. "This is a good one to sell down the line," she said. "It''ll fetch a good price." But the real treasure lay deeper in the level. In an armory, they found skeletal warriors among broken weapons and a rusted breastplate. From the scene, it was clear that a fierce battle had once taken place here. Among the scattered bones, Justin''s light caught the glint of something metallic. Nestled on one bony finger was a ring, still intact despite the passage of time. Justin leaned closer, his scryer''s lens glowing faintly as it identified the item.
Ring of Regeneration Tier: Gold Affinity: Life
Enchantments: Renewal''s Touch: When injured, this ring casts Lesser Regeneration on its wearer for twenty seconds. Cooldown: 2 minutes. Healing Bind: This ring automatically casts Bind Wounds on its wearer when severely injured. Cooldown: 5 minutes.
"This is a good one," Justin said, holding the lens out to Lila. "Do you think I can wear this along with my Ring of Hygiene?" "You''re can use two rings, one for each hand," Lila said. "This one will definitely help you out. Or, you could sell it later¡ªrings like this fetch a fortune." "No way I''m selling this," Justin said, already slipping the ring onto his finger. Justin''s default Affinity was already Life, even without Lathalon''s Grace. So there was nothing to stop the familiar System prompt from appearing. [Would you like to bind the Ring of Regeneration to your core?] He mentally assented, feeling the faint surge of magic as the ring attuned itself to him. It was another measure of safety, and combined with Lathalon''s Grace, he gained a healthy measure of passive healing. "This has been a productive day," he said, flexing his fingers to test the fit of the ring. The Vault''s description hadn''t lied about the "selection of rare items." Justin supposed this level of reward was par for the course for a Vault of this caliber. "We''re going to be so rich!" Lila said with a grin. "And this is just one floor. There are at least five others down here, not to mention the tower above us. All ripe for the picking!" Justin tempered her excitement with a dose of realism. "I know our packs are enchanted, but even they''ll hit their limits. We can''t carry out everything we find." "True," Lila said with a grudging nod. "If we run out of space, we''ll just have to pick out the best stuff. Hopefully, I can find some better gear for myself¡ªsomething more than just that death knife." "It''ll have to wait until tomorrow," Justin said. "It''s getting late, and I don''t want to face this dungeon without proper rest." "Boo," Lila said with mock disappointment. "If we go this slowly, it will take us a week to clear out the place." Clear out? Justin frowned. He and Lila clearly had very different ideas about how this was going to play out. "You know what they say about greed, right? Pigs get fed; hogs get slaughtered." "Whatever," Lila said. "Greed is good." As they searched for a suitable spot to rest, Justin realized Lila''s determination wasn''t just for treasure¡ªit was survival. This Vault, if played right, could be her ticket to freedom from the debts hanging over her head. With enough money, maybe the shady figures she owed in Windfall would forgive the past. Justin supposed they might clear another floor or two, but they definitely couldn''t go through the entire tower. "Remember, Vorthyrn''s hoard is supposed to be worth ten platinum shards. That''s almost a full shard per party member, assuming we all survive." But surviving that battle would only be the beginning. They still had to escape this tower, contend with Baron Valdrik, and find a way off Nithral Island. Each challenge felt heavier than the last. They approached a well-crafted iron door in a room that had once served as a pantry, a room they had already explored. Ancient containers lined the stone shelves. Their contents had rotted into an unrecognizable mush. Some jars had cracked, their contents fossilized into brittle clumps. Others emitted faint, acrid odors that spoke of fermentation gone terribly wrong. Justin shut the door and, together, they barricaded it with the room''s furniture. They wedged a broken shelf against the doorframe. Then, they stacked rusted pots and jars to create a warning system. If anything tried to get in, they''d at least hear it coming. Justin didn''t want to take any chances. The room was cold, the air damp and heavy with the smell of ancient rot. But it wasn''t unbearably so. Their thick parkas, combined with good old-fashioned body heat, would be enough to get them through the night. They shared a quick meal from their provisions¡ªmore fish and some long-lost biscuits Justin had found in the depths of his pack. It wasn''t much, but it was enough to stave off hunger. As Justin and Lila settled into the corner farthest from the door, he noticed the oppressive silence. It wasn''t comforting¡ªit was the kind of silence that made every sound seem unnaturally loud. He heard every breath in sharp relief, the faint rustle of his coat as he adjusted himself against the wall, and even the dull thump of his heart in his ears. Outside the room, beyond the thick stone walls, faint noises crept in. A slow, deliberate scratching echoed faintly, like claws raking against distant stone. It came and went, sometimes replaced by the sound of something soft and rhythmic¡ªfootsteps, maybe? Occasionally, there was a low, guttural noise that sent a chill down Justin''s spine, a sound too deep and resonant to be anything natural. It was so distant that Justin couldn''t be sure it was real. His grip on his cane tightened; the glowing sapphire tip illuminated the room with a soft, flickering light. Lila pressed in close to him, breaking his thoughts. Her warmth was a welcome comfort in the room, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her. "Maybe you were right about leaving this place behind," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the silence. "That''s the plan," he said softly. "We''ll pick up what we can, but I''m hoping tomorrow we''ll figure out a way to cross the ice. With luck, we can avoid the worst of the ruins. And find the others." "Okay," she murmured, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Good night." Lila closed her eyes, her breathing evening out almost instantly as sleep claimed her. Justin let his eyes drift shut. The tension in his body refused to fully fade, but his exhaustion was greater. Despite the faint noises beyond the door, sleep pulled him under. Tomorrow would bring a new day, new dangers¡ªand hopefully, a well-earned level-up. 98. Full Packs [You have reached Level 12. You are learning that this world and its secrets run far deeper than you thought...] Justin frowned at the ominous note, realizing the System¡¯s messages weren¡¯t always the most encouraging. The phrasing seemed less like a reward and more like a warning¡ªa reminder that every answer only uncovered more mysteries. [As a Level 12 Gentleman, you have unlocked two upgraded boons and have one Attribute Point to distribute.]
Advanced Cane Competency (Tier 3 Boon) Your skill with the cane improves. You have unlocked unique disarming techniques and more complex attack patterns. Your cane attacks now have a chance to interrupt enemies mid-action.
Add Injury to Insult (Tier 2 Boon) Deal 100% bonus damage to enemies under the influence of your Poison Barb, with a 10% chance to inflict Stun for 2 seconds.
Justin nodded at both upgrades. He had unlocked his first Cane Competency boon at Level 4, and it had auto-upgraded at Level 8, and now again at Level 12. He appreciated the steady growth. Being able to interrupt an enemy¡¯s attack mid-motion was a game changer, even if the chance was small. It made him more effective in the tank role he was falling into. As for Add Injury to Insult, it made him all the deadlier. The first tier, unlocked at Level 6, had granted only a 50% bonus damage with no stun effect. Now, the synergy between his boons, skills, and gear was transforming him into a genuine battlefield controller. With his improved cane techniques, Poison Barb, and the Cane of the Drake''s ice powers, he could lock down enemies while others dismantled them. He suspected that the Socialite/Gentleman combo wasn¡¯t supposed to be this strong at his level. But thanks to his mix of gear and abilities, he was becoming a formidable force. His ability to dodge was quite high, while his new Ring of Renewal and Lathalon''s Grace gave him passive healing. It meant he could both dodge and tank hits. And this was to say nothing about the fact that his total Attributes were more in line with someone who was Level 20 with a decent bit of gear. [You have one Attribute point to distribute.] Justin willed it into Charisma. [Your Charisma is now: 23. May courage guide your steps, Brave Adventurer...] With a start, Justin realized his base Charisma was one point shy of 24. He was one level away from raising all his other Attributes by 1, thanks to the Amulet of Equilibrium. That alone would be worth celebrating. And as his Attributes climbed, so would his evasion, thanks to his Essence of a Gentleman boon. Justin opened his interface to check his progress toward the next level. [Experience to Level 13: 4,327/3,500. Level-up available!] As he had guessed, he had another level in the bank. It would be well worth it to get another sleep in before meeting up with the others, if possible. The new skill unlock alone would be worth it. Another thought struck him. If Rimefang had awarded 7,000 experience points, how much would his mother, Vorthyrn? It made him giddy to think about, but of course, he had to survive the encounter first. ¡°The numbers are starting to go brrr,¡± he said with a smirk. Lila gave him a flat look. ¡°The numbers are what now?¡± He glanced at her, realizing she wouldn¡¯t get the reference, even if he explained the intricacies of quantitative easing and Jerome Powell. ¡°Never mind. So, Level 11?¡± She nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. Just unlocked a new skill: Disappearing Act.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Intriguing! What does it do?¡± Lila grinned, pleased. ¡°I can create a flash of light that blinds all hostiles in a five-foot radius for five seconds. What''s more, I become completely invisible to hostiles for ten seconds. I can use the skill to reposition or escape. Or even set up an ambush." Justin whistled low. ¡°That¡¯s impressive. What''s the cooldown?" "I can use it once every five minutes." "Sounds useful. A way to keep yourself safe if things get dicey." "Definitely would have come in handy in the last fight. Just glad to have it in my arsenal." "As long as you don''t prank me with it." Lila smiled. "Well, that''s not off the table, but let''s get out of here alive first." Without further ado, they removed the barricade, and Justin opened the iron door. It squeaked on rusted hinges, the sound echoing down the stone corridor. He peeked out, using his new cane to light the way with its faint, icy glow. Nothing stirred in the hallway. There was only the oppressive silence of the dungeon. Justin motioned for Lila to follow as they made their way back to the staircase since there was no obvious exit to the outside on this level. The climb up was uneventful. The next level had the same utilitarian design as the one below, with subtle differences. The walls were carved with oceanic motifs: tentacles, waves, and strange, serpent-like creatures. A slight dampness clung to the air, as if seawater had seeped through cracks in the rock. The magical lighting here flickered, casting eerie shadows that seemed to shift on their own. "This level seems more promising," Justin whispered. "Can''t you smell the salt in the air?" "We''ll have to explore," Lila answered. They combed through the rooms one by one. It became quite obvious that the place was a crypt of some sort. They encountered a few ghostlike entities that were quite weak, at least at first glance. They always flew solo and instantly attacked Justin on sight, who was in the lead. Thankfully, they were quite slow, and they went down in a few hits. It was hard to believe they were high enough level for this Vault. That was until one of the things actually managed to slip by his advanced cane work and claw at him on the shoulder. Justin felt nothing more than a faint coolness, but a System notification told him why these things were to be feared. [Instant Death resisted by Lathalon''s Grace!] The blood rained from his face as he turned back to Lila. "Do not let those things touch you! They have Deathtouch." It was at that moment that one appeared right behind Lila, wandering in from the corridor. "Lila! Behind you!" A flash of light burst forth as Lila became a shadow and maneuvered away from the ghost. The ghost went still, floating without direction. Justin realized the entity was blinded, while it couldn''t see Lila at all. As Lila appeared beside him, Justin stepped forward and dealt with the threat with a few good thwacks of his cane. The weapon''s enchantment slowed the creature and even froze it when he stabbed out with the bone blade extension. A few more solid hits saw the creature shatter in midair. "This new skill is already paying off," she said. "That was too close," Justin said. "Just try to stay away from these buggers. I have immunity." "Noted," Lila said. From the unconcerned expression on her face, Justin felt as if she wasn''t taking the threat seriously enough. "One hit is all it takes," he said. "Promise me, Lila." "Okay, I promise. Can we move on now?" "We should wait here until your cooldown on Disappearing Act refreshes. We need to be careful with these ghosts. One room at a time." "Makes sense."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Once the five minutes expired, they proceeded with much greater care. Over the next couple of hours, they unearthed five Bronze-tier items: a rusted blade, a pair of fur-lined boots, a heavy iron shield, and two trinkets that gave minor Attribute boosts. None were of much use to their party, but Justin deposited them in their packs to sell later. Their packs'' size enchantments seemed to be reaching their limits. While Justin''s pack expanded to even allow the shield in, it was getting tougher to squeeze more stuff in there. The leather straps were starting to bite into his shoulders. They also found a decent bit of gold. They didn''t even stay long to loot everything, but the low-hanging fruit added an extra seven gold to each of their enchanted coin pouches. It was toward the end of their exploration that they found something truly good. On a stone pedestal in the center of a chamber larger than the other rooms, rested a crystalline core, pulsing with whorls of blue and violet light. "A class core," Justin said, his eyes going wide. "Let''s check it out," Lila said. But when Justin held up the scryer¡¯s lens, he discovered it wasn''t a class core at all, but something else entirely.
Item: Cryoshade Core Summon: Cryoshade (Frost Demon) Affinity: Death/Ice Class Restriction: Summoner Description: Bound to this core by powerful magic, the Cryoshade is far from the frozen plane of the Nether Realm. It is a haunting reminder that the cold claims all things in time. What it lacks in speed, it makes up for in bulk, might, and dread.
Boons: Frost Eater: Absorbs all ice damage as health. Spectral Dread: Increased chance to inflict Fear status.
Immunities: Poison, Death, Fear, Stun, Freeze Weaknesses: Life, Fire
Skills: Frostbound Grasp: Deals moderate ice damage with its claws, applying a Slow status to the target for five seconds. Nether Shroud: Becomes incorporeal for 5 seconds, completely impervious to physical attacks. Cooldown: 1 minute. Cryohex: Deals significant ice and death damage. If the target is under the Fear status, it deals double damage. Cooldown: 2 minutes. Spectral Howl: Emits a wail that inflicts Fear on nearby enemies for 5 seconds.
Lila leaned over Justin¡¯s shoulder, her eyes scanning the description. ¡°A demon? This thing has some serious bite.¡± "Too bad we don''t have a Summoner in our party," Justin said. "The Affinity restriction makes it even harder to use." "Well, not that I''d recommend it, but any Summoner can use this. But like that Deathkiss Dagger, it could have some nasty side effects over time. Any new summon starts at Level 1, but as it grows more powerful, it will become more difficult to control. Unless the Summoner themselves is quite powerful." "I see," Justin said, disappointed. "So, we can''t use it at all." "Well, not exactly. Sometimes, other classes can get access to summoning skills, even if they are not Summoners. Especially advanced classes. There are also pieces of gear you can buy that can give you access to a summon, but expect to pay a lot for it. Of course, you will never be able to use it as well as a Summoner could, since all their skills and boons are built around summoning. Personally, I''d sell it. Might be worth fifty gold or more." Justin considered this. Assuming they could sell this one day, it was a good deal of money, and it wouldn''t take much room in their pack. But if the Baron ever discovered it, he might want it for himself, especially if he could use it. Justin made every effort to squeeze it into his pack. It could barely fit. ¡°Glad we¡¯re not dealing with this thing directly. Either way, my pack is full." "Mine, too," Lila said. "Let''s find the way out." They continued exploring to the other side of the floor until they reached a long, dark hallway that gave Justin a sinking feeling. The end of the passage was lost to darkness, but it had grown colder while a thin layer of ice coated the stones. Justin could hear the howl of the wind. "Looks like we found our exit," he said. But as they approached, the light of Justin''s cane revealed something most unwelcome: an ice elemental. Its translucent form shimmered like a jagged shard of frozen glass. The cold aura surrounding it was so intense that frost began creeping along the stone floor where it stood. Justin''s cane would not be good against this enemy. "Let me lead this one," Lila said, summoning Starlance to her hand in a blaze of fire and light. Lila charged, and within seconds, she had conjured a roaring wall of flames on top of the entity. The elemental let out a bone-chilling shriek, its form flickering as the fire consumed it. It floated back into the open night, still aflame, until it succumbed, leaving only faint scorch marks on the ground. "Well, that was easy," Justin said, lowering his cane. He checked his interface. Only ten minutes remained until Vorthak¡¯s Flame was once again available. ¡°Let¡¯s take a breather while we wait for my Affinity to come back,¡± he said. They used the time to reorganize their packs, securing their loot and discarding any unnecessary weight. As the timer on his interface hit zero, Justin activated Vorthak''s Flame. [Affinity Chosen: Vorthak¡¯s Flame.] The Affinity''s comforting and familiar warmth washed over him as the mystical flames sprang to life along his body. The chill of the icy environment melted away, leaving him refreshed and renewed. It felt good to be warm to his bones again. "Praise the Six," Lila said, stepping closer to share the warmth. "Try not to switch it out again, will you?" ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Justin said. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± They headed down the corridor and onto the dark ice beyond, where the wind swirled snow in chaotic patterns. Above them, the sky stretched vast and clear, filled with stars and ribbons of shimmering aurora. The rocky island loomed behind them, crowned by the Tower of Skaldarn. Without the bridge for reference, Justin could only guess that they had emerged on the northern side of the island. Justin scanned the frozen expanse, his cane¡¯s glow cutting through the dark. The wind howled, but Vorthak¡¯s Flame kept him warm. Lila walked beside him, her eyes vigilant. Their boots crunched through the frozen crust as they trudged along the steep shoreline. After about fifteen minutes, they reached the ruins of the bridge. Its shattered remains jutted out over the frozen sea, the fractured stone like jagged teeth. On the main island, Justin spotted a staircase carved into the cliffs, winding its way upward toward the city ruins. ¡°That¡¯s our way back up,¡± he said. ¡°Stay close.¡± The climb was grueling, but within half an hour, they emerged into the cavernous halls of the Palace of the Elements. The ruins felt more foreboding than ever. While the Vault had promised more treasures, Justin had no desire to push their luck further. Their packs were pretty much full anyway. Navigating back through the ruins felt like threading a needle. The elemental wraiths patrolling the city had not disappeared with Rimefang¡¯s death. Justin and Lila picked their battles carefully, engaging only when necessary. Justin¡¯s new Cane of the Drake proved especially effective against Earth Elementals. Their solid forms made them vulnerable to the cane¡¯s Freeze effects, which left them brittle and easy to shatter with Lila¡¯s precise strikes. They encountered a lightning wraith lurking near a crumbled archway. Justin struck first, channeling the cane¡¯s icy magic into a wide sweep. The wraith froze mid-attack, giving Lila the opening to hurl her knives into its core. With a shriek, the creature dissolved into ethereal mist, leaving behind a faint shimmer of dust. By the time they reached the city¡¯s main gates, the day was almost spent. Beyond the city lay the wide entrance of a cavern, its opening framed by jagged stone that made it look like the open mouth of a dragon. Deep within, a molten glow illuminated the darkness. ¡°Looks like this leads to the magma area,¡± Justin said. ¡°Should we backtrack?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Try to find that tunnel Alden led us down from?" Justin scanned the slopes above them, but their original path was nowhere in sight. The winding ruins had brought them to a different part of the city. ¡°Well, we know Alden cleared the magma chamber,¡± Justin said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s a shortcut back to the main cavern.¡± ¡°And what about finding the others?¡± Lila asked. Justin hesitated. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of the elements first. Once we¡¯re inside, I¡¯ll switch to Elea¡¯s Whisper. As long as they¡¯re within a mile, I can reach them.¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Fair enough. Let¡¯s move.¡± They entered the glowing cavern. The air grew hotter, thick with the smell of sulfur, as the passage widened to reveal a molten river snaking through the stone on their left. The oppressive heat was making Justin sweat, and he wished there was room in his pack to stash his parka. ¡°Switching Affinity,¡± Justin said. ¡°I think we¡¯re done with the outside part¡­ at least for now.¡± [Affinity Chosen: Elea¡¯s Whisper] Justin closed his eyes and focused, reaching out mentally toward Eldrin. The sensation was strange, like casting a line into a vast, unseen sea. But after several moments, he felt no response. He tried Kargan and Ryak, too, but neither of them answered. He didn''t want to try any of the others. ¡°They¡¯re not close,¡± he said. ¡°Valdrik mentioned they were checking out the city first,¡± Lila said. ¡°Do you think we missed them?¡± Justin frowned. ¡°It¡¯s possible. The city¡¯s pretty big. It''s easy to imagine us passing them without realizing it.¡± ¡°Or,¡± Lila said, ¡°they could be at the barrier waiting for us. If they got the same notification we did when Rimefang died, they might assume we have the key crystal. That would be the best place for them to wait.¡± It was a solid point, though Justin wasn¡¯t convinced. Then again, they had no better leads. Justin felt exhausted, but trying to camp out in this place seemed like suicide. The main cavern would be much safer. "We should try to push through this area for the main cavern," he said. "This area is much too exposed anyway, and the main cavern has a better opportunity for shelter." "I agree," Lila said. "I hope this doesn''t take too long. I''m beat." ¡°Let¡¯s try to find our way back there, then,¡± he decided. ¡°If things look too dangerous..." But Justin realized their retreat was cut off. He had switched to Elea''s Whisper. That meant a twenty-four-hour wait for Vorthak''s Flame. He berated himself for not thinking of that, but at the time, the risk had seemed worth it. "No going back now," Lila said, finishing Justin''s original thought. "Let¡¯s hope this place isn''t a literal frying pan." With the molten river lighting their way, they pressed on toward the cavern¡¯s depths.
Name: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite (Gentleman Focus) Level: 12 [Experience to Level 13: 4,327/3,500. Level-up available!]
Attributes: Power: 16 (10 + 6) Coordination: 14 (10 + 4) Endurance: 15 (10 + 5) Intellect: 13 (10 + 3) Perception: 13 (10 + 3) Charisma: 30 (23 + 7)
Stat-boosting Equipment: (Weapon) The Cane of the Drake: +6 Charisma, +2 Power (Chest Piece) The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: +1 Endurance, +1 Coordination. (Arm Piece) Squire¡¯s Armlet: +1 to Power. (Foot Piece) Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance. (Accessory) The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest base Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Highest base Attribute: Charisma (Base 23): +3 to Power, Coordination, Endurance, Intellect, and Perception.
Stat-boosting Skills: Stately Presence: +1 Charisma 99. Choices Make Us The magma chamber was larger than Justin had expected. Its molten rivers carved glowing paths of destruction through jagged black cliffs. The air was thick with heat, beating at Justin''s face like an oven. On either side of them, lava hissed and popped. Justin''s eyes scanned the treacherous terrain ahead. He was starting to regret his decision to come in here, even given the cold weather outside. And of course, it wasn''t only the harsh environment. Fire elementals flickered along the edges of the molten rivers. The heat around those entities was even more intense, evident from the warping of the air. Worse, poison elementals drifted along the thin, snake-like paths in eerie silence. After their encounter in the Tower of Skaldarn, Justin definitely didn''t want to face one again. Earth elementals also blocked various pathways, making it impossible to navigate around. "This is a mess," Lila said. "We''re better off taking the earth elementals, where possible," Justin said. "My cane should make short work of them. Whatever we do, we need to avoid the fire and poison ones." "Agreed," Lila said. "What''s the plan if we run across either of those?" "Run, if possible. In the case of the poison elementals, I can switch to Lathalon''s Grace. But I''d rather keep my Air Affinity active so I can keep trying Eldrin and the others." "Makes sense. After you." "Actually, maybe you should take the lead. If we run into trouble, you can use your Escape Artist skill to fall back. If it comes to a fight, I''ll lead." "Sounds like a plan." Lila chose a snaking switchback that a lumbering earth elemental guarded. Justin approached, raising his cane and activating its Drake''s Breath spell. The cold blast shot forward from the drake''s head, perfectly covering the elemental''s rocky form with ice and slowing it down. As Lila tossed her knives, Justin unleashed a flurry of quick strikes. He dodged a body slam with a swift Gentleman''s Sidestep. Then he pirouetted and slashed with the bone blade extension, freezing the elemental. After a few more hits and another round of knife throwing, the elemental shuddered and disintegrated, leaving a pile of glowing dust. "Like clockwork," Lila said. "Good work. Let''s keep it moving. The poison ones move around a lot." Justin followed as Lila picked their path carefully, weaving through the chamber over the next few hours. Dodging the poison ones was simple as long as they scouted from the heights and didn''t enter a narrow path unless they were sure it was clear. They faced earth elementals as long as they stood alone. It became clear that the exit to the magma chamber was high above from the way the paths snaked up there in a veritable maze. The heat lessened as they ascended, but even so, it was stifling. They shed their parkas during combat to keep from overheating, carrying them by hand. Between battles, Justin activated Elea¡¯s Whisper to reach out to Eldrin and the others, but each attempt was met with the same silence. It gnawed at him, though he tried not to let it show. They were rounding one of the switchbacks when, not thirty feet ahead of them, a poison elemental drifted in their direction. Justin dove behind a rock just as a blinding light issued forth. Justin watched as Lila''s form became a shadow; visible to Justin, but completely indiscernible to the elemental. She joined him behind the rock, becoming visible after ten seconds. They waited, breathless, as the poison elemental drew closer. It hung for a moment before going down the switchback. They waited another couple of minutes to make sure they were in the clear. "Clutch move," Justin said. "It seems that skill makes them forget about you completely." "Almost to the top," Lila said. "Don''t lose focus now." As they ascended, the air became more tolerable. They reached a broad ledge where the path ended at a large stone archway. Beyond it lay the main cavern. Justin let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re back.¡± Lila leaned against the cool rock, her cheeks flushed from exertion. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d be happy to see this place again.¡± The sweat on Justin''s skin was already starting to cool him, combined with the frigid air. They once again donned their parkas. The cavern was dimmer than Justin remembered. But he supposed anything would seem dim after the brightness of the magma chamber. Justin was certain it was well past midnight. He was beyond exhausted. He once again reached out with Elea''s Whisper, but detected nothing. ¡°No sign of the others. We need to find shelter for the night.¡± Lila nodded, too tired to even respond. They searched, not daring to go too far from the main path, given the cavern''s dangers. Eventually, they found a shallow alcove carved into a rock face. It wasn¡¯t perfect¡ªthe entrance was wide, and there was little natural cover¡ªbut there was nothing else. Justin ran his hand along the cold stone wall, scanning the ground for signs of recent activity. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like anything has been through here,¡± he said. "It''ll have to do," Lila said. They ate dinner. Justin willed his cane''s light to turn off. They were in near darkness, lit only by some distant ether crystals glowing on a stalagmite. Lila set her pack down and crouched near the entrance. ¡°I¡¯ll take the first watch if you want.¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°No, you rest. I plan to reach out every thirty minutes or so. Maybe they''ll come closer." "Whatever the case, we can''t be far from the barrier now. Tomorrow we''ll be in a better position with a new level." "I agree," Justin said. "Moving on up, as they say." "Wake me if anything changes," she said. "Good night." She settled into a corner, pulling her parka tightly around her. Justin could hardly see her in the nook she had chosen.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Justin positioned himself near the entrance of the alcove, remaining hidden behind a boulder. The cavern was quiet. Every faint sound¡ªdripping water, a distant shuffle¡ªseemed amplified in the stillness. The cold seeped through his boots. At least he would get access to Vorthak''s Flame again tomorrow morning. Looking at the cooldown timer in his interface, the Affinity had about ten hours left. His thoughts drifted to the others. He was starting to wonder. What if they had been given the same option to leave the Vault? That would mean he and Lila were on their own to deal with Vorthyrn. If that was the case, they were as good as dead, though he supposed they would give it their best shot. Every half hour or so, he reached out once again to no effect while trying to fight the onset of sleep. A few hours later, Lila stirred on her own, waking up. "Level 12," she said. "My Harmonic Amplification boon now boosts an Attribute by +8." "Damn," Justin said. "That''s powerful." "Descant Defense upgraded, too. Whenever I sing, I''ll reduce all incoming damage by 7.5%. And when I start a new song, it now casts Lesser Regeneration on the party instead of Minor Regeneration." Justin had to assume "Lesser" was a tier of spell above "Minor." He wanted to make a comment about it, but his body betrayed him with a jaw-cracking yawn. "Get some sleep," Lila said. "Whatever skill you get, make sure it''s a good one. We''ll need it." Justin took the place Lila had once occupied and fell into a deep sleep.
[You have reached Level 13. Life is always a matter of choices, isn''t it? But as we make them, each choice also makes us.] Justin stirred, feeling strangely rested. He had noticed that about leveling up. It was as if he''d had a full night''s rest. [As a Level 13 Gentleman, you have unlocked your next skill. Choose wisely!] Justin perused his options, his heart missing a beat. He had three to choose from, but that wasn''t even the surprising part. Two of the skills had the Rare signifier, while one had Mythic. He had the feeling this might be one of the most important decisions he had made thus far. He perused his options carefully.
Gentleman''s Gauntlet (Rare) Once a day, you can issue a formal duel, either social or martial. When you do, you will need to stake an item of Silver Tier or higher. Your opponent must match with an item of equal tier. The winner gets both items and a +2 Charisma buff for 24 hours. The loser gets a -2 Charisma malus for 24 hours. If your opponent refuses the duel, they suffer a -2 Charisma malus for 24 hours. You will see a gauntlet icon over eligible opponents. You cannot issue another duel for 24 hours.
Justin was already familiar with this skill. Lord Harrington had used it on him, after all, though he hadn¡¯t realized that the skill had also boosted his Charisma after winning. It offered tangible gains and clear risks, making it a calculated gambler¡¯s tool. But Justin wasn¡¯t much of a gambler. He scanned the next skill, which was also Rare.
Grace Under Pressure (Rare) A true gentleman shines brightest when the odds are against him. Gain +1 to all Attributes when faced with an enemy of a higher level for the duration of combat. Gain an extra +1 to all Attributes for every 6 levels of difference. In the case of more than one enemy, this skill considers the opponent with the highest level. When you sustain a critical injury, this bonus doubles. Cooldown: 4 hours.
Now, this was interesting. Justin''s struggle thus far was surviving against enemies that were his superiors. This was a Level 36 Vault, and assuming Vorthyrn was the same level, that was a level difference of 23. That meant the Attribute boost while facing her would be immense: +4 to every Attribute, since it rounded up. What was more, if he was critically injured¡ªa likely outcome, if not outright death¡ªthe bonus would skyrocket to +8 to all Attributes. It was unclear how effective that +8 would be due to a critical injury. But he could not discount +4 against Vorthyrn and against future foes like the Baron. This was a skill that would always be useful, at least until he hit the level cap. And Justin didn''t see that happening at all. He exhaled, rubbing his temples. It took everything in him not to choose it immediately. It was hard to imagine Grace Under Pressure being topped, even if the next skill was Mythic. Justin closed his eyes for a moment, collecting himself before reading on.
Upon My Word as a Gentleman (Mythic) The word of a gentleman is his bond. Once per day, invoke a magical contract with another party. Both parties must willingly agree to the terms, sealed by a visible act such as a handshake or a word of affirmation. Both are magically compelled to honor the agreement. Violations of the contract will result in immediate execution of consequences set forth in the agreement. Consequences must be possible to enforce under the auspices of the Creator and his Creation, or the deal cannot be made. Deception or coercion by either party nullifies the deal. Cooldown: 24 hours.
Justin¡¯s eyes lingered on the Mythic signifier. Certainly, this wasn¡¯t a skill to dismiss lightly. Its flexibility was immense, and it promised an advantage far beyond combat. The idea of forcing Baron Valdrik into an agreement made him almost giddy. It was exactly what they needed right now. The skill wasn¡¯t foolproof¡ªthe Baron would have to willingly agree. That was the first hitch. Valdrik wasn¡¯t a fool; he would demand favorable terms and be on the lookout for traps. Still, the potential leverage was undeniable. The second hitch was the clause: ¡°under the auspices of the Creator and his Creation.¡± Justin mulled over what that meant. It likely imposed limits on the consequences the contract could enforce. It also wouldn¡¯t allow for absurdities or apocalyptic punishments, like summoning a mile-wide meteor to obliterate the violator. If Justin were to demand such a thing, the System would likely redirect him to ask for something else. But within reason, he could set severe penalties that aligned with the natural order of the world. For instance, a death clause¡ªif Valdrik violated the terms, the contract might inflict a fatal wound that only affected him. And that was the heart of its value: it wasn¡¯t about guarantees¡ªit was about leverage, making the cost of betrayal costlier than compliance. A contract forged with Upon My Word as a Gentleman would be ironclad. Even more than that, the skill could expose Valdrik¡¯s intentions before any deal was struck. If the Baron refused to agree to terms that seemed reasonable or beneficial, it would confirm his duplicity. The refusal alone could serve as a warning, giving Justin a chance to prepare for the inevitable betrayal. In a way, the skill was as much a test as it was a safeguard¡ªa way to force bad actors to tip their hand. And if Valdrik did agree? Well, that was when the skill¡¯s true power would shine. And yet...for something that said Mythic, it still felt underwhelming compared to Grace Under Pressure. Or was it? He thought about bringing Lila into this conversation. He had no doubt about what she would choose: Grace Under Pressure. He discarded Gentleman¡¯s Gauntlet almost immediately. It could be a powerful skill and would outshine most other choices in normal circumstances. But next to the other two, it was only situationally useful and carried a great deal of risk besides. Gambling wasn¡¯t Justin''s style. Not yet, anyway. The real decision came down to Grace Under Pressure versus Upon My Word as a Gentleman. The benefits of the former were glaringly obvious, while the latter was far more subtle. Justin told himself he wouldn''t let the Mythic signifier influence him. And yet, he couldn''t help himself. Why was it considered Mythic when Grace Under Pressure seemed better? Was it a fluke of the System, or was he missing something? The benefits of Grace Under Pressure were immediate, practical, and could be the difference between life and death. It was the epitome of the mantra that had been guiding him ever since Drakendir: survive to kill. It was everything he needed to survive battles he wasn''t ready for. Justin clenched his jaw. But what about after the battle? How would he escape Valdrik? Would Grace Under Pressure be enough against the likes of him? He could already hear Lila¡¯s voice in his head: "Pick the one that keeps us alive. If you die, magical contracts mean nothing." For the first time, something appeared in the corner of his vision: a timer counting down from one minute. This was certainly the longest he had ever spent to make a decision, so maybe the System was forcing the issue. He had probably been agonizing for an hour or more. What happened if he let the timer run out? Would it select something randomly? It was a question for another day. Life is always a matter of choices, isn''t it? But as we make them, each choice also makes us. ¡°Damn it,¡± he muttered. Justin locked in his decision. 100. Upon My Word as a Gentleman [Skill Chosen: Upon My Word as a Gentleman] And just like that, Justin¡¯s decision was sealed. It was the right decision. He knew it. But it was hard not to mourn the loss of Grace Under Pressure. He almost jumped when the System''s voice returned. [You have one Attribute Point to distribute.] Damn. He''d almost forgotten that. He willed it into Charisma. [Your Charisma is now 24. With every decision, you shape yourself closer to the person you are meant to be...] With that, the Voice of Veyrith departed, leaving Justin alone with his thoughts. He smiled. Well, with this level-up, his base Charisma was now 24, netting him +1 in all other Attributes. It was a big win. Justin steeled himself before getting up and going over to Lila. She stirred as he approached and knelt beside her. When she noticed his expression, she raised an eyebrow. ¡°You look as if you''ve seen a ghost.¡± He forced a smile. ¡°It wasn''t an easy choice." "Tell me." So, he explained everything about the skill he had chosen. From her frown, her reaction was as he had expected. "I don''t understand," she said. "I understand it''s Mythic, but how is it supposed to help us with the drake? What other options did you have?" He sighed. "You''re going to kill me. But I have my reasons." She listened as he explained the options and why he ended up choosing Upon My World as a Gentleman. Once he finished, she thought about it for at least a minute before responding. "Honestly, I see your point. The skill has the best long-term application. But it means nothing if we can''t survive Vorthyrn. If we''re the only two left in this Vault, we''re completely screwed. Grace Under Pressure could have been what we needed to pull this off." Justin''s face fell. "I know. But either way, we need to hold the Baron to his word. I''m not sure what that looks like in practice. But this new skill gives us a chance to do that." "What if the Baron refuses to make a deal?" "We have to hope we have enough to convince him." "Like what? He won''t care about any of that loot we found. He can kill us and take it if he wants after the Vault is over. We need something big to hold over his head. Some form of leverage." Justin already had the beginnings of an idea, but he didn''t dare voice it. Not at that moment. ¡°Trust me,¡± Justin said, trying to sound confident. "It''s the right call." Lila shook her head. ¡°If we don¡¯t make it through the fight with that drake, I¡¯m haunting you.¡± Justin, on a lark, reached out for Eldrin with Elea''s Whisper. And to his surprise, there was a connection. Eldrin. Are you there? Lad! It''s good to hear your voice, but this way of speaking is...strange. Where are you? Is Lila okay? Close to the entrance of the magma chamber. We''re both fine. You? We''re all fine, though it was close. We went looking for you in the city but found nothing. We ended up turning back. Justin paused his conversation to update Lila. "It''s Eldrin. They''re all fine." Lila''s eyes closed for a moment in relief. "Where are they?" "Heading back here. Let me keep talking to him." Justin resumed his conversation. So, you''re in the magma chamber now? No. We are in a tunnel that seems to connect the main part of the cavern to the city outside. The entrance is close to where you ran off after Lila. We''re about an hour away from the barrier. If you''re by the magma chamber, you''re about the same distance. Justin figured it was the same tunnel Alden led them through, a way to bypass the magma chamber. No casualties among the Baron''s men? Fortunately. Or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it. Did you manage to clear two checkpoints on your own? We didn''t get to the Tower. The bridge was down. We must have missed each other. Look, we can talk about this while we''re both walking there. I''ve unlocked a new skill that might help out with him. We need to make a plan for how to use it. I''m listening. I''ll reach out again in a few minutes. Take care of yourself. Is Kargan all right? I''ve been keeping an eye on him, but the Baron has been trying to sink his claws in. Don''t worry about Kargan, he''s got a good head on his shoulders. Watch yourself on the way. Those elementals like to hide behind the rock formations and come out of nowhere. I''ll keep that in mind. Talk to you in a few minutes. Justin turned to Lila. "They''re heading for the barrier. They should be there in an hour, and we''re about the same distance." "And I suppose you''ll be updating him on everything?" "Yes. Once I''m done telling him everything, I''ll work out what he can tell the Baron. Obviously, he''s going to need to keep the important stuff back." "Like your new skill." "That and several other things." "Eldrin is nothing if not careful. We should head out." Justin hefted his pack. It felt lighter on his shoulders than he remembered, possibly a result of the new level-up and an extra +1 to his Power. Or maybe it was the good news lifting his spirits. With luck, they might get out of this one alive.
A little over an hour later, Justin and Lila found the rest of the group waiting in front of the barrier. The tension in the air was palpable. Eldrin, Kargan, and Ryak greeted them with a mix of relief and curiosity. The Baron''s men, however, wore expressions tinged with suspicion. Dirt-streaked faces and frayed clothing spoke of the group''s struggles over the last couple of days. But the guarded looks suggested deeper fractures within their camp. The Baron stepped forward first, his lips curving into a faintly amused smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°Welcome back, Mr. Talemaker. Eldrin has given us a colorful summary of your exploits, but I¡¯d prefer to hear the story from the man himself. How exactly did you manage to clear two checkpoints while the rest of us were fumbling about in the dark? And a Level 32 ice drake,¡± he added, his voice dropping in mock reverence. ¡°Not exactly a foe for the faint of heart.¡± Justin took a steadying breath, his gaze flicking to Eldrin. The Ranger gave him the barest of nods, a silent reminder of their earlier plan, hashed out over Elea¡¯s Whisper and agreed to by Lila. He had to control the narrative, leverage the key crystal, and hold firm. Stepping forward, Justin met the Baron¡¯s gaze evenly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy. We had to think on our feet, work together, and make use of every advantage we had. But let¡¯s not dwell on the past. What matters now is how we¡¯re going to deal with Vorthyrn. That fight will be even tougher, and if we don¡¯t work together, none of us is getting out of here alive.¡± The Baron¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest, the faintest flicker of approval crossing his face. ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more. In all my travels, I¡¯ve yet to face a drake in combat. My expertise with such creatures is, regrettably, confined to book learning. However,¡± he added, gesturing to Rothian nearby, ¡°we do have the talents of Mr. Nightflame. Fire, as you know, is a drake¡¯s natural weakness.¡± Rothian inclined his bald head, though his thin smile lacked warmth. His dark eyes glinted with something unreadable, like smoldering coals that could ignite at any moment. ¡°Fire is a good start,¡± Justin agreed, his tone measured. He took in the Pyromancer. ¡°Can you cast Wall of Flames?¡± Rothian snorted, the sound filled with amusement and derision. ¡°Wall of Flames? Child¡¯s play. I could summon it in my sleep.¡± ¡°A simple yes would have sufficed,¡± Justin said, ¡°but your point is understood.¡± The Baron chuckled. ¡°Casting fire magic at the beast is obvious, of course. But drakes of Vorthyrn¡¯s caliber have a powerful ice shield that renders them invulnerable to most damage. Even Rothian¡¯s flames won¡¯t be enough to break it. Vaults like this, however, often provide tools to balance the scales. It''s my suspicion that you have such a tool in your possession, or else you would not have been able to defeat this Rimefang. Am I right in that?" Instead of answering, Justin reached into his satchel. He pulled out the glowing key crystal, its faint blue light dancing across the barrier''s surface, as if in response to its magic. He held it up, letting the crystalline glow catch the Baron¡¯s gaze. A small smirk tugged at Justin''s lips. ¡°This is the only way to get through the barrier. As for Vorthyrn, yes, we have a way¡ªa strategy, if you will¡ªto defeat it. It¡¯s simpler than you might think.¡± ¡°Out with it,¡± Gareth said, his voice a low, impatient hiss. ¡°The Baron doesn¡¯t have time for games!¡± ¡°On that,¡± Justin said, ¡°I disagree. He¡¯ll make the time if he wants to leave this Vault alive.¡± The Baron¡¯s polite fa?ade sharpened, his tone growing more pointed. ¡°So you¡¯re implying you won¡¯t share your strategy unless I grant you certain...considerations?" ¡°Precisely,¡± Justin replied. ¡°I want guarantees. Once this Vault is cleared, I want my people and me to leave safely¡ªno pursuit, no ambushes, and no claims on our lives. More than that, you and those under your employ must not cause us harm for the rest of your days." Then, as an afterthought, he remembered Ryak''s village, not fifty miles away. "And I want immunity for all sapient beings within a hundred-mile radius.¡± ¡°A strange condition,¡± the Baron mused, tilting his head. ¡°But not unreasonable, depending on the guarantees you offer in return.¡± "This isn¡¯t just about guarantees.¡± The Baron raised a brow, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Oh?¡± Justin allowed himself a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m proposing something more. A contract.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°A contract?¡± Valdrik let out a soft laugh. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you brought along a quill and parchment, Mr. Talemaker?¡± ¡°No,¡± Justin said. ¡°I¡¯ve got something better.¡± The Baron¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion. "Well?" ¡°I''ve earned a new skill,¡± Justin replied, his voice steady. ¡°It''s called Upon My Word as a Gentleman. It allows us to make an agreement, but more than that, it binds both parties to their word. Terms agreed upon here will be enforced under the auspices of the Creator Himself." The Baron''s face was neutral. But Justin''s Insightful Gaze saw a brief crack in his composure, a flash of fury, quickly masked. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of such a skill." ¡°It¡¯s Mythic-tier,¡± Justin said casually, shrugging. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect you to know about it.¡± That drew a reaction. Wolfram muttered a curse under his breath, while Rothian¡¯s normally tan complexion grew lighter. Even Gareth shifted uneasily. ¡°And what happens if the contract is broken?¡± Valdrik asked. ¡°The terms are ours to decide,¡± Justin said. ¡°Break them, and the penalty will be executed immediately." ¡°Interesting,¡± the Baron said, regaining some of his composure. ¡°Let¡¯s hear your exact terms.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Nothing too complicated. We work together to defeat Vorthyrn. Once we¡¯re out of the Vault, you leave us alone. No pursuit, no ambushes, no attacks either direct or indirect And no interference with any sapient creature within a hundred miles of here. Nor will anyone in your employ, directly or indirectly, cause harm to any of us by physical, spiritual, reputational, or any other means." Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And what about your side? What guarantees do I have? Or does it all favor you?" "I also have to hold to my end of the deal. If you agree, then none of us will speak a word of your...exploits in Silverton. Nor will we say anything derogatory about you in relation to what we learned there. Not in conversation, not in writing, not in any form of communication.¡± He paused. ¡°And yes, that includes coded messages, whispers in the night, or hidden notes. You name it.¡± The Baron¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°I remain skeptical that this is a real skill. If it isn''t, then it''s quite the bluff." Justin shrugged. "You''re welcome to try your luck. For all the power of Morvath or the Old Gods, they don''t hold a candle to the Creator." Valdrik grunted. "And this is truly binding?" Justin smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s not a belief. It¡¯s a fact. This skill ensures both parties honor the agreement¡ªor face the consequences.¡± Valdrik¡¯s men exchanged uneasy glances, but the Baron¡¯s composure didn¡¯t waver. ¡°How convenient for you. A skill that forces the mighty Baron Valdrik to swear off his dastardly plans. Tell me, Mr. Talemaker, because this is the main hitch. What happens if I refuse to make an agreement in the first place?¡± ¡°Then you have to fight Vorthyrn without us,¡± Justin said simply. ¡°And I will do everything to keep the key crystal out of your hands. As long as we''re in a party together, you cannot attack me directly. What''s more, you''re on a clock. This key crystal will soon lose its charge, given the strength of the enchantment. We''ve already been carrying it for a few days. Who knows when it will lose power?" A long silence passed. Despite the System''s prohibitions, Justin wondered whether Valdrik might try to attack in some way. Finally, Valdrik laughed¡ªa cold, humorless sound that sent a shiver down Justin¡¯s spine. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to gamble everything on your word that this so-called skill will do what you claim. And to think that a Level 13 would gain access to such a powerful ability so early. I''ve never heard of anything like it. But...I¡¯ll play along, if only because this amuses me. Would you rather starve to death in this Vault than work together to defeat Vorthyrn?" Justin shrugged, keeping his tone casual though his heart raced. ¡°There¡¯s no point in going forward when our fate is already determined. For all our resources, Baron, we can¡¯t stand against you. This agreement is the only thing that ensures a chance for survival¡ªyours included.¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied Justin. ¡°What, then, do you propose as the consequences for breaking the agreement?¡± ¡°That¡¯s up to us,¡± Justin said. ¡°We can agree on the punishment as part of the terms. If either side breaks the deal, the punishment is magically enforced.¡± Valdrik scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Let me guess. Death?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Justin said, locking eyes with him. ¡°The stakes are already life or death. A lesser punishment wouldn¡¯t suffice. But rest assured: if you make this deal, we¡¯ll both have to honor it. The magic will see to it.¡± Wolfram Gravesong stepped forward, his grizzled face twisted in scorn. ¡°My lord, they¡¯re lying to you¡ª¡± ¡°Silence,¡± Valdrik snapped, his voice sharp as a blade. He turned back to Justin, his gaze cutting. ¡°And what of the fight itself? Do you truly have a plan to bring down Vorthyrn, or is this all just talk?¡± ¡°We do,¡± Justin said. ¡°The key is breaking the ice veil. We¡¯ve already done it once, and we can do it again. We won''t share that with you unless you make the agreement.¡± Valdrik¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, his expression hardening. "Well, I detect no lies in your words. I have my doubts, but let¡¯s see if we can work something out.¡± The debate dragged on for hours. Valdrik¡¯s party and Justin¡¯s group volleyed suggestions back and forth, each side digging in on key points. The main sticking issue was whether the contract should have a time limit¡ªand if so, what that limit should be. Rothian suggested two weeks, his tone smug, as if daring Justin to argue. Justin, however, demanded a deal in perpetuity. Eldrin proposed a compromise at one year, something Justin saw as acceptable. Valdrik finally allowed a one-month limit, though his patience was clearly wearing thin. Justin considered accepting¡ªRyak assured them they could reach Mont Elea in just under a month. But Eldrin wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°One month isn¡¯t enough with the onset of winter. Besides, there¡¯s nothing stopping the Baron from following us and stalling just long enough to corner us again.¡± Justin agreed, and they built in safeguards to address Eldrin¡¯s concerns, plus adding another month to the contract''s length. Still, Valdrik was growing visibly agitated, pacing like a caged predator. ¡°This is absurd,¡± he snarled, throwing up his hands. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to cripple myself with a contract that could backfire in ways you can¡¯t even comprehend. And I have my doubts that this skill of yours is even real. Even if it is, magical agreements are notoriously fickle. They always have unintended consequences¡ªand one that lasts in perpetuity, as you wish, is the worst kind of contract!¡± Justin rubbed his temples, exhaustion creeping into his voice. ¡°I¡¯ve already come down to two months before the contract dissolves. After that, any of us is fair game.¡± Gareth sneered. ¡°And what¡¯s to stop you from camping just outside Mont Elea the day before the contract ends?¡± ¡°That¡¯s already been addressed,¡± Lila cut in wearily. ¡°We¡¯ve agreed not to go within a hundred miles of Mont Elea until the contract dissolves.¡± "Five hundred miles," Gareth said coldly. "That blocks out half of Aranthia," Eldrin said. "One hundred. As agreed." ¡°And,¡± Justin added, ¡°the contract can be dissolved early by mutual consent. Once we¡¯re on more equal terms, Valdrik, we can renegotiate. But without this deal, we have no reason to help you or hand over the crystal. I can''t speak the rest of my party, but I fully intend to wash myself of this situation. The fact you even want a time limit tells me your intentions are ill.¡± "Ill?" Valdrik nearly spat. "The last thing I want to is to subject to any contract of such a nature. No one can say what the consequences will be, or what loopholes might be exploited." Finally, he shook his head, before giving a victorious smile. ¡°You know what? I don''t need to make a deal with you. Perhaps I cannot use violence against you, but I have...other means...of getting what I want." Before Justin could react, Valdrik uttered a quick incantation in Vranthillis. The air shimmered as an unseen force yanked Justin¡¯s pack from his shoulders. ¡°Hey!" Justin snapped. "Give that back! Valdrik rummaged through it with practiced ease. He found the glowing key crystal. the Deathkiss Dagger, and the Cryoshade Core. Valdrik smirked, holding up the dagger to inspect it. ¡°A fine piece. Suited perfectly for someone like me. Quite convenient that no one has cored it yet.¡± He sheathed it on his belt with a casual flourish before turning his attention to the summoning core. ¡°My, you have been busy!" "Don''t tell me you can use that thing." Valdrik''s smile only widened. "That''s the beauty of Vranthillis, Justin. It gives a little bit of everything." The bluish purple core brightened and seemed to melt into the Baron''s arm, lines of light tracing toward his sternum before they faded. Justin watched in barely suppressed rage. Valdrik gave an irritating smile. "My compliments." He straightened his coat. "Well, as you said earlier, the clock is ticking. I will not have this crystal lose power while we argue the day away." With a nod toward his companions, he walked toward the barrier, key crystal in hand. ¡°You¡¯re really going to fight Vorthyrn without us?¡± Justin asked, his voice sharp with disbelief. "You have nothing to shatter the veil!" ¡°I¡¯ll have to try,¡± Valdrik said. ¡°Unlike you, I don¡¯t rely on theatrics.¡± Kargan and Ryak exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, Ryak stepped forward. "I¡¯ll help. My ice magic may be limited against the drake, but I can cast shields to protect the party. I can''t stand by while this drake terrorizes my tribe." Justin¡¯s heart sank, though he couldn¡¯t blame Ryak. The man was doing what he thought was best for his tribe and was prepared to die for it. Kargan, meanwhile, looked torn. His gaze flicked between Valdrik and Justin, his internal struggle written on his face. ¡°Kargan,¡± Valdrik said, his voice almost gentle. ¡°You need not throw your life away. My offer still stands. The magic of Morvath and Nyriss both depends on the Nether. With my knowledge of Chaos Magic, I could teach you things no one else can. You¡¯d have a place at my side for as long as you wish. More than that, a community. Out there,¡± he gestured vaguely, ¡°you¡¯ll find only rejection.¡± Justin stepped forward, his voice firm. ¡°Kargan, you don¡¯t need him. You have us. Whatever the world thinks, we¡¯ve always had your back, and we always will. You don¡¯t need Valdrik¡¯s approval or anyone else¡¯s.¡± Kargan¡¯s shoulders slumped, his entire frame radiating uncertainty. Valdrik¡¯s expression grew more predatory, sensing that victory was within reach. ¡°Kargan,¡± the Baron said, his voice oozing false warmth, ¡°don¡¯t throw this chance away. You¡¯ve always been alone in this world. Why keep fighting that? Do you think these so-called friends of yours will stand by you when it matters? You know how this ends.¡± Justin frowned, stepping forward. ¡°What is he talking about, Kargan? What¡¯s he trying to twist here?¡± Kargan let out a heavy, pained sigh, the sound of it hitting Justin like a blow. He felt the weight Kargan carried¡ªa burden no one, let alone someone so young, should bear. Before Kargan could respond, Justin spoke up, his voice resolute. ¡°I don¡¯t care what happens, Kargan. I¡¯ve got your back. Valdrik is bad news. That much should be obvious to anyone. Do you want to end up like that guy?¡± He jabbed a finger in Rothian¡¯s direction. ¡°Hey!¡± Rothian snapped, his thin veneer of superiority cracking for a moment. Kargan gave a weak chuckle, shaking his head. His amber eyes glimmered with unshed tears as he turned back to Valdrik. ¡°I¡¯m staying with them, Baron,¡± he said. ¡°They¡¯re my people. Come what may.¡± Valdrik¡¯s smile faltered, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes before he regained his composure. His lips curved into a cold, calculated smirk. ¡°So be it. But don¡¯t expect mercy when the time comes." Without another word, Valdrik raised the glowing key crystal high. With a pulse of light, the magic barrier shimmered and dissolved, revealing a frozen passage carved into the heart of the glacier. Jagged icicles hung from the ceiling. Valdrik turned back, his expression unreadable. ¡°Last chance, Talemaker. Join me, and perhaps we all live to get out of this Vault. Or stay here, wallowing in your stubbornness, and wait for the inevitable.¡± Justin hesitated, his gaze flicking toward Eldrin. To his surprise, the Ranger offered no guidance, his brow furrowed in thought. For the first time, Justin realized they were equals now, at least in level. The realization was startling, a reminder that their survival no longer hinged on Eldrin¡¯s wisdom alone. Lila, standing to Justin¡¯s left, didn¡¯t speak. Her sharp green eyes were locked on Valdrik, her expression cold. Kargan, meanwhile, stood with his head hung low, battling his own inner turmoil. Justin straightened, his voice steady. ¡°All right. One month. All other terms the same." Valdrik flashed a sharp smile. "It''s too late for that, Justin. We''ll kill the drake, with or without your help. If you choose to help us? Well, I may be more merciful than you think." Justin met Valdrik¡¯s gaze, his tone hardening. ¡°Sorry. Not good enough. You¡¯re on your own.¡± The Baron scoffed. ¡°So be it." Gareth glowered beside his master. Wolfram had already begun scouting the icy path ahead, his sharp eyes scanning for threats. Rothian waddled after Valdrik with an air of reluctant loyalty, using his metal staff as a walking stick. Ryak hesitated for the briefest moment. He glanced back at Justin¡¯s group before giving a solemn nod and following the Baron. ¡°Traitor,¡± Lila spat under her breath, venom dripping from the word. Her eyes narrowed on Ryak¡¯s retreating back before turning to Justin. ¡°Now what?¡± Justin exhaled, forcing himself to focus. ¡°Plan B, I guess.¡± ¡°And Plan B is...?¡± "Plan B? Do the impossible, like always." "Justin...you know that''s not good enough." Eldrin stepped beside him, staring at the party ahead, who was now disappearing around a corner. "There always options for those who have eyes to see them." Kargan shook his head. "What if ends up killing the drake? They''ll get all the rewards while we get nothing. Not to mention that we''re as good as dead after." He looked at Justin. "The Baron''s got us, he knows it." "He doesn''t," Justin said. He remembered then that Kargan didn''t know as much as the rest of them. He explained how they defeated Rimefang, and how it would be impossible without Starlance. Kargan frowned as he considered this. "So, he''s bluffing." "I don''t think he''s willing to die," Justin said. "And if he is, then maybe he''ll weaken the drake enough for us to finish it off." "What''s our next move then?" Lila asked. "That tunnel is the only way forward. At some point, the Baron must know we''re going to follow him." "I don''t doubt that," Eldrin said. "The key lies in doing something that even the Baron can''t predict." "Like what?" Lila asked. "After hearing how you took care of Rimefang, I''ve been wondering. Maybe we can try something...similar." "Oh, no," Lila said. "You really think Justin can charm another drake? We don''t have Alden''s Heroic Aura anymore." "Maybe not," Eldrin said. "But one thing is for sure. If this works, the Baron will never see it coming." As Eldrin explained his idea, Justin''s eyes widened. It was either suicidal or a stroke of genius. Whatever it was, it was better than sitting still and dying. Name: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite (Gentleman Focus) Level: 13 Experience to Level 13: 827/4,600
Attributes: Power: 17 (10 + 7) Coordination: 15 (10 + 5) Endurance: 16 (10 + 6) Intellect: 14 (10 + 4) Perception: 14 (10 + 4) Charisma: 31 (24+ 7)
Stat-boosting Equipment: (Weapon) The Cane of the Drake: +6 Charisma, +2 Power (Chest Piece) The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: +1 Endurance, +1 Coordination. (Arm Piece) Squire¡¯s Armlet: +1 to Power. (Foot Piece) Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance. (Accessory) The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest base Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Highest base Attribute: Charisma (Base 24): +4 to Power, Coordination, Endurance, Intellect, and Perception.
Stat-boosting Skills: Stately Presence: +1 Charisma 101. A Strange Display Justin adjusted the straps of his pack as the party ventured deeper into the tunnel. It felt notably lighter without the key crystal, dagger, and summoning core. He was still fuming over the theft. It wasn''t that he could use the items; it was the principle of the matter. Not that he expected Valdrik to have honor. The air grew colder with every step. The frost-covered walls glittered faintly in the light cast by Justin''s cane. After walking for about fifteen minutes, they passed through a small chamber filled with piles of elemental dust. There were dozens of them, evidence that the Baron and his team had dispatched a large wave of elemental wraiths. "All this is worth a small fortune," Eldrin said, kneeling and brushing a gloved hand across the floor. "The burn marks here suggest fire magic. Rothian, no doubt.¡± Kargan glanced at Justin. ¡°They¡¯re clearing the way for us, at least." "We should keep moving," Lila said. They moved on, their steps crunching softly against the frost-covered path. The tunnel gradually widened, its ceiling rising to dizzying heights. The walls split into crisscrossing tunnels and pathways, forming an intricate labyrinth. Sunlight poured through the top. Clearly, they were at the bottom of a deep fissure within the glacier itself. ¡°It¡¯s like a honeycomb,¡± Lila said. "There''s no telling how far it goes.¡± "Or how deep," Kargan said glumly. Some of the tunnels were enormous, their icy archways towering overhead. Eldrin glanced at one of the larger paths and frowned. ¡°Big enough for a drake to pass through, I would think. It must have taken decades to carve all this out." Justin grimaced. ¡°Alden said Vorthyrn isn¡¯t as large as Rimefang. But he also said she''s more dangerous and could cast powerful magic." ¡°She¡¯s worse, no doubt,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°A smaller size only means she can maneuver more easily in these tunnels.¡± Kargan looked down the wider passage, his brow furrowed. ¡°She could ambush us anywhere. Maybe it''s safer to stick to the smaller ones for now." "Which way did the Baron go?" Lila asked. Eldrin shook his head. "No telling. Wolfram is giving them the benefit of Pathfinder''s Pace. Unfortunately, we just have to guess." "Maybe following them too closely isn''t the right move," Justin said. "It''s not them we''re after anyway." Eldrin nodded toward a smaller passage on the left. "This one will do as well as any." They followed the passage for a few minutes until it opened into an expanse that made a chill run down Justin''s spine. Two drakelings lay sprawled on the icy ground, their lifeless forms partially obscured by frost. Each was about ten feet in length, and their hides had lost their blue shimmer, having gone ghostly pale. The fire magic that killed them had scorched away their life and essence. ¡°Drakelings,¡± Lila said, approaching cautiously. ¡°These were young.¡± Justin¡¯s stomach tightened. ¡°We already killed her eldest son, and now Valdrik¡¯s group has taken out more of her family. She¡¯s not going to be happy to see us.¡± ¡°Where there¡¯s a female,¡± Eldrin said, standing back up, ¡°there¡¯s usually a male.¡± Kargan tilted his head. ¡°You think a male drake comes here? Maybe just to mate? The Vault description said nothing about that." "Males are solitary, from what I understand," Eldrin said. "Until they come of age, they live with their mother." "So, how many kids does she have?" Justin asked. "Seems she''s been busy." "Well, she''s been holed up here for centuries. There could potentially be dozens, if not hundreds, of drakes." Lila''s face went even paler than usual. "No wonder Ryak''s tribe is having problems hunting and fishing." Eldrin nodded. "We¡¯ll need to be ready for anything.¡± That was when Lila''s eyes seemed to catch something from one of the wider tunnels. ¡°You see that?¡± Justin wasn''t sure what she was talking about until he paid closer attention. On the icy floor, right at the tunnel''s entrance, was a circle filled with glowing red lines set in an intricate pattern. Their fiery red glow just made them stand out all the more. ¡°Don¡¯t get too close to that," Eldrin said sharply. He stepped in front of her, approaching until he was about ten feet away. ¡°What is it?¡± Justin asked. ¡°A glyph,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°From the color, I would guess it''s laced with Fire Magic. Step on it, and it¡¯ll go off in flames.¡± "Is it their plan to break the frost veil?" Justin asked. ¡°Depends on the strength of it,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Typically, traps like this hit much harder than a standard spell thrown in the heat of the moment. So, I think that''s a good possibility." "Either that," Lila said, "or they left it here to slow us down. Or even kill us outright." Justin frowned. ¡°That can''t be possible. We¡¯re in the same party. Wouldn''t that be considered an attack?¡± Eldrin shook his head. "The glyph isn¡¯t a direct attack¡ªit¡¯s just a magical hazard. Normally, these wouldn¡¯t glow so brightly. That''s because the person who cast it is a party member. If Rothian were hostile, we would not be able to see this trap so easily. Still, that won''t save us if we aren''t careful." Lila crossed her arms. ¡°That seems like a loophole for them to exploit.¡± ¡°It is,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Rare as they are, there can be gray areas to exploit, though they aren''t easy to find." He gave a rueful smile. "And who knows? Perhaps this glyph actually is meant for Vorthyrn and not for us." Justin studied the glowing glyph. ¡°Can we disable it? Maybe Kargan can stand a good distance away and let his ward touch it. Or use his Sacrificial Armor." "That might work," Eldrin said. "But is it worth the risk?" "I say we find another way around," Justin said. "But if they set up these glyphs in a certain way, it could be leading us down a path we never chose." "I''m all too aware," Eldrin said. "Let us proceed with caution." They pressed on, the icy tunnels stretching endlessly ahead. Every few minutes, they encountered another glyph glowing ominously on the ground. The designs varied, but each bore the same fiery hue. ¡°These aren¡¯t random,¡± Eldrin said, inspecting one of the glyphs from a safe distance. "Rothian is leading us by the nose,¡± Lila said. ¡°At Valdrik''s direction,¡± Justin added. ¡°They¡¯re forcing us into a funnel.¡± Kargan huffed, crossing his arms. ¡°Great. Let¡¯s walk straight into their trap, then. Brilliant.¡± Eldrin''s face was grim. "I see your point, but I have the feeling we have little choice. If we were to set one of them off, even if Kargan''s magic could block it, it would draw attention." Justin''s gaze narrowed as the next tunnel loomed ahead, their only option since the other two were covered by glyphs. It was long and straight, quickly lost to darkness.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Justin caught Eldrin''s eye, and the Ranger nodded, seeming to look to him to lead. It was a strange realization. While the battle plan had been Eldrin''s, it largely depended on Justin''s execution. Justin cleared his throat. "Let''s move." It only took a couple of minutes to reach the end of the tunnel. The walls widened dramatically into a massive chamber. The air felt charged, as if holding its breath. Jagged icicles hung from the ceiling, and frost covered the floor in uneven ridges. She had to be in here somewhere. Eldrin swept his gaze across the space, his bow in hand and an arrow nocked. ¡°The Baron?¡± Kargan whispered. Justin turned back, only to find a glowing barrier blocking the passage about thirty steps behind him. The surface was perfectly smooth, unnaturally so. Beyond that, there was no sign of Valdrik or his men. The others followed his gaze, Lila''s eyes widening. "Predictable," Kargan said. "And we walked right into it." "It doesn''t change the plan," Justin said. "In fact, it might only help us." "What if we need to retreat?" Kargan asked. Justin shook his head. "We lost that option the moment we stepped into this place." "Justin is right," Eldrin said. "They must have let us slip by at some point, then picked up our trail. Probably somewhere around the first glyph." Justin then saw the Baron''s plan. Let them start the fight. In a bid to survive, Lila would be forced to summon Starlance, hopefully bringing down the drake''s frost veil. At which point the Baron would join in. Assuming Vorthyrn fell, Justin and the rest would have no recourse, and the Baron would hold all the cards. But they still had one ace. Or perhaps more accurately, a Hail Mary pass. Justin headed back for the barrier, peering beyond it. His cane''s light didn''t reach far enough to illuminate the tunnel fully, but he knew the Baron was down that tunnel, watching. Calling for him would be pointless. The man was sure to ignore him and wait for Justin to dig his own grave. Of course, Elea''s Whisper was still active, but Justin saw no point. No need to bow and scrape to the man for mercy. Not yet, anyway. Justin invoked Elea¡¯s Whisper, so if the Baron was somehow using magic to listen to them, he wouldn''t hear a word. One by one, he spoke directly to his companions. He concentrated first on Lila. We¡¯re moving forward. Watch my back, and stay ready. Lila cracked a smile. It''s what I always do, isn''t it? He next focused on Eldrin. If the plan isn''t going to work, let me know as quickly as you can. Then we can call an audible. I haven''t heard that term, but I catch your drift. All we need is a bit of sunlight. Justin nodded, switching his thoughts to Kargan. Stick close to me. If this goes south, I¡¯ll need your Sacrificial Armor spell to tank the first hit. I''ve only got one dodge. I hope not to need it at all. This is foolhardy, Justin. There''s still time to go back to work with the Baron. Strike a deal. Justin almost wanted to consider it. And yet he would be doing so from a position of weakness. Whatever deal he cut with the Baron now, if any, would be worse than what he could have gotten earlier. It''s too late for that, Kargan. The plan will work. You''ll see. Kargan muttered something under his breath, but in the end, he gave a nod. Eldrin''s eyes met Justin''s. The Ranger nodded and stalked forward, arrow at the nock. It was time to find this drake. Clearly, from their conversation, the creature wasn''t in here, unless she was listening from the shadows somewhere. But Justin had the feeling they were getting close. As Justin walked behind Eldrin, he took in their surroundings. This chamber was vast, its high ceiling featuring small cracks that let in shafts of light, casting eerie patterns across the floor. Seeing it was open to the surface made Justin relax a little. They moved cautiously through the space, searching for anything that could give them an advantage. Toward the far side of the chamber, Lila found a cluster of three eggs. They were massive, each as tall as Justin¡¯s cane. Their shells shimmered with a faint blue light, and frost clung to their surfaces like a protective barrier. Justin suddenly felt very exposed. What mother would leave her eggs in the open like this, especially when she knew there were strangers in the Vault? Still, they were able to slip away unchallenged. Justin considered grabbing one of the eggs for a bit of leverage, but it was bulky and that just risked enraging Vorthyrn. Plus, how was he supposed to defend himself if he was lugging a giant egg? Near the back of the chamber, they found a massive opening in the ice. The tunnel beyond stretched upward, its walls smooth and wide. The sunlight was stronger toward the end. ¡°This is the main exit,¡± Eldrin whispered. "She must be out hunting." Justin nodded. ¡°We need to set up somewhere visible. Close to the eggs, but not too close." Kargan''s amber eyes, better attuned to the darkness, seemed to catch something on the opposite side of the chamber. "Something''s over there. Another passage." Justin had a bad feeling about that, but there was nothing to do but go forward and investigate. As they moved toward it, details resolved themselves, revealing a narrow crack in the icy wall. It looked far too small for a drake to fit through. In fact, it looked too small for a human to fit through. Faint light filtered through. ¡°Good thing you found this, Kargan," Eldrin said. "A place we can retreat to, potentially." Justin stepped forward, peering into the crack. ¡°Looks like it leads somewhere.¡± "Yeah," Lila said. "The drake''s mouth." ¡°Maybe,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°I think if she were here, she would have shown herself by now. Stay close. It¡¯s tight, but we can make it.¡± The passage was narrow and winding, the walls pressing in almost claustrophobically on all sides. Justin tried not to think of those stories of cave divers getting themselves stuck, doomed to die in the dark. The thought made his chest tighten, but he forced it down, focusing on the faint light flickering ahead. After what felt like an eternity, the passage widened, spilling them into a chamber that made Justin¡¯s breath catch in his throat. The walls shimmered with ice so clear it reflected their faces in perfect, warped detail. The ceiling featured a wide hole that let pale sunlight spill into the room. The air carried a biting chill, and every sound felt muted, swallowed by the cavernous space. At the center of the chamber, slightly below their vantage point, was a circular plateau on which sprawled Vorthyn''s hoard. It was a sea of gold, silver, and copper coins, gleaming faintly under the cold sunlight. Weapons and armor were scattered across the pile¡ªsome glowing faintly with enchantment, others bejeweled. There were swords, hammers, spears, and more. Shields were studded with gemstones. Orbs of various colors glowed in the loot. Class cores. And yet, Justin had eyes for only one thing. There, set atop a pedestal carved from black ice, was a pendant pulsing with sapphire light like a heartbeat. Its soft, azure glow washed over the chamber, despite its small size and the distance. Justin couldn''t make out the finer details, but there was no doubt. "The Star of Elara," he said. And yet, the treasure was out of reach. Between their vantage and the plateau lay an open expanse¡ªa bowl-like depression in the chamber floor. Its smooth surface, patched with ice, left nowhere to hide aside from a few scattered boulders. The cavern was so large that there was plenty of room above for a drake to maneuver. That wasn''t even counting various ledges in the chamber''s wall, where the drake could safely retreat if needed. Justin¡¯s gaze traveled up to the jagged edges of the plateau, to the opening above it. If the drake used the opening to fly in, she would have every advantage. There was no way in the Nether that they could even get close to that treasure without scaling the plateau. Worse, if they had to retreat into the fissure, it was too tight. The drake could easily freeze them with its frost magic. "It''s a death trap," Eldrin said. "We''re stuck here for good or for ill." Justin swallowed hard. "Remember the plan. Any updates, Eldrin?" His face firmed. "She''s coming. Get ready." Not a moment later, a guttural sound rolled through the chamber¡ªdeep and resonant, like distant thunder. Justin¡¯s heart seized as a shadow passed overhead, blotting out the light from the opening above. He looked up just as a shape swooped down, faster than his mind could process. Vorthyrn descended from above, landing in front of her hoard with a predator¡¯s grace. Her violet eyes, glowing like twin amethysts, picked them out instantly. She was smaller than Rimefang, perhaps half his size, but far more menacing. Her deep blue scales¡ªso dark they bordered on violet¡ªshimmered with frost. A faint, swirling cloud of icy mist clung to her body, coiling and shifting as if alive. Justin recognized it immediately: her frost veil that would make her practically invincible. Her wings unfurled, leathery and vast, a deliberate display of power. Jagged spikes ran down her spine, like shards of black ice. Her whip-like tail lashed the ground, its serrated spurs gouging deep furrows in the frozen floor. Her eyes glimmered with an unsettling intelligence. Justin¡¯s grip tightened on his cane. [Affinity Chosen: Nyriss¡¯ Frenzy. Your words spark passion and discord, boosting your ability to instill Berserk and Charm effects.] He flexed his arm, activating Dandy¡¯s Swagger¡ªthe signal that the madness was about to begin. He let his pack drop and shrugged off his parka. He spread his arms wide in a theatrical display, twirling his cane. He allowed a plume of frost breath to escape from the drake''s head. Lila¡¯s clear voice broke through the tension as she launched into Bardic Inspiration. The melody was the same as during the Rimefang fight, but it carried a sharper edge now, as if daring Vorthyrn to listen. Justin turned in place, his Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance flaring dramatically around him. The train whipped through the frosty air like a banner. He tipped his hat to the drake, letting a confident grin settle onto his face. He had to make himself believe one thing to the depths of his bones: confidence and a bit of theater could make even gods blink. He quickly checked his Charisma Attribute. With Lila¡¯s buff, Dandy''s Swagger, and his stat-boosting gear, it sat at 41¡ªhigher than it had ever gone before, even with Alden''s influence. He hoped that Nyriss'' Frenzy would lend an additional edge. And still, it might not be enough. Vorthyrn¡¯s talons coiled against the ground, ready to launch her forward as she let out a low growl. The frost veil thickened, swirling violently, as if responding to her building fury. There was no more time. Justin activated Dazzling Display. The chamber pulsed with sunny yellow light as he floated a few inches off the ground, the train of his coat billowing outward. For the briefest moment, Justin felt the mantle of the role settle over him¡ªone of his favorite actors playing his favorite superhero of all time. His voice rang out, booming and clear, echoing through the cavern like a royal decree. ¡°Vorthyrn! I¡¯ve come to bargain!¡± The words hung in the air, reverberating off the frozen walls. Vorthyrn¡¯s eyes narrowed, her head tilting slightly as if appraising him. Her wings lowered an inch, but the frost veil swirled tighter, crackling faintly with cold magic. Justin¡¯s pulse pounded in his ears. If this worked, he would have to thank Benedict Cumberbatch later. The drake had heard him. Now, she would decide if he lived long enough to say another word. 102. In the Grip of Talons Vorthyrn¡¯s violet eyes narrowed, frost swirling around her body like a living aura. Her voice rumbled through the chamber, low and threatening. ¡°Why should I entertain your words, pitiful human? You, who have killed my son? You, who have ransacked my home? You, who would rob me of my treasures? Why should I not destroy you where you stand? You stand before Vorthyrn the Frostbound. I''m of the eldest line of drakes birthed by the union of Ulthara and Elea, before even the foundations of Eyrth were laid by the Creator and the Six. My magic is the same as theirs, unfettered, unbridled. Speak, since you have begged me for this honor!" Justin held his ground, though his heart hammered in his chest. He kept his tone even. ¡°As for your son, Rimefang, I had no choice. He attacked us, and if there had been any other way, I would have taken it. If it¡¯s any consolation, he fought bravely and nearly bested us in the end." The drake¡¯s wings flared slightly, sending a gust of icy air across the chamber. ¡°You expect me to believe that after trespassing into my domain and taking what was mine? And you think you can bargain with me on equal terms! It was not your actions that sealed Rimefang''s doom, but that of Alden Starfire. Even if you, or one of your companions, wield his lance, its power will not avail you. I will smite you where you stand!¡± Justin knew it wasn''t going to be easy, but he had to try. ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to believe me, but hear me out. A deal with me is for your good as much as ours. We didn¡¯t come here to fight you, and I don¡¯t want to fight you now. I''m a Gentleman, with access to a Mythic Boon called Upon my Word as a Gentleman. Whatever deal you strike with me is guaranteed by the Creator himself. But the Baron and his men? They¡¯re tearing through your den as we speak, killing your brood. He''s the true enemy and he''s not to be underestimated." Vorthyrn hissed, her frost veil surging. Her tail lashed the ground, spraying chips of ice in their direction. Only a hastily conjured Ward of Aegis on Kargan''s part saved them. ¡°You think I''m ignorant of them, pitiful mortal? They are no different from any other invader. They seek what is mine, and they will die for it. Just like you." ¡°Not if you¡¯re overwhelmed.¡± Justin spread his arms, his voice rising. ¡°If you let us leave, we won¡¯t join forces with him and will leave you all your treasures untouched. We can''t bring the dead back to life, but we can stop the damage. But if you kill us, don''t think he isn''t capable of doing the same to you. At any moment, he will be here. Our combined powers would be more than your match, because there is still something you don''t know. Something that could tip the balance entirely, beyond your reckoning. The faster you let us leave, the faster you can go after Valdrik before he kills every one of your children." Vorthyrn tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze flicking between Justin and his companions. She let the silence linger, her cold scrutiny pressing down on them like a weight. ¡°It is your nature to bargain,¡± she said finally. ¡°I sense your core, that which was gifted to you by Zephyron, God of Charisma. Your words are charming, and you speak as if you know my nature." Vorthryn stretched her neck forward, and Justin was reminded greatly of a cobra about to strike. "But do you, really? Do you understand what it means to be a drake? Do you know why I''m here rather than protecting my beloved brood?" Justin hesitated, unsure of her intent. ¡°I can''t be sure of that. Like you said, I don''t know your nature. All I want is for us to get out of here alive. I would think you want the same, too." Vorthyrn¡¯s screech, what Justin took for a draconic laugh, echoed through the chamber. ¡°You think my children compare to my hoard? Foolish creature! Maybe if it weren''t for the Sapphire Star, the Ascendant Artifact of Eyrth! It is everything. The greater my treasure, the stronger my power, the more my bloodline thrives. This is the way of all drakes. I would sooner see my brood destroyed than lose the Sapphire Star. Do you take me for a fool?" Vorthyrn¡¯s wings lowered slightly. Her frost veil pulsed. ¡°This is the balance. To abandon the Sapphire Star for the lives of mere drakelings, even one such as Rimefang? It is impossible.¡± Justin clenched his fists. ¡°If that¡¯s true, then why not take the easy path? Let us leave. If you¡¯re the Vault¡¯s master, you can end this now. Allow us to leave, and the Baron will be forced into a battle he cannot win. You keep the Sapphire Star and rebuild. It may take centuries, but the alternative is losing the very thing your heart desires most." The drake¡¯s tail lashed again, her gaze locking onto Justin. ¡°And why would I do that? Do you esteem my power so little?¡± Justin turned and nodded at Lila. She raised her right hand, summoning Starlance. The spear of pure fire materialized with a flash, casting brilliant rays that pierced the frost-laden gloom of the chamber. Vorthyrn, despite herself, shirked back and let out a low hiss. ¡°I think you know this weapon,¡± Lila said. ¡°It''s Starlance. Wielded by Alden Starfire himself. In it is all his wrath to take back what once belonged to Elara, whom you robbed. That we even give you this opportunity to make a deal is a mercy. You know your shield cannot stand against it." The drake''s frost veil rippled violently. ¡°A relic of Starfire,¡± she growled. ¡°You think that will save you? Alden has faded from this realm, fallen to my son. A worthy sacrifice. Starlance is weak without one of his line to wield it." Justin held back the information about Lila''s lineage. They had decided that Vorthryn wouldn''t believe it, and if it came to blows, the information would only make Lila a target. And Lila could not be made a target for the plan to work. Justin stepped forward. "Whatever the case, with Valdrik and his men, plus Starlance, your odds don¡¯t look so good. Why take the risk?" Vorthyrn tilted her head again, considering. For a moment, Justin thought she might relent. But then he fell to the ground, stumbling a bit. The tail of Justin''s coat stopped flapping, a sign that his Dazzling Display had ended. Vorthyrn blinked, surprised, before her amethyst eyes narrowed in anger, her frost veil surging again. ¡°You have made a grave mistake. I see no Valdrik here. You are alone, and I tire of this useless prattle. Time for you to die." "Prepare yourselves," Eldrin said. "This isn''t over yet!" Vorthyrn leaped off the edge of the plateau, going in for the attack. As Kargan deployed a Ward of Aegis, Justin switched Affinities. [Affinity chosen: Vorthak''s Flame.] "Plan B!" he shouted. "I thought we were on Plan C now," Lila said. The warm flames wrapped him in their familiar embrace. They would at least protect him from freezing, and hopefully stave off some of the damage caused by Vorthyrn''s frost breath. Now, it was a not so simple game of staying alive. But that was when something happened that Justin didn''t expect. A rumble echoed through the chamber like distant thunder. From Vorthyrn''s hesitation and her slight turning, Justin knew she wasn''t the source. There was a moment''s pause, as if time itself stood still, before all was chaos. From hidden holes in the shadows of the cavern, drakelings poured into the chamber. Their high screeches split the air. First, there were just a few, but then there were dozens.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "That''s it," Kargan said despondently. "Let''s make it a battle for the ages." Justin watched the drakelings closely. Their movements were wrong¡ªstiff, jerky. Many had open wounds, burn marks, and even tattered wings. Tendrils of dark violet magic wrapped around their forms, their eyes glowing an eerie, lifeless white. Vorthyrn screamed, her roar shaking the cavern. Frost exploded outward from her body as her brood swarmed her. They flew in suicidal attacks, pummeling her sides, landing hits, biting deep into her scales. They fell by the dozens as Vorthyrn shrugged them off, blasted them with her ice magic, stopping them dead and causing them to crash to the floor. One after another, their frozen bodies crashed and split into thousands of glittering shards. Justin''s eyes were drawn high above, where on a ledge not too far from their own, stood Valdrik and his crew. Rothian was already slinging fireballs, while Ryak was casting ice shields to form something of a barrier. The Baron''s eyes were closed, uttering incantations and controlling his undead thralls with his staff raised high. Justin almost turned his attention from them¡ªat best, they would be a distraction. But two members of his party were missing: Gareth and Wolfram. Vorthyrn reared back, her wings flapping furiously as she continued to lash out at the undead drakelings. Her frost breath surged forward, freezing some of them mid-flight. But others kept coming, their violet tendrils twisting unnaturally. About half of them were dealt with, so there wasn''t much time. Lila¡¯s voice was sharp. ¡°Eldrin, why are we still standing here? Is the plan still on?" Rather than answer, Eldrin raised closed his eyes. Justin squinted his eyes toward the roof of the cavern, where the entrance lay open to the air. And there, he saw him. Shadowflight. He dove from above, letting out a high shriek that pierced the din of battle. For all the speed of drakes, they had nothing on the black falcon, moving so quickly with talons extended that Justin could hardly believe it. But the bird was not diving for Vorthyrn, who was now mopping up the last of the drakelings. It was moving for something else entirely. Several things happened at once. Two figures appeared on the plateau, apparently coming out of hiding: Gareth the Shadowblade, who had been invisible near a boulder, and Wolfram, who had similarly melted into his surroundings. Justin knew why they were there. They had the same idea as them: distract the drake, grab the Star of Elara. And both of them realized what the falcon was doing. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. The falcon fell toward its target, a perfect picture of predatory majesty; Gareth sprinted forward, curved blade unsheathed, as quick as a shifting shadow; Wolfram launched one of his bladed discs to bring down the bird. Justin wanted to scream, though nothing came out. Would all their well-laid plans be foiled so easily? But Justin had underestimated Shadowflight. Its wings widened as it easily snatched the amulet with a screech. Wolfram''s disc flew directly under the bird, while Gareth''s blade went wide. The Shadowblade whirled, throwing out a pale hand and casting some sort of slowing spell. It was a direct hit. Shadowflight''s wings began flapping in slow motion, but he managed to stay aloft. The Star hung precariously from his talons. Vorthyrn began ignoring the drakelings attacking her and instead focused on Shadowflight. The Baron, too, stopped bidding his minions to attack teh drake, instead sending them after the bird. Eldrin was firing arrows as fast as he could. Every single one met a drakeling that got too close to his falcon. Wolfram by now was launching disc after disc at the slowed bird, which was flying a zigzag pattern through a chaotic air battle. One of the discs seemed to strike a wing, a near miss that sent a few black feathers spinning wildly. A plume of frost breath, courtesy of Vorthryn, blasted toward the bird. Shadowflight entered a quick dive, an intentional dodge, barely missing the attack. Shadowflight was close enough for Justin to see frost forming on his black feathers. Thankfully, Gareth''s slowing spell petered out and Shadowflight flapped furiously to make up ground. None of his assailants could hope to keep up. "Come on!" Justin said. This entire time, Vorthyrn had been shooting frost from her maw. She swiveled her neck toward Shadowflight, who was raced against the column of deadly frost magic. The column that was also heading directly toward them. "Prepare for impact!" Kargan shouted. Just twenty feet from reaching them, the wave of frost blasted Shadowflight with a squawk that sent him tumbling. The Star came loose, and Justin could see it falling just as the frost breath blasted against Kargan''s ward. Such was the power that it sent Justin flying. His Vorthak''s Flame kept him warm, but he couldn''t be sure of the others'' fates. Visibility was nothing, as if he were in the throes of a blizzard mixed with a hurricane. It reminded him of that fateful day months ago when he had been swept up in that twister. He had been so sure he would die then, just as he was sure he was about to die now. What seemed like an eternity later, Justin landed hard, the impact sending a jolt of white-hot pain through his side. His ribs screamed in protest, and he could taste copper in his mouth¡ªblood. His left arm throbbed with a sharp, searing ache. Likely fractured. His right knee protested fiercely as he tried to push himself up. For a moment, all he could do was lie there, gasping, his breath fogging in the cold air. That was when a flash of yellow light pulsed from his left hand. Instantly, a sharp coolness spread throughout his body. His arm immediately went numb, then mended. His ribcage convulsed, while his knee buckled. It was as if an invisible hand had twisted various bones and joints from the inside out. But once all was said and done, he could more or less move with only a residual ache left behind. He had known, deep down, his new ring would save his life. He rolled onto his stomach, surveying his surroundings. He was on a frost-coated ledge: narrow, jagged, and precariously high above the cavern floor. Rocks dislodged by his landing tumbled, the echoes of their descent swallowed by the chaos of battle. The Star. He needed to find the Star. Nothing else mattered. Justin¡¯s eyes darted frantically. His heart sank when he saw Shadowflight lying about thirty feet away on a separate ledge that would be quite the jump to reach. The falcon¡¯s black feathers were matted with blood and frost, his breaths shallow. His sharp eyes remained open, glinting with fierce determination as he fixed his gaze on him. And there it was. Just beyond the bird, the Star of Elara rested on the precipice of the ledge, dangerously close to falling. Its sapphire light pulsed faintly, casting an otherworldly glow across the rocks. Justin dragged himself forward, his body screaming in protest. Despite the healing of the Ring of Regeneration, everything still hurt. He could hear the Baron¡¯s shouts and Vorthyrn¡¯s enraged roars. They were both fighting each other, but he knew it wouldn¡¯t last. Soon, one of them, or both, would come for the Star¡ªand for him. With a strength he didn¡¯t know he had, Justin forced himself onto his knees, then to his feet. Every step was agony, but he pushed forward. He was tempted to switch to Lathalon''s Grace for extra healing, but he knew he was dead if Vorthyrn unleashed her fury upon him again. Shadowflight let out a weak, high-pitched cry¡ªan encouragement, a command to keep going. Justin clenched his teeth, ignoring the pain. His friends depended on him. He had to believe they were alive, holding their own against the chaos. He had to trust them. ¡°It¡¯s not over,¡± Justin muttered to himself. ¡°Not until I say it is.¡± Before he could doubt himself, he ran and leaped the chasm between the two ledges. He landed hard, within feet of Shadowflight. He stumbled once, his heart lurching as he almost fell, but he caught himself and pressed on. Ahead, the Star of Elara gleamed like a beacon. Its sapphire surface shimmered with inner light, the edges fracturing into streaks of blue that danced across the icy walls. The closer he got, the more its beauty became clear. The craftsmanship was beyond mortal comprehension. It was as if a divine hand had carved it from the heart of a glacier. And within it, he could see every color of the rainbow, almost as if it were a Prismatic Core. As Justin reached for it, his eyes caught movement in its reflection. Vorthyrn was hurtling toward him, her violet eyes locked onto the Star. Behind her, Valdrik was levitating, his staff blazing with violet light as he closed in. It occurred to him that it was an amulet. He was already wearing an amulet, one that he couldn''t remove, so the System shouldn''t allow him to wield the Star. But he didn''t let the realization stop him. He had to try, even if it wasn''t possible. Even if it wasn''t part of the plan. Lila was supposed to use the Star, not him. She was the one with Starlance, the only one who could bring down the drake''s frost veil, the only one with the ability to summon Alden to help, if necessary. No one knew what the Star of Elara did, only that it had unbelievable defensive properties. Whatever the case, it was their only chance to survive. It has to be me, Justin thought. Vorthyrn¡¯s roar was deafening, her frost breath already beginning to swirl and blast him. His Vorthak''s Flame flared brighter, absorbing the attack. He had been right not to switch to Lathalon''s Grace. The knockback effect of the previous attack had been a result of Kargan''s ward breaking, not the breath itself. Justin¡¯s hand clenched around the Star, his heart pounding as the System prompt flared in his vision. [Warning: Binding this the Sapphire Star of Eyrth will permanently alter your core. Proceed?] Justin closed his eyes, his voice steady despite the chaos bearing down on him. ¡°Yes.¡± 103. The Realm Between Worlds In the next moment, everything went dark. Justin couldn¡¯t see or hear anything. It was as if he were nothing more than a consciousness floating in a void. Was he dead? Had the drake''s ice breath ended him somehow before the Sapphire Star¡¯s effects took hold? The thought twisted his stomach¡ªor what would have been his stomach if he could feel his body at all. Then, a single line in the System¡¯s font blazed across his vision. [Core Alteration in Progress. Recalibration Required...] Slowly, a scene materialized before him. It was far from what he had expected. The first thing he noticed was the light¡ªharsh fluorescents that stung his nonexistent eyes. The ceiling above him was sterile white, interrupted by a grid of tiles and a small vent humming softly. The smell hit him next: antiseptic, sharp, and faintly metallic. Then, the sounds¡ªmachines beeping rhythmically, their screens glowing with data he couldn¡¯t understand. His gaze fell to the hospital bed in the center of the room, its occupant a pale, auburn-haired figure surrounded by tubes and wires. The figure¡¯s chest rose and fell faintly, in time with the hiss of a ventilator. Monitors beside the bed displayed vital signs in green lines that spiked and fell in a steady rhythm. Justin¡¯s stomach dropped as he realized it was himself. He wanted to scream, to deny the sight, but he had no voice. He was nothing more than a ghost¡ªa powerless observer trapped in this surreal dream. Or was it a dream? Maybe it was reality. That was when he saw her. A woman sat in a chair beside the bed, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She was in her late forties, her face lined with the weight of too many sleepless nights. Her hair, once the same auburn as his, was streaked with gray and pulled back into a loose bun. Her clothes¡ªa faded sweater and worn jeans¡ªhung awkwardly on her thin frame, as if she had been skipping meals. Her eyes, deep brown and rimmed with red, were fixed on his unconscious face. Mom. Justin¡¯s heart twisted at the sight of her. She looked older than he remembered, so much more fragile. He tried to call out to her, but no sound came. Panic clawed at him as he fought to make her see him, but it was useless. He was just a phantom. She shifted in her chair, leaning forward to brush a strand of hair from his forehead. Justin¡¯s chest tightened. This couldn¡¯t be real. None of this made sense. He turned his attention back to the figure in the bed¡ªhis body. It hit him like a cold slap: Eyrth, the drake, the Sapphire Star...had it all been a dream? A figment of his comatose mind, a way for his brain to keep itself occupied while his body clung to life. None of what he had just experienced was real. The friendships, the level-ups, the adventures...even the fear and the sorrow. This had been what was real all along. Somehow, he had known it deep down, but he had refused to fully believe it. The thought sent a wave of vertigo crashing over him. He couldn¡¯t stay here, trapped in limbo. He had to wake up. He had to make it real. Wake up. The words became a mantra in his mind, a desperate plea that reverberated through the void. He focused every ounce of his will on reconnecting to his body, on breaking through the barrier that separated him from the waking world. The effort felt like trying to move mountains, but slowly, agonizingly, something shifted. A flicker of sensation in his fingertips. The faint awareness of weight in his limbs. His mother was standing now, pulling her coat over her shoulders, preparing to leave. No! The word thundered in his mind. With a final surge of will, he snapped back into his body. His eyelids fluttered open, the light stabbing into his retinas. His chest rose sharply as he sucked in a ragged breath, the ventilator hissing and beeping in protest. ¡°Justin?¡± The voice startled him. It was familiar yet distant, as if he were hearing it underwater. His vision blurred as his head turned toward the source. It was her. Mom. She was leaning over him, her face a mixture of joy and disbelief. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her hands hovered, unsure whether to touch him or to call for help. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± she said, her voice trembling. ¡°My God, I can¡¯t believe it!¡± She wrapped her arms around him, careful not to disturb the tangle of wires and tubes. Her embrace was warm, but it was the emotion in her voice that struck him the hardest. ¡°I thought we had lost you." His throat felt raw, like sandpaper. He tried to speak, but all that came out was a hoarse croak. His mother quickly reached for a pitcher on the bedside table, pouring water into a small cup and holding it to his lips. ¡°Slowly,¡± she said, guiding him as he took a sip. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat, allowing him to speak a single word. ¡°Mom?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me,¡± she said, smiling through her tears. ¡°Oh, Justin, I thought I¡¯d lost you. That tornado¡­it came out of nowhere. You¡¯ve been in a coma for three months. I didn¡¯t know if you¡¯d ever wake up.¡± The memory hit him like a punch to the gut. The storm, the deafening roar, the sensation of being lifted off the ground, and then...darkness. And after that, Eyrth. The frost-covered caverns, the gleam of Vorthyrn¡¯s violet eyes, the Star¡¯s sapphire light. Lila¡¯s laughter, her steady presence... Had any of it been real? His chest tightened as despair welled up. The vertigo returned, stronger this time. If none of it had been real, then what was he left with? A shattered body and a world that had moved on without him? ¡°You¡¯re overwhelmed,¡± his mother said gently. ¡°That¡¯s okay. Just take it easy. You¡¯re safe now.¡± Safe? Justin wasn¡¯t so sure about that. He still had trouble believing this was happening. At last, he managed to speak. "They...they need me." Justin tried to sit up, but his body felt heavy and sluggish. His mother gently pushed him back down, not seeming to hear him. ¡°Don¡¯t rush it. The doctor will be in soon to check on you. He''ll explain everything." He nodded absently, his eyes scanning the room. It was a standard hospital room¡ªclean, orderly, unremarkable. He had to get back. This place wasn''t real. Aranthia, Kaldrath, Windfall. Those were real places. Had he gone mad? He wanted to close his eyes to go back. Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered. ¡°Justin...I''ve had so much time to think. You''re all I have left in this world. And you...you''ve been through so much, too. It''s a new start...isn''t it?" Justin frowned. His memories felt fragmented and jumbled. "It must be close to Christmas," he said carefully. "Yes," she confirmed. Justin''s chest tightened. "Christmas has always been a hard time of year." She looked annoyed. ¡°Where is that nurse?" She turned back to him, offering a smile. "You just rest, okay? Be right back.¡± As she left the room, Justin¡¯s gaze shifted to the machines beside him. Their displays flickered, briefly showing lines of text that made no sense. It was like trying to read a language he vaguely understood. His heart raced as he thought about his mother''s words. She had said it was Christmas, but it had been May when that tornado hit. And she had confirmed it had been three months. It had been his test to see if this was real or something in his head. If this wasn''t real, then what was it? Some conjuration of the Baron or Vorthryn, perhaps? He should have been immune to Mind Control, but maybe this was something else entirely. Perhaps his top hat had fallen off when Kargan''s ward broke. Or had he simply misremembered his previous life? How could he trust his own memories, especially after getting knocked out by a tornado? Maybe it had happened in September. Certainly, his body didn''t seem to be injured too badly, though he would most certainly be atrophied from lying in bed for so long. He looked toward the window, hoping for some clarity, but the stars outside were eerily static, as if painted onto the night sky. ¡°This can''t be real,¡± he muttered. But his mind was so fuzzy that he couldn''t be sure of anything. The beeping of the machines seemed to grow louder, almost mocking him. Justin clenched his fists. He looked back out at the night sky, noticing something strange. A bright blue star that did not exist in his own world. Elara''s Star, here? Justin lay back, defeated, his head spinning, his body too exhausted to do anything but surrender to the moment. He felt like a hollow shell, his thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. Drawing breath, even with the ventilator, was a monumental task. The door opened, and his mother returned with two nurses in tow. The first nurse was a short woman with a no-nonsense air, her graying hair pulled into a tight bun and a clipboard clutched to her chest. Her movements were brisk and efficient. The second nurse, a younger man, had an easy smile and dark, curly hair. His warm brown eyes radiated kindness as he wheeled in a machine to check Justin¡¯s vitals. ¡°Welcome back, Justin,¡± the younger nurse said cheerfully, his tone as bright as the fluorescent lights above. ¡°You gave everyone quite a scare.¡± The older nurse glanced up from her clipboard. ¡°I¡¯ll say. Three months in a coma and you¡¯re still managing to look better than most people after a weekend bender.¡± Justin forced a weak smile, his energy too sapped for much else. He mumbled something noncommittal as they checked his blood pressure, adjusted his IV, and took note of the machines'' readings. Their chatter felt like background noise, like a distant radio station barely tuned in. Finally, the older nurse straightened up, setting her clipboard aside. ¡°How are you feeling, Justin?¡± For some reason, it was easy for him to grasp the words. ¡°Better." The lie rolled off his tongue with ease. He had no strength for an interrogation, not now. The older nurse nodded. ¡°Doctor Evans will be in shortly, along with Miss Harper, your physical therapist. She won¡¯t be starting your therapy until morning, though. Try to get some rest in the meantime, yeah?¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Justin replied, his voice faint. His mother lingered for a moment as the nurses left, offering an apologetic smile. ¡°I need to step out for a bit, sweetheart. I¡¯ll be back soon, I promise. Just¡­rest, okay?¡± Justin hesitated. If his suspicion was right, this might be the last time he saw her, possibly forever. The thought hit him like a gut punch, and he clenched his fists against the sheets.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Mom,¡± he said, his voice raw. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Her expression softened, and she came back to his bedside, taking his hand. ¡°Sorry for what?¡± ¡°For¡­wasting so much time. Before the storm, before all this, I didn¡¯t do anything. I just let myself¡­disappear.¡± She gave him a sad, tender smile. ¡°Oh, Justin. None of that matters. You¡¯re here now. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve ever wanted. You have the rest of your life ahead of you. It''s never too late to start living.¡± He held her gaze, memorizing every line of her face, every flicker of emotion in her eyes. ¡°Thanks, Mom.¡± ¡°Get some rest. Be back soon.¡± She kissed his forehead and left the room, her footsteps fading down the corridor. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving him alone with his thoughts. Justin waited a moment, ensuring no one was coming back. Then, with a grunt, he swung his legs over the side of the bed. The action was instinctual, impulsive. He hadn¡¯t even thought about whether it was possible. The effort should have left him breathless. Instead, his legs obeyed¡ªbut the moment he tried to stand, dizziness hit him like a wave. His vision swam, and he braced himself against the bed¡¯s edge, his breath coming in shallow gasps. It¡¯s not real, he thought. I shouldn¡¯t be able to do this. As if in response to the doubt, his legs wavered beneath him, the weakness returning with a vengeance. Justin clutched the mattress, struggling to stay upright. Panic flared in his chest. What was happening? Why had his strength vanished? No. Stop. You¡¯re fine. You can do this. He steadied his breathing, forcing the thought into his mind like a mantra. Slowly, the trembling in his legs subsided. Strength trickled back, cautious and hesitant, as if it needed his permission to remain. Justin frowned, testing the theory. He shifted his weight onto one leg, willing it to be strong and steady. It held. A small victory. Encouraged, he straightened, imagining himself fully capable and untethered by months of atrophy. He took a hesitant step forward, then another. His movements grew smoother, more confident with each thought. The room tilted slightly, but he fought the sensation back, focusing instead on strength, health, and capability. This shouldn¡¯t be possible. But it was. With every step, his thoughts became commands, reshaping his reality in real time. The ache in his joints disappeared. The sluggishness in his movements faded. By the time he reached the door, Justin felt¡­fine. More than fine. He felt whole. He glanced down at his hands, flexing his fingers. They moved with ease, with no trace of the frailty he should have felt after three months in a coma. ¡°This isn¡¯t real,¡± he whispered, the words breaking the silence. "But if it¡¯s not real...what is it?¡± He opened the door cautiously and peered into the hallway. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, casting their harsh glow over a corridor devoid of life. No doctors. No patients. Just an endless stretch of white walls and closed doors. He stepped into the hall, his bare feet making no sound against the linoleum. Room after room passed, each identical, each disturbingly silent. His unease grew with every step; his pulse quickened. Something was definitely off about this place. He stopped suddenly, catching his reflection in the polished glass of a nearby window. His breath caught. There, perched atop his head, was his top hat. The one he¡¯d taken from Lord Harrington. And not only that, but the brilliant blue of the Sapphire Star, along with the six-jeweled Amulet of Equilibrium. It was a strange juxtaposition with his hospital gown. His eyes drifted to his face. It was leaner, sharper, almost aristocratic¡ªcloser to the face he had seen in his reflection in Eyrth. Not the face he had worn in his old life. It was him, but it also wasn''t him. How had his mother even recognized him? His heart pounded in his chest. He touched the brim of the hat, his fingers trembling. This was not a hospital. Not a reality he could trust. At last, Justin entered an empty atrium and approached a pair of sliding doors with an EXIT sign glowing faintly above them. Beyond the glass, he could see a mostly empty parking lot illuminated by cold, fluorescent streetlights. In the distance, several skyscrapers loomed. One of them was unmistakable¡ªDevon Tower, the tallest building in Oklahoma City. The sight should have comforted him, but instead, it filled him with unease. Had they transported him here for recovery? Or had this dream¡ªor whatever it was¡ªchosen this location to make the scenario more convincing? He hesitated at the threshold, the cool air from the automatic doors brushing his face. Maybe stepping outside would offer clarity. Maybe it would prove that this was real. He stepped forward, ready to enter the parking lot when a soft voice spoke from behind him. It had an unearthly calm and a melodic resonance, like the first notes of a symphony. ¡°Justin.¡± The single word stopped him cold. It wasn¡¯t commanding, but it wasn¡¯t to be ignored either. Justin whirled around, his heart lurching¡ªnot in fear, but in awe. It was a woman, radiant beyond description. Her presence seemed to fill the sterile hallway with a gentle light. She wore a gown of shimmering blue, adorned with stars that shifted as if alive. In her dark hair rested a single flower, glowing softly. Justin exactly what it was, though he had never seen one. The starflower''s petals were a deep violet, almost black, the edges lightening to the faintest blue. At its center, a soft golden light pulsed gently, reminiscent of a twinkling star. Her blue-eyed gaze seemed to hold the weight of eons. ¡°You''re Elara,¡± Justin breathed, the name coming unbidden to his lips. "Elara Starfire." She straightened, her movements fluid and unhurried, as though she had all the time in the universe. Her melodic voice carried an almost hypnotic quality. ¡°Justin. The one who dares bind my Star." Justin¡¯s throat tightened. He looked between her and the EXIT sign. ¡°What is this? Where am I?¡± Elara tilted her head slightly, studying him. ¡°You are at a crossroads. This place, this moment, is an intermediary. Few have tread here, except in death. It has been called ''The Realm Between Worlds.'' The Star of Elara is no ordinary artifact. Its power has brought you here to decide your fate.¡± Justin¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Decide my fate?¡± Elara nodded, her expression calm yet enigmatic. ¡°Beyond those doors lies your old life. The world you knew, free of Eyrth, free of the struggle of which you''ve found yourself a part. Out there lies your home, your family, your comforts. It is as real as you will make it.¡± Justin¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°As I¡¯ll make it? What does that even mean?¡± She stepped closer, her presence almost overwhelming in its serenity. ¡°Reality is shaped by thought, Justin. By belief. What you lived before was no more or less real than this. This place, your old world¡ªit is all the same in essence. The mind is the architect. The Star offers you the chance to return, to create what you desire.¡± He shook his head, backing away slightly. ¡°But my friends¡ªLila, Eldrin, Kargan. If I leave¡­¡± ¡°They remain,¡± Elara said gently. ¡°They are as real¡ªor as ephemeral¡ªas you deem. The decision is yours to make.¡± Justin stared at the glowing EXIT sign, the faint outline of the parking lot and the Oklahoma City skyline visible through the glass. He turned back to Elara. ¡°Was it all just a dream?" "Was it?" Elara asked, her smile playful. "Have you considered the alternative?" "What alternative?" "That your world is the dream. And in any case, what reality isn''t a dream? Why is anything here at all? Power lies in perception, where we choose to turn our attention. Does it not?" Justin found he was in no mood for riddles. "So I can leave and go back to Earth through these doors. And if I stay? What happens then?¡± Her gaze softened, though her voice carried a somber note. ¡°You face the trials ahead. The Vault, the drake, the Baron. Death may come for you, but so might triumph. That is the nature of Creation. It is harsh, but it is also alive, vibrant, and full of purpose. And make no mistake...it is very real. Perhaps what you truly seek lies within it.¡± Justin took a step forward, his chest tightening. ¡°You¡¯re saying it¡¯s my choice. That all this¡ª¡± he gestured around him, ¡°¡ªdepends on me?¡± Elara inclined her head. ¡°All things do. The mind is boundless, and the Star has given you the power to transcend limits. Choose, Justin. But know this: once you step through those doors, there is no going back.¡± Her words hung in the air. Justin¡¯s heart pounded as he stared at the EXIT, the possibilities swirling in his mind like a storm. He turned back to Elara, his voice trembling. ¡°If I go¡­will I remember any of this?" Elara¡¯s expression softened. ¡°At first, perhaps. But in time, as a dream fades with the morning, so too will these memories. You will return changed by the journey, in ways you cannot yet comprehend. Even if the details blur, the essence of what you have learned will remain.¡± His chest tightened, his mind grasping at the fleeting images of Lila¡¯s laughter, Eldrin¡¯s steady guidance, and Kargan¡¯s unwavering loyalty. Would those connections truly dissolve, leaving only faint impressions he could never grasp again? Could he bear to let them go, even if it allowed him to return to the life he once knew? "Am I really in a coma like that? Or was I shown this because the idea has occurred to me before? Or have I been dead all along?" ¡°You seek absolutes in a world of shifting truths, Justin. Were you in a coma? Perhaps. Were you dead? Perhaps not. Does it matter, when everything you are, everything you will be, will crystallize with your next choice?¡± She took a step closer, the gentle glow of her presence filling the space between them. Justin caught the aroma of mountain breezes, the sweet perfume of flowers. ¡°What matters is this: the Star reveals what your heart needs to see, what your mind must confront, before you are allowed to bear it. It has no single truth to give you. You are alive, as you define life. You are here, as you define presence. Whether this moment was born of death, slumber, or something else entirely is irrelevant. The path forward remains yours to choose.¡± Her gaze was steady, unyielding yet kind. ¡°And the question is not what has been, but what will be. What truth will you write for yourself, Justin? Do not fear what is forgotten. Do not pine for what is past. The mind is a vast tapestry. Not every thread is visible to the eye.¡± Justin swallowed hard, his gaze shifting between her and the glowing EXIT. The thought of losing everything¡ªthe good, the bad, the triumphs and failures¡ªwas almost unbearable. But so was the thought of staying and facing the next trial, one that could end him entirely. He might never get this opportunity again. It was all he ever wanted. But if that was so, then why was it so hard to leave? Elara stepped aside, her radiant presence no longer blocking the doors. ¡°The choice is yours. Step through, and find peace in the familiar. Fix your mistakes, go back to your old life, and forget this ever happened. Or stay, and let this world test you further. There is no wrong answer. Only the path you choose.¡± Justin¡¯s mind raced. He thought of his mother¡¯s face, her joy at seeing him awake. That could be real. He also thought of the sterile hospital room and the stars outside the window that didn¡¯t twinkle. For some reason, he believed Elara. He knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that if he walked through those old doors, his old life would come back. Just as true as if he stayed, he''d go right back to that cavern and be in the middle of the battle with a drake in the middle of attacking him. A battle he might not survive at all. "You never told me how I should decide to stay," Justin said. Elara¡¯s eyes shimmered with something between sadness and admiration. She nodded down the atrium, past the empty reception desk. For the first time, Justin noticed a shimmering ovoid portal at the end of a corridor. ¡°Then you go through there and face the trials ahead. You will stand against Vorthyrn, the Baron. And if you survive them, the countless challenges this world will throw at you. But you will do so while carrying the Sapphire Star, with all its blessings and costs. And perhaps you will discover a strength and a role within you that you never imagined you possessed.¡± Justin¡¯s breath hitched. The weight of her words pressed on him, but so did the promise they held. The sterile, quiet halls of the hospital felt suffocating now. If he went back to his old life, would he truly be alive? Or would it be like before, merely existing? Had his journey and adventures in Eyrth really come to an end? The choice was heavier than anything he had ever felt. He looked down and noticed the Sapphire Star sitting next to the Amulet of Equilibrium on his chest, its blue light pulsing faintly. The EXIT sign above glowed softly. His mother¡¯s face flashed through his mind, the joy in her eyes when he¡¯d woken. Maybe he could go back to college. Get a job. Perhaps even meet a nice girl and get married. He had the power to choose. These possibilities called to him. But so did Eyrth. He thought of Lila, her presence calming, lending him a strength he didn''t know he had. Eldrin, who was always ready with a plan and had the bravery to carry it out. He remembered Kargan, his gruff demeanor and self-doubt hiding a deep well of loyalty and strength. Even trusty Shadowflight, soaring with the Star of Elara clutched in its talons. All that could be reality, too, if only for a few more moments. But it could also not be. Elara had mentioned Justin had the power to decide if they even existed. If he chose his old life, they would not suffer for it. They would simply cease to be. At that moment, it seemed as if Eldrin''s voice were speaking in his head. We have the bond of adventurers, no matter where our travels take us. He had said that in the Moonlit Alehouse, what seemed like so long ago. It was a reminder of the friendships he''d be leaving behind. Was he ready to do that? Next came Lila''s. You¡¯re not alone, Justin. You have friends here who see your worth and stand by your side. Did he ever really have that in his old life? Elara had said Eyrth was as real as his own world. The question was, did he trust her? And the more important question was, did it even matter? Kargan''s voice came next, with something unexpected. I never dreamed I would see an Elf in all my days. The seeming randomness of the quote brought a smile to his face. Kargan had said that during the Vault in Eldareth. It was a reminder of all the wonders he would never see if he left now. And yet, what about his mom, his only tie to the previous world? To stay here would be selfish, to be denying her his presence when he had the power to give it back. After losing Dad and Connor, Justin was all she had left. If he stayed, he wouldn''t have a chance to right his wrongs, to become the person he was meant to be. The question was, what would she want? If she knew he was happy here, would Justin have her blessing? What if he still had things to learn about himself? Just stepped forward, and the automatic doors pulled apart to reveal a cool night breeze and the Oklahoma City skyline. He hesitated. It would be so easy to step through, to leave behind the battles and dangers. To go back to a world where magic didn¡¯t exist, where he could heal, and maybe start over. But something held him back. Deep in his heart, he felt the truth of Elara¡¯s words. This world was no more real than the one he had fought so hard to survive. And in Eyrth, he had something he had never had on Earth: purpose. Maybe he would go back someday. When the time was right. ¡°Sorry, Mom,¡± Justin whispered. He closed his eyes and took a step back. The doors shut, sealing the other life away. Justin turned and was surprised to see Elara was no longer there. Beyond the empty reception desk lay the quiet hallway. At the end of it loomed the blue portal, just like the one he''d seen in the funnel of that tornado. He walked forward, his movements growing steadier with each passing moment. The air seemed to warp as he got closer, charged with an inexplicable energy. It was as though the building itself was holding its breath, waiting. Overhead, the sterile fluorescent lights flickered. One by one, they began to extinguish, plunging the corridor into deepening shadows. By the time the last light went out, Justin was left in utter darkness, aside from the faint, shimmering portal before him. I''m really doing this, he thought. As his mind wrestled with the enormity of it all, something deep within him felt settled¡ªa rare clarity that pushed his fears and doubts aside. For the first time in a long while, his path felt¡­right. Not because it was easy or safe, but because it was his. He stepped forward, his pulse pounding. The air around the portal buzzed, pulling at him like an unseen current. A chill spread through his skin, followed by a strange warmth, as if the boundary between two worlds was brushing against him. The moment he touched the portal¡¯s edge, the pull became irresistible. He was yanked forward with a force that stole his breath, his vision flooding with dazzling, kaleidoscopic light. Colors swirled, shapes twisted, and sound collapsed into a deafening silence. The world fell away, leaving only a void. Then, out of the darkness, a single line of glowing text appeared in his vision, bright and undeniable: [Core Alteration Complete! Ascendant Benefits Unlocked.] 104. A Gentleman Never Lies (Except When He Does) There was a moment¡¯s pause before more lines of text filled Justin¡¯s interface. [The Sapphire Star of Eyrth has granted you the following benefits:]
Ascendant Boon Unlocked! Eyrth¡¯s Ascension: For every Level gained, you now receive two Attribute Points. This boon is retroactive with every Level gained.
Ascendant Skill Unlocked! Sapphire Aegis: Once per day, gain complete invincibility for ten seconds. All damage absorbed during this time is stored and unleashed in your next attack, scaling with total damage received. Stored power fades entirely if not used within five seconds of the skill''s ending. Inflicts Greater Darkness on all hostiles within sight of the Sapphire Star for fifteen seconds.
Artifact: The Sapphire Star of Eyrth Tier: Ascendant Class Restrictions: None
Artifact Enchantments: Boundless Synergy: The Sapphire Star can be bound, no matter how many other artifacts or items are cored to your character. Blessing of the Blue Star: Upon coring the Sapphire Star, gain the Ascendant Boon "Eyrth''s Ascension" and the Ascendant Skill "Sapphire Aegis." Gatekeeper''s Call: The wielder and their party may activate and pass through World Gates. The Sapphire Star glows brighter as you near an accessible gate. The Star''s Echo: You are tethered to the cores of the Star''s previous wielders. Their journeys and memories are now a part of you. Veil of Starlight: The Sapphire Star¡¯s true properties are concealed from all who attempt to perceive them. This includes identification by any external skill, boon, artifact, or divine insight.
Justin stared at the glowing lines of text, his heart pounding. An Ascendant Artifact. And now it was his. He clutched the pulsing blue sapphire, about the size of his fist. For the first time, he realized it wasn''t just globular in shape. An entire map had been etched on it in immaculate detail. It could be nothing other than a map of Eyrth itself. Turning it about in his hand, he could see that the world was composed of three continents of sorts. He recognized Serenthel from his own enchanted map, a large chunk of land mainly oriented north to south. He was surprised to see that Serenthel was connected to another continent via an isthmus. This continent occupied much of the planet''s southern hemisphere. It was oriented east to west and was at least twice as large as Serenthel. The third continent lay vast to the east of Serenthel. It was a bit smaller than Serenthel. Justin could only assume this was Calidon, which had been alluded to several times as being "beyond the sea" of Serenthel''s eastern coast. Besides this, there were several large and small islands of note. Homing in on where he was located, the extreme north end of Serenthel, he was shocked to see a tiny but bright dot of yellow light. It was him. It had to be. He tore his gaze away from the Star, noting that all his gear was back. At any point, he would be ushered back into the battle in the cavern. But first, it seemed the System had some things for him to take care of. [You have 13 Attribute Points to distribute.] Thirteen points. It felt surreal. In his entire journey, he had never had more than one to distribute per level, plus the bonus he had received from his Cane of Valoria. The sheer potential before him was dizzying. His hand hovered over Power. The Baron¡¯s sneering face flashed in his mind, along with the icy terror of Vorthyrn¡¯s breath. It was tempting. Then his gaze shifted to Endurance. With higher durability, he could weather any storm and outlast any foe. But that wasn¡¯t who he was. It never had been. He nodded to himself, his resolve firm. Charisma had carried him this far. It was the best long-term play, the key to unlocking not just victory but also alliances, influence, and a path that only he could walk. One by one, he placed each point into Charisma. Each confirmation felt like a heartbeat. By the time the final point was locked in, he felt the change as a tangible force, a gravitational pull that seemed to center on him. [Your Charisma is now: 37] [The Amulet of Equilibrium now grants you +6 to all non-Charisma Attributes!] Justin recalled his character screen, and his jaw nearly dropped at the eye-watering numbers displayed.
Name: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite (Gentleman Focus) Level: 13 Experience to Level 13: 827/4,600
Attributes: Power: 19 (10 + 9) Coordination: 17 (10 + 7) Endurance: 18 (10 + 8) Intellect: 16 (10 + 6) Perception: 16 (10 + 6) Charisma: 44 (37 + 7)
Stat-boosting Equipment: The Cane of the Drake: +6 Charisma, +2 Power The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: +1 Endurance, +1 Coordination Squire¡¯s Armlet: +1 to Power Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest base Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Highest base Attribute: Charisma (Base 37): +6 to Power, Coordination, Endurance, Intellect, and Perception.
Stat-boosting Skills: Stately Presence: +1 Charisma
Justin couldn¡¯t help but grin. True charisma, he remembered, wasn''t enacting your will on the world. It was the world bending to your presence. Eldrin¡¯s words, spoken just after Eldrareth, returned to him. Attribute boosts aren¡¯t everything; your own strengths do matter, and Attributes only work as a modifier to what¡¯s already within. It was something he would do well to remember. When he left this void, he would be far more powerful than he was before. But he still would not be invincible, even with his new Sapphire Aegis skill. Being limited to once per day, he had to take great care in when and where to use it. Then there were the other enchantments, too, the implications of which he could scarcely imagine. World Gates? Bound to the cores and memories of previous wielders? He vaguely understood the first one, knowing that there were connections to other worlds in this reality. The second, he wasn''t so sure about. He had thought Elara was the only previous wielder, but apparently, there had been others. Would he be able to draw on their memories? The thought was alarming. Elara had mentioned that the Star wasn''t just a benefit, but a burden. Maybe this is what she meant. He let out a breath. He could worry about all this later. It was time to rejoin the fray. As if in response to this thought, the blue portal appeared before him, pulling him through. Justin stumbled as the sheer force of Vorthyrn¡¯s frost breath buffeted him. The chilling gale should have frozen him solid, but the heat of Vorthak¡¯s Flame surged, keeping the cold at bay. It was almost as if he hadn''t missed anything, as if time itself had paused the entire time he had been away. Though the flames kept him warm, the force of the attack was enough to drive him back to the wall. To his surprise, he was able to keep his feet and redirect the energy to dance lightly on the rocks. His eyes locked onto the drake, its massive form wreathed in an aura of shimmering frost. Justin itched to activate his Sapphire Aegis skill, but he hesitated. Only fire could bring down the frost veil, and even if he absorbed all the energy of Vorthyrn''s attack, he doubted it would be enough. The key was Lila. But as long as the drake was focused on Justin, he was completely pinned in place. Vorthyrn drew back, arching her neck, her mouth going wide and flashing rows of razor-sharp teeth. But her attack was interrupted when a new person entered the fray. The Baron, floating on a shimmering disc, hovered just out of Vorthyrn''s reach. His voice boomed as he spoke in Vranthillis, the language reverberating through the cavern, vibrating in Justin''s bones. Flames coalesced before him, then roared toward Vorthyrn. The drake¡¯s shield rippled under the assault, glowing brighter as it absorbed the fire¡¯s impact. Her head snapped toward the Baron and away from Justin. It was the distraction Justin needed. He scanned the cliff for a path back up. He spotted a jagged slope and sprinted toward it. His heart pounded as Vorthyrn made a flyby, her tail lashing out in a sweeping arc. At the last second, Justin activated Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, a burst of agility propelling him just out of range. The tail crashed behind him, making him stumble, but he easily regained his feet and scrambled up the slope. Thankfully, the Baron was keeping the drake busy. Justin reached the original ledge. He took quick stock of the Baron''s fight, finding that his levitation spell had ended, landing him on the lower ledge. His voice rose again in another incantation, the air oscillating before him. Vorthyrn circled to face him, readying another frost breath attack. But that attack never materialized. Vorthyrn¡¯s roar echoed through the cavern as a violet-black aura enveloped her. The light seemed to weigh her down. She flapped her wings madly in a desperate bid to stay aloft. While the shield protected her from physical damage, it seemed to do nothing against this. Valdrik watched for a moment before leaping after the descending drake, floating toward her. Justin didn¡¯t linger to watch. His eyes scanned the ledge for Lila and the others. Among the jagged rocks near the cliff''s edge, he spotted Kargan sprawled on the ground, his grip still firm on his staff. Justin knelt beside him, placing two fingers on his neck. He let out a relieved sigh when the pulse came strong and steady. The orc was exposed here, so he dragged him to a cluster of boulders farther back from the precipice. It wasn''t perfect, but it provided some semblance of cover.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Justin got up to continue his search when a shadow moved in the corner of his vision. He turned to see Eldrin emerging from the fissure in the wall from which they had originally entered. Lila was limp in his arms. Her skin was pale, her breathing shallow, and frost clung to her hair and clothing. Justin¡¯s heart clenched at the sight. ¡°She¡¯s hurt badly,¡± Eldrin said, his voice strained. ¡°None of my potions can cure the Freeze status. She needs help¡­now.¡± Justin stood close to her, hoping the heat of his Vorthak''s Flame had healing properties. At first, nothing seemed to change. But as the seconds passed, her skin became less pale, and the magical frost, which clung on so stubbornly, began to recede and sublimate into mist. Her extremities were gray with what appeared to be frostbite. The flames did nothing to cure that. "We need Valrik," Justin said. Elea''s Whisper wasn''t available, so Justin ran to the cliff, scanning the battlefield below. Below them on the cavern floor, the Baron and his party had the drake surrounded on all sides. Gareth''s blade bounced off the magical shield harmlessly, while Wolfram''s discs simply ricocheted. Ryak hung back, casting shields that seemed to mostly neutralize the drake''s frost breath. Rothian''s fire shot from his staff in lethal plumes. They could push against the shield momentarily, but the shield would renew and plug the gaps. Valdrik coordinated with Rothian, preparing the same fire spell he had used earlier to no effect. Justin couldn¡¯t afford to watch. He waved his arms wildly, his heart pounding as he shouted to catch the Baron¡¯s attention. The Baron seemed to notice Justin, though the distance made it hard to tell. Valdrik steadied his staff, his body glowing brighter with each passing moment. A sky-blue light surged over his body, and he ascended rapidly, leaving his men behind to fend off the drake. Below, whatever spell that had bound Vorthyrn to the ground shattered. With a roar of fury, the frost drake launched itself skyward, scattering Gareth and Wolfram like ragdolls. Its wings beat furiously as it surged toward the Baron, who was already racing toward the ledge with surprising speed. His spell faltered just as he reached the cliff¡¯s edge. The drake was just a few seconds behind, already preparing a new round of frost breath. Justin could see the icy magic gathering in its open maw. Valdrik''s gaze took in Lila, seeming to guess the situation. "Distract the drake. This can''t be rushed." Justin hurried to do just that, Eldrin and Kargan at his heels. He hardly had time to prepare himself as the drake¡¯s massive form rose over the cliff¡¯s edge, its icy scales glittering in the dim light. Frost coiled from its maw, its unrelenting focus fixed solely on Justin. The Sapphire Star glowed below him, seeming to attract the drake''s wrath. Just as the drake''s attack let loose, Kargan formed a Ward of Aegis just in the nick of time. From his grunt of pain, he was throwing almost everything into the defense. This time, it held. But with no ward left behind, the drake was now free to attack directly. And it was going directly for Justin. It shot forward, snapping its mouth with surprising speed. He activated Gentleman''s Sidestep just in time to ensure the dodge, executing a perfectly timed dive. He rolled on the ground lightly, pulling himself up and pumping his legs as fast as he could toward the cavern wall. A blue aura of Sacrificial Armor surrounded him, immediately extinguished by a slash of the drake''s claws. The attack, thankfully, also repelled the drake''s momentum, causing a knockback effect. Vorthyrn screeched in dismay. Justin sprinted, heading for a stand of rocks for shelter. He looked over his shoulder to see Vorthyrn running toward him, her wings flapping to lend additional speed. With Gentleman''s Sidestep off cooldown, his options were limited. Another frost blast struck, but Vorthak¡¯s Flame burned through the chill. He jumped, allowing the force of it to push him along. He landed lightly on a boulder, with an uncanny grace that surprised him. Despite his speed, the damn drake was already above him, her claws extended in a swooping maneuver. He dove behind the boulder, narrowly dodging the attack. Justin rolled and got up, no worse for the wear. He danced around the rock, but had no other place to go, so he ran back to the cliff. Eldrin was already firing arrows, but they were useless. There was no sign of Lila or the Baron. A new round of Sacrificial Armor rose around Justin. Vorthyrn screeched from behind him, the sound like nails dragged over steel. Once again, she gave chase as Justin raced toward the precipice. He reached it, only to see the fall was much too far to survive. He whirled around, heart pounding. He was completely out of options as the drake charged across the short expanse of the ledge. Buy time. That¡¯s all I can do. His mind raced for something to say. Anything. He activated Dandy''s Swagger, knowing he needed every edge he could get, however small. He drew himself up, tall and proud, his expression stern and commanding. The skill at least filled him with confidence, even if it was unearned. "Vorthyrn! It''s still not too late to make that deal. I''ll give the Star back for safe passage out. It''s either that or I use it against you." To Justin''s surprise, Vorthryn slowed, a hiss escaping her snout. Justin wasn''t sure if it was due to his charisma or something else, but she was actually listening. Then, she reared up, spreading her wings wide, her frost shield swirling around her. Despite the benefit of Dandy''s Swagger, he damn near pissed his pants. "Mayhap I should have given you more of a chance, mortal," Vorthryn said, "but the time for negotiation is over. Your presence and gall are an insult to my senses!" Justin was undeterred. She wouldn''t be talking to him if there wasn¡¯t a chance. ¡°Why take the risk? You know the Star¡¯s power. As soon as you attack me, I¡¯m invincible. These flames you see now¡ªI will use them on you. You don¡¯t want that to happen.¡± It was the greatest bluff of Justin¡¯s life. He was certain Vorthak¡¯s Flame had no offensive capabilities, but Vorthyrn didn¡¯t know that. Or at least, so he hoped. ¡°What you have there is not a weapon, but a shield,¡± she countered, her voice laced with icy contempt. ¡°You expect me to believe your desperate lies?¡± ¡°They¡¯re not lies,¡± Justin said quickly. ¡°My Affinity is Fire. Vorthak will strike you down if you touch me. Do you think he would gift me his flames if that weren¡¯t true?¡± For the first time, Vorthyrn paused. Her frost veil swirled tighter, the tendrils of mist coiling as if reflecting her internal debate. At that moment, Justin felt like a dog that had finally caught the car. He didn¡¯t want to make a deal with her, but if this kept up, he¡¯d be forced to. ¡°Listen,¡± Justin said, pressing his advantage. ¡°It¡¯s not too late. Don¡¯t make the same mistake Rimefang did. There¡¯s still a chance for you to get out of this alive¡ªand with the thing you care about the most. The Sapphire Star of Eyrth. All yours. But you have to make a deal with me.¡± Vorthyrn leaned forward, her massive head looming dangerously close. Her icy breath chilled Justin to his core, and he tensed, thankful that Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep was off cooldown. ¡°Do not think me so easily swayed by your idle words, prettily spoken though they may be,¡± she hissed. ¡°The power you wield is one you do not understand. Vorthak¡¯s Flame is no weapon; at least, not as you seem to think.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wrong,¡± Justin said, throwing out the words as bait. He didn¡¯t see why an ice drake would be immune to the classic trap of correcting someone. It was a tactic he had used to great effect in his Internet trolling days. ¡°Vorthak¡¯s Flame is probably the single greatest offensive tool in the Fire Magic arsenal.¡± Vorthyrn¡¯s eyes narrowed, her frosty breath swirling into sharp flurries. She let out a derisive snort. ¡°An offensive tool? Of the greatest kind? Are you truly so ignorant, foolish mortal? Vorthak¡¯s Flame is powerful, yes. It has Mythic status, as you should know. But really, it''s a weaker version of the flames Vorthak gifts to dragonkind. Odious creatures, but to see his flames perverted by the like of a human, a mere insect...¡± Behind the drake, Justin did his best not to reveal that he could see Lila moving like a predator. Starlance gleamed like a fiery meteor in her hands. She wasn''t close enough to strike. Not yet. He had to keep egging the drake on. "Vorthak''s Flame is not of Mythic status," Justin said. "It''s Ascendant." "Ascendant?" Vorthyrn hissed. "What foolish prattle is this? How could one such as you be so stuipd as to¡ª" Her words stopped while her violet eyes flickered with realization. Justin could see the cogs turning behind her violet eyes. Justin grinned. ¡°You finally figured it out. And they say you¡¯re the smart one. Honestly, I¡¯ve seen more brains in a dissected sea sponge than¡ª¡± Vorthyrn roared, cutting him off as her frost veil surged outward. But it was already too late. With a scream, Lila leaped into the air. Starlance burned like a second sun, its radiant energy arcing down in a devastating strike toward Vorthyrn¡¯s unguarded side. The drake turned too slowly, her roar of rage mingling with the crackling energy of the spear as it descended. As the drake''s tail swept around, Justin once again used Gentleman''s Sidestep, narrowly dodging the attack. As he rolled toward safety, he couldn''t help but grin. "Gotcha, bitch." The impact was thunderous. Starlance struck Vorthyrn¡¯s shield with a resounding crack, shattering the protective veil in a cascade of fire and frost. The drake screamed, the sound reverberating through the cavern. "Now!" the Baron roared. He unleashed the same fire incantation from before, and this time, the flames spread along Vorthyrn''s body. The drake screeched in pain, jumping right over the cliff and batting her wings madly. Eldrin popped off a few arrows. Only two of them hit, bouncing off her scaled armor. Justin pushed himself up, joining the rest. "Shadowflight is on the ledge below. We need to do something." "Shadowflight is fine," Eldrin assured him. "I can feel our bond. He will survive this battle, even if we do not." Valdrik stood at the edge of the cliff, his eyes troubled. "She can rebuild the shield, given time. We must hurry and finish the job." He nodded toward the cliff. "That path leads down to the bottom. I can take down the drake again with my Cant of Gravity. Then it''s a matter of finishing her off. She''s greatly weakened." "Unfortunately," Justin said, "our contribution to the fight ends here until we can come to a satisfactory agreement." When Valdrik''s eyes turned on him, they were practically murderous. ¡°Really, Justin? You think now is the time for diplomacy?¡± ¡°There''s never been a better time,¡± Justin countered. ¡°Maybe you finish off the drake on your own. Or maybe you don''t. We have Starlance. My guess is you can''t bring her down fast enough for her shield to regenerate." Valdrik eyed him, assessing those words and finding no logical inconsistencies. Justin continued. "You know we gain nothing unless our safety after the Vault is guaranteed." In the background, Vorthyrn¡¯s screeches echoed as she circled her treasure hoard, far out of range. The Baron''s flames had already petered out. The Baron¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Nothing too extreme,¡± Justin said. ¡°Let¡¯s keep it simple. A one-month truce in exchange for our help. No violence between any of us, either direct or indirect, during that time.¡± The Baron scoffed. "One month? That''s far too much time. I''ll allow one week, and no more." "Two weeks," Justin said. "I won''t go any lower than that. One week barely gets us back on shore and back to Kaldrath. We might as well slit our own throats and be done with it." The Baron let out a sigh as he glanced at Vorthyrn nervously. "Fine, two weeks. And the penalty?¡± "If either party breaks the agreement, every member of the offending party dies instantly. No loopholes. Total enforcement.¡± Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed, suspicion flashing across his face. ¡°You¡¯re asking for the death of an entire party over one infraction. Are you prepared for those stakes?¡± Justin didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°I am. Are you? It''s only two weeks, after all.¡± The Baron hesitated. He clearly did not want to take the deal, and yet, he knew that they couldn''t take the drake down quickly enough before its shield reformed. When the shield reformed, they would need Lila. "Agreed," he said. "Two weeks. Invoke your skill." Justin thought of adding further terms, such as limiting the distance they could be followed. But they couldn''t get bogged down. They had already wasted a couple of minutes on this conversation. So, Justin activated Upon My Word as a Gentleman, focusing his intention on Valdrik. A golden light extended from his hand, halfway between him and Valdrik. A paragraph of text appeared in the space between them, visible to all. [A Gentleman¡¯s Agreement has been proposed!] [The Nature of the Agreement: Temporary truce.] [The terms are as follows:]
For a duration of two weeks, no violence¡ªwhether direct, indirect, physical, magical, or otherwise¡ªshall occur between Justin Talemaker, Lila Fairwind, Eldrin Thornwood, Kargan Durzag, Ryak of the Yarith Iceborne, Dragomir Valdrik, Rothian Nightflame, Gareth Everett, or Wolfram Gravesong. Likewise, Justin Talemaker, Lila Fairwind, Eldrin Thornwood, and Kargan Durzag agree to render aid to defeat Vorthyrn the Frostbound. A violation by the former five against the latter four will result in the immediate and automatic death of all members of the offending group, while a violation by the latter four will result in the same consequence. The terms of this agreement are enforced by the Creator Himself, and no skill, boon, artifact, or external influence of any kind may shield any party member from the effects of these terms. Two weeks from the inception of this contract, this agreement becomes null and void.
[Error: Agreement cannot be finalized.] Reason: Four members bound by this contract¡ªRothian Nightflame, Ryak of the Yarith Iceborne, Wolfram Gravesong, and Gareth Everett¡ªare not present to consent to the proposed terms. [Adjusting terms to comply with the Creator''s requirements¡­] [The new terms are as follows:]
For a duration of two weeks, no violence¡ªwhether direct, indirect, physical, magical, or otherwise¡ªshall occur between Justin Talemaker and Dragomir Valdrik. Likewise, Justin Talemaker, Lila Fairwind, Eldrin Thornwood, and Kargan Durzag agree to render aid to defeat Vorthyrn the Frostbound. Additionally, neither Justin Talemaker nor Dragomir Valdrik shall permit, order, instigate, or knowingly allow violence within their respective parties or against the other party¡¯s members. If either Justin Talemaker or Dragomir Valdrik violates this agreement or fails to uphold their responsibility to prevent violence within their respective party:
  1. Their current party will be automatically disbanded.
  2. The violator will enter a permanent Berserk status, forcing them into an uncontrollable rage until all individuals who are members of their party are slain.
  3. If the violator dissolves their party or leaves it prematurely to evade the terms of this agreement, they will still be held accountable for any violence instigated or permitted among individuals who were members of their party at the time this agreement was enacted.
  4. Once all members of their party (or original parties) are dead, the violator will be compelled to take his or her own life immediately.
  5. If the violator fails to eliminate their party members within three days, they will immediately take their own lives.
No skill, boon, artifact, or external influence can shield any party member from these terms. The terms of this agreement are enforced by the Creator Himself and are absolute. Two weeks from the inception of this contract, this agreement becomes null and void.
[Do you agree to these terms?] Justin was surprised by the thoroughness of the terms. It was covering loopholes he hadn''t even known existed, which he appreciated. It seemed the System was doing its best to honor the intention of Justin''s proposal, in its own way. The agreement would have been simpler had the others been present, but this would have to do. "I agree to these terms," Justin said. Valdrik read the terms carefully three times. After a long pause, he nodded. ¡°I agree as well." The yellow glow surrounded Justin and Valdrik, and the agreement was sealed in a flash of light. "All done?" Lila asked. Justin nodded, letting out a breath. "Done. Let''s take down that drake." 105. Wards and Warnings The base of the plateau was quiet. There was no sign of Vorthyrn. She was probably biding her time until her frost veil returned. Justin figured that would eventually happen since the entire party still had to coordinate a strategy, and who knew how long that would take. He stood with Eldrin, Lila, and Kargan, while Valdrik''s party stood across. The tension was as thick as the frost coating the rocks around them. Ryak watched them with an icy blue gaze. Justin understood why he had sided with the Baron earlier, but it would make working with him a bit awkward. At last, the Baron stepped forward, his black staff tapping against the icy ground. ¡°Listen carefully,¡± he began. ¡°The hard part is over, but our time is limited. At some point, Vorthyrn will regenerate her shield. We have the means to take it down again, but we must press our advantage before it''s too late. Here is my plan.¡± He pointed his staff up the narrow path that led to the top of the plateau. "We''ll start by reaching the plateau and then taking our pick of the treasures. The object isn''t to loot the hoard yet. It''s to enrage the drake. When she sees us pilfering all her treasure, she will not abide it. It''s against her nature." Rothian and Wolfram''s eyes both glazed over with greed, but it was the former who spoke. "Is it first come, first served for the loot?" Valdrik looked at him with disdain. "We will divide the loot once the battle is over. This is to bait her. Nothing more. No coring of any item unless approved by me, the party leader." "And when she takes the bait?" Ryak asked. Valdrik''s eyes took in every one of them. ¡°When she''s close enough, I''ll use my Cant of Gravity. It will still work even if the frost shield is up. The shield, after all, only protects her from physical and magical damage, but not magic that inflicts certain status effects she is weak against. That will ground her for about a minute. Hopefully, her shield has not regenerated by then." "And if it has?" Eldrin asked. "That''s when we''ll set up Lila to bring it down. My Cant of Gravity will allow Vorthyrn to be accessible, so we''ll do everything we can to prepare the way for Lila. Ryak and Kargan will shield whoever holds her attention. I''ll do my utmost to ensure that it''s me." "How do you plan to do that?" Justin asked, stepping forward. "I have the Star of Elara now. She''ll want to kill me for it above all else." "That may be the case," Valdrik allowed. "If it is, I''m afraid there''s little I can do. In that situation, you''ll have to tank for the entire party." The Baron watched him quizzically. "You never did mention what exactly the Sapphire Star does." Justin wanted to keep that close to his chest. "It has powerful defensive capabilities; we''ll leave it at that." Valdrik chuckled drily. It was a laugh that said it didn''t matter, because he would find out soon enough, anyway. "Suit yourself. My best advice is, if she fixates on you, you¡¯ll have to keep her occupied. Evade, draw her focus with your skills, but don¡¯t overextend. Our survival depends on it.¡± Justin swallowed hard. ¡°Got it.¡± Valdrik¡¯s gaze swept the group. ¡°Wolfram will distribute healing potions now. Kargan, you¡¯ll use Vital Surge only if someone is in critical condition. I want you focusing mostly on wards and armor spells. It''s the most efficient use of your Life Force." Kargan nodded that he understood. "If it''s me," Justin said, "know that I have a ring that will heal me automatically when my health is critical. It only works once every five minutes, though. So the first time, let the ring do its work. That should spare Kargan some additional Life Force." Valdrik watched him appraisingly. "Full of surprises, aren''t you, Mr. Talemaker?" Justin remained silent. Valdrik gave a dry chuckle before turning back to face the rest. "Rothian''s fire magic will be key. I also have access to the Cant of Fire Vortex. We cannot allow Vorthyrn to target Rothian. Without him, the battle will be much harder." "We can''t let her target Lila either," Justin added. Lila nodded. "Starlance lets me cast Wall of Flames twelve times per day. Same as my level." The Baron nodded. "Use it well. As for the rest of you, strike wherever you can. If anyone deviates, they endanger us all. Is that clear?¡± Grudging nods and muttered affirmations rippled through the group. "One final question," Lila said. "My Bardic Inspiration lets me boost a chosen Attribute by +8. Which would be best?" "Intellect," Valdrik said without hesitation. "That will boost the power and efficiency of both Rothian''s and my magic. It will also reduce the cooldowns between my cants." "It won''t help Justin survive, though," Eldrin pointed out. "A fair point. But we''re on a timer. The faster we can bring Vorthyrn down, the better." Wolfram stepped forward, pulling several pink-tinted vials from a pouch. ¡°Take one each,¡± he said. ¡°These are Gold Tier healing potions and should be good for several rounds. Top yourselves off when you¡¯re hurt, but don¡¯t waste it." Justin took a potion, the glass cold against his fingers, and slipped it into the pocket of his parka. He glanced at Lila, who was tightening her grip on the fiery Starlance, her expression stoic. Justin noticed Wolfram didn''t keep any healing potions for himself, nor did he give any to Gareth. "They don''t work on the undead, do they?" Justin asked. His question was ignored. The Baron addressed his own team. ¡°There''s one last thing I must share. Before we proceed, you need to know the terms of the deal I made with Justin. Justin¡¯s skill, Upon My Word as a Gentleman, binds him and his party to help us during the battle. But it also ensures their safety after the Vault for two weeks. We¡¯re working together for now, whether we like it or not. For the rest of this Vault, we are one party. We will not survive otherwise.¡± Rothian scoffed, fire crackling at the end of his staff. ¡°Trusting them is a mistake, Valdrik. They¡¯ll turn on us the moment the drake is dead.¡± Justin stepped forward, his jaw tight. ¡°We¡¯re not the ones with a history of betrayal.¡± Valdrik raised a hand, silencing both of them. ¡°Enough. No one is betraying anyone. Not for two weeks, anyway. If anyone deviates from the battle plan, it''s guaranteed death for all. Is that clear?¡± His question was interrupted by the drake¡¯s roar echoing from above. Justin adjusted the brim of his top hat and exhaled, steeling himself for what was to come. The plan seemed by the book, but he couldn''t help but wonder what curveballs might be thrown their way. ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± the Baron said, turning toward the path up the plateau. The party followed, starting with the Baron''s group, and then Justin''s own. In the middle marched Ryak, the only one with a foot in both camps. Justin¡¯s boots crunched against the trail as the party moved in single file, the narrow path leaving little room for missteps. The cold air bit his exposed face, but it was the icy knot in his stomach that truly gnawed at him. He couldn¡¯t shake the thought¡ªhe was going to have to tank this drake. The Baron had laid out the plan well enough, but Justin could see right through him. The truth was, Valdrik didn¡¯t care if Justin ended up as bait. In fact, he would welcome it. The fact of the matter was, if Justin died, the Star would be up for grabs. And Justin''s corpse wouldn''t only provide the Star but the Prismatic Core Valdrik coveted.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. The Baron wouldn¡¯t shed a tear unless it was for joy. The agreement had been hastily made, mostly dealing with what happened after the Vault. In retrospect, Justin realized it wasn''t specific enough about the Baron''s responsibilities during the battle. In practice, the Baron could help just enough to have plausible deniability. It would be a risky play, but in the Baron''s position, it was what Justin would do. The very thought of it made Justin¡¯s jaw tighten. It didn¡¯t matter how much charisma he had. Charm wouldn¡¯t protect him from claws the size of daggers, or Vorthyrn''s deadly bite. For all the Baron''s efforts to draw attention, it would likely be for nothing. The drake wanted to kill Justin most of all, meaning all the Baron had to do was play the waiting game. Lila fell into step beside him, Starlance resting on her shoulder. The weapon looked as if it should have incinerated her on the spot. ¡°You¡¯re awfully quiet." Justin forced a smile. ¡°Just focusing.¡± She nudged him with her elbow. ¡°You¡¯ll do fine. The drake doesn¡¯t stand a chance. Remember the ace I have.¡± He wished he shared her confidence. Even if she summoned Alden, it was no guarantee, and it also required her health to be in a critical state first. That was best avoided if at all possible. "I wouldn''t be so sure. I''d hardly call this a united front.¡± Ahead of them, Kargan grumbled something too low to be heard. Justin caught the words "Valdrik" and "one foot in the grave." Justin thought it was an accurate assessment. Eldrin fell back, walking side by side with Justin. "Thoughts?" Justin spoke low, for all the good it would do. "You''ve probably figured out what I''m already thinking." "Aye," the Ranger said. "The only way out is to win this fight while holding to our end of the obligation." Justin allowed them to fall a bit further behind. "We missed an opportunity. He''s not beholden to the same standard we are. He only has to prevent violence from his own party. The agreement says nothing about not allowing violence from the Drake." "You did the best you could. Time was pressing, and you did well enough in guaranteeing protection when all this is over. We just need to survive this part to be in a good position." Justin gave a humorless chuckle. "Then we''ll have to survive." The path leveled off as they reached the top of the plateau. Justin felt his breath catch at the sight before them. The treasure hoard was smaller than it seemed from a distance, but its brilliance still dazzled him. Piles of gold, silver, and copper coins glinted under the cold light filtering in from the cavern opening above them. Scattered among the wealth were enchanted weapons and armor, each gleaming with a faint magical glow. There were swords with jeweled hilts, shields engraved with runes, and a quiver of dark, jagged javelins that seemed to hum with power. Justin spied the empty pedestal where the Star of Elara once stood, right in the center of it all. But most importantly, there was no sign of the drake. Valdrik raised a hand, halting the group. ¡°Remember what I said. Take enough to bait her, but nothing more. Do not¡ª¡± Wolfram and Rothian were already rushing to the nearest pile, scooping up handfuls of coins. Rothian stuffed them into his satchel, while Wolfram¡¯s eyes locked onto the quiver of dark javelins. Justin couldn''t help but chuckle. "You need to give them a raise, Baron." Valdrik ignored the quip. ¡°Wolfram, stop at once! Rothian, to me!" Rothain gazed longingly at the treasure before waddling back to Valdrik. Wolfram, however, ignored his master. "Wolfram! Leave it. We still need to secure the area." Wolfram sneered. "I''ve been patient enough, Valdrik. The others might cower to you, but since you hired me in Highcliff, I''ve yet to see a single copper." The Baron''s gaze was harsh. "You won''t live to see anything if you get yourself killed. Vorthyrn is not just a drake, but a powerful mage. Hoards like this notoriously contain traps, not all of which my magic can detect." Wolfram grunted. "I''ll take my chances." He reached for the quiver of javelins. "These will come in handy for the fight." His hands were inches away when a pulse of frost magic exploded outward. Kargan was quick to react, casting a Ward of Aegis. It buffeted most of the attack, but a layer of ice surrounded the undead Ranger as he was hurled back. Valdrik raised his staff, uttering some words in Vranthillis, which quickly melted the ice. Wolfram gave himself a shake. "Behind me, fool!" the Baron scolded, giving him a thwack for good measure. Wolfram flew back a few paces, rolling on the ground and scattering a few coins. Valdrik faced the group. "Follow. Orders!" Wolfram stared at Valdrik coldly. "You yourself said we needed to loot the treasure." "Under my direction, imbecile!" He looked at Kargan. "Kargan has the right of it. His ward will trigger any traps. If nothing is triggered, then we are safe to loot within it. Do not set foot outside until Kargan can reposition himself and create a new ward." "Some clarity would have been helpful," Rothian grumbled. "To think I''d have to spell out such an obvious fact. But sometimes I forget I''m dealing with complete idiots." "Where is Vorthyrn?" Justin asked. "That''s the important question." "She is being wary," Valdrik answered. "As well she should. She has only to wait until certain rot-brained imbeciles cull themselves before striking." Wolfram scowled, while Rothian''s face paled. The pale-faced, black-cloaked Gareth stood emotionless. His cadaverous hand gripped his curved blade. "Right," Valdrik said. "Let''s press on. Kargan, have you recovered?" "Enough," the orc answered. Kargan advanced to the edge of his ward, then grunted as he created a new one. The dome of protection expanded outward, triggering another frost explosion that canceled out the ward. The Baron uttered some healing words, and a dark aura surrounded Kargan, refreshing him enough to create a new ward. In this way, they expanded the area that was safe to loot. Justin began filling his coin pouch with as much as he could carry, focusing on the large gold coins. His coin pouch, procured as far back as Mistwatch, seemed to hold no limit to the amount of currency it could store. Various golden crowns slipped in, of different makes, nations, races, and even different time periods. Some bore the faces of forgotten monarchs, while others displayed symbols of empires long fallen. Others were filled with mythic creatures or monsters. With each coin added, he kept checking his status screen, which gave a running tally of how much he possessed. He was up to sixty gold crowns and change by now. But no one gathered the coins as quickly as Lila, who was all but tussling with Wolfram to get access to the prime spots. Whatever the case, assuming they survived this Vault and the Baron''s schemes, her debts would be a thing of the past. Poking out from a pile of coppers was what appeared to be a whitish stone, glowing with a subtle light. Checking around, no one seemed to take notice of his discovery. Justin reached for his scryer''s lens, holding it up. Ascension Crystal Purity: Mythic Description: This is a fleeting item. Upon touching this crystal, select one enchanted item of Platinum or lower quality already cored to your character. It will upgrade the selected item by one tier, up to a maximum of Mythic quality, enhancing its base properties or adding new effects. Justin''s eyes widened. He rushed to grab it, but a sharp whir came out of nowhere, knocking it out of reach. One of Wolfram''s bladed discs. The crystal went flying through the air. Wolfram streaked past with surprising speed. "You bastard! That''s mine." The crystal flew outside the bounds of Kargan''s ward, rolling toward the pedestal where the Sapphire Star once rested. Wolfram paused at the border. The crystal was only several paces away, out of reach. Valdrik simply stood, watching the Ranger for his next action, arching an eyebrow. "Expand the ward, orc," Wolfram said. "I found a nice ring that has your name written on it. It''s yours." Kargan''s reaction was to growl, his tusks protruding further. "Neither of you is laying claim to that crystal," Valdrik said. He uttered a few words, and the crystal became wrapped in an aura of violet light, shooting toward Valdrik''s outstretched hand. He hadn''t held it for two seconds before it became absorbed by his body. A bright effervescence surrounded his staff. The Baron''s eyes widened, and his smile was pleased. He turned to Justin, all but winking. "Good find, Justin. You have no idea how rare these things are. This will help us greatly in the coming fight." It took everything Justin had not to rage. The possibility of upgrading his Amulet of Equilibrium had just been snatched from him, and now, he would never know the advantage of which he had been deprived. He had been sure no one was watching him, but clearly that wasn''t the case. "Oh, don''t look so dour," the Baron taunted. "After all, the true prize is already yours, is it not?" Before Justin could respond, a falcon''s shriek pierced the silence. A great wind arose out of nowhere. It carried shards of ice that cut visibility to almost nothing within seconds. The constant pelting of ice destroyed Kargan''s ward. Before a new one could be raised, several sharp pieces of ice cut into Justin''s exposed face. His Ring of Regeneration kicked into action, not to heal critical damage, but to heal over time. A new ward was raised, blocking the ice storm. But as with before, this one broke within seconds, forcing Kargan to create a new one. Justin could see the blood expelled from his skin, only to be absorbed as he cast each new ward. The Baron healed him, allowing him to continue, but it was still a losing battle. Kargan could not keep it up forever. But worse, the drake could not be seen. This spell¡ªwhatever it was¡ªseemed to have no end. "We must push forward," Eldrin called out. "This storm will destroy us before it abates." Justin knew Eldrin was right, but at the same time, Vorthyrn was casting this spell for one reason. To force them into a battleground of her choosing, or to at least weaken them. "We go forward," Valdrik said. "Kargan, create new wards at the edge of the old one. Keep walking it up until we find more favorable ground." Kargan nodded, drinking a bit of his healing potion. It seemed to renew him a bit because he stepped forward and created a new ward, allowing the party to proceed. Beyond the veil of the ward, the visibility was almost nonexistent. Vorthyrn could be lurking anywhere in that madness. Justin stuck close to Lila, knowing the drake wouldn''t want to get too close to her and Starlance. At last, the storm came to an end, right as they reached the edge of the plateau. Treasure lay scattered about them, and there was nowhere left to go, besides a drop that had to be at least a five hundred feet to the cavern floor below. Behind them, the storm still swirled but was ebbing. Maybe moving had been the right move. At least, that was what Justin thought until he spied a pair of amethyst eyes glowing from within the storm. "The drake!" he called. They hardly had a chance to react. The eyes were coming directly for him. On impulse, he activated Gentleman''s Sidestep, going into a dive. The skill allowed him to dodge the drake''s open maw lined with wickedly sharp teeth. But it did not save him from diving right over the cliff. Justin''s eyes widened as he let out an undignified scream. 106. The Sapphire Gambit It was hard to judge how far it was to the bottom. He found he was strangely calm and accepting of the fact. Despite the wind rushing past his face, his top hat clung on securely. That was the most ridiculous part, but maybe it was as much a part of him now as anything else. Of course, he had an out: the Sapphire Star. For ten seconds, he would become completely invincible, storing the energy of the impact to channel into his next attack. But Justin knew this had been Vorthyrn''s intention. Create the storm, push him off the cliff, and for him to use the Star prematurely. After which, he would be completely defenseless against her, the true threat. All this flashed through his mind in an instant. He noticed a blue shell of energy encasing him: Kargan''s Sacrificial Armor spell. Somehow, the orc had managed to cover him with it in the nick of time. Justin knew it worked on enemy attacks, but would it negate the damage from the fall? At the very least, it might tank the initial impact. But once he rebounded off the cavern floor, the spell would have been spent, and there would be nothing to protect him further. And that cavern floor was rising all too quickly, demanding a decision. Justin closed his eyes. It was time to toss the dice. The impact was brutal. The blue shell of Sacrificial Armor flared bright as it absorbed the fall¡¯s crushing force, shattering instantly. Justin rebounded like a ragdoll, his spine twisting unnaturally. It didn''t snap, by some miracle. But pain seared through him, immediate and visceral. Midair, his Ring of Regeneration activated, its golden glow knitting the injury back together. Relief was fleeting. He had yet to crash back onto the floor. As he fell, he pointed his cane downward, unleashing a blast of frost breath, hopeful for anything that might slow his fall. Justin felt its force push back against him, slowing him slightly as he leaned forward. It was time to see if his enhanced Coordination could be put to good use. He landed hard. Rocks gouged his arms and legs as he rolled forward, every jolt driving fresh pain into his battered body. He finally came to a stop against a jagged boulder. For a moment, he lay there, dazed, blood trickling down his cheek. His top hat, improbably, remained on his head. It was definitely enchanted to stay. He was alive. Battered, bruised, and bloody, but alive. He was beyond tempted to activate Lathalon''s Grace for extra healing, but the screech of the drake diving after him could not be denied. He needed Vorthak''s Flame to defend against its frost breath. He had to trust the passive healing of his ring to patch him up enough to face the threat. Then came the drake¡¯s screech, sharp and piercing. Vorthyrn was descending to finish what she had started. Justin scrambled to his feet. He spotted two drakes diving toward him, their frost-veiled forms shimmering in his blurred vision. His double vision corrected itself in time to see the single, very real Vorthyrn coming in for a dive. Justin staggered behind the boulder he¡¯d slammed into, gritting his teeth against the pain that still radiated from the fall. His Ring of Regeneration wasn''t healing him fast enough. Vorthyrn roared overhead, a veil of frost magic surrounding her. It had regenerated, then. The mystical flames covering Justin¡¯s form flickered under the sheer cold radiating from her presence. His mind raced. The Sapphire Star was still unused. But until her frost veil was broken, it might as well have been a lump of coal. He scanned his surroundings. It appeared no cavalry was on the way. It was just him, a boulder, and a very angry drake circling around for another pass. How long would it take for the others to reach him? Too long, he guessed. As Vorthyrn angled back, Justin dove to the other side of the boulder just in time as her claws raked the ground where he had been standing. Her wings buffeted the rock, sending a spray of icy shards past his shelter. As the drake flew overhead, circling around again, Justin cursed under his breath. He couldn¡¯t run any farther¡ªthere was only open ground beyond. And Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep was still on cooldown. He needed to buy time. ¡°We can still make that deal!¡± he called. ¡°I¡¯m nothing if not reasonable, and my terms are generous!¡± Vorthyrn landed hard, answering with a blast of frost breath. Justin circled around the boulder as the temperature plummeted, ice crawling over the surface. Justin¡¯s flames sputtered, barely clinging to life. His breath fogged as he shivered against the creeping cold. He stepped into the open, not too far from the shelter of his rock, activating Dandy''s Swagger. He twirled his cane, tipped his top hat, and flashed an exaggerated smile. The drake simply leered at him. ¡°Think about it, darling! Walk away with the Star. No death. No loss. Just a good deal.¡± The drake shrieked, rattling his bones. But at least she didn¡¯t move closer. When she answered, her voice was like a blade scraping against steel. ¡°I have no need for deals when you''re already mine, pathetic mortal.¡± She spread her wings, where several icy blue spears formed and then shot with a blast of wind. Justin retreated to the safety of the boulder in time for them to whistle past. He had the feeling that talking his way out was going to prove more difficult than he thought. Even with his Charisma so high, it could only carry him so far. A low growl rumbled from Vorthyrn''s direction. The sound carried a predatory finality, the prelude to a fatal strike. He braced himself, ready to trigger Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep at the first sign of movement. At least it was off cooldown now. Vorthyrn let out a piercing screech and launched into the air, her wings propelling her away with startling speed. For a moment, Justin stood frozen in place, disoriented. Why was she retreating? He peered from behind the boulder, his eyes tracing her path¡ªand then he saw the reason. Floating down from the cliff above, wrapped in a shimmering bubble of violet energy, was Lila. Starlance blazed in her grip, its fiery radiance like a beacon. The bubble dissipated as her boots touched the ground. She strode toward him like a warrior out of legend. Justin let out a laugh of sheer relief. ¡°Thank the gods! Lila! Over here!¡± Her expression was equal parts exasperation and amusement as she approached. ¡°When are you not in mortal peril, Justin?¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°Not my fault. This time.¡± He gestured toward the cliff. ¡°Also, the Baron could have used that spell on me during the fall, but I see he''s saving his magic for ¡®better¡¯ uses.¡± ¡°That much should be obvious,¡± Lila said, her eyes scanning the horizon for the circling drake. "But in his defense, it all happened so fast. Too fast for him to use his Cant of Gravity. He sent me down first, and he¡¯ll join us once he can create a new cant." "What about the others?" "They''re heading down, too. The long way. We three will have to be enough to hold her off." Justin sighed. ¡°Oh, good. More time for her to kill us.¡± As if on cue, another figure floated down from the cliff, cloaked in an aura of shimmering violet light: Valdrik. The drake screeched her fury, flying toward him with wings flaring and frost swirling in her wake. The Baron¡¯s gravity bubble evaporated before she could reach him, allowing him to drop out of reach. Then, angling himself toward Justin and Lila, his staff crackled with dark energy. He darted forward, covering the remaining distance almost instantly. Justin blinked. "You have no shortage of tricks, Valdrik." "I can''t use my Cant of Gravity yet," he said, ignoring him. "We''ll have to hold her off until its cooldown refreshes. Thankfully, my staff is Mythic tier now. It''ll refresh quickly." "You''re welcome," Justin said drolly. The drake¡¯s screech grew louder as she circled back, her frost veil glowing like a fortress of ice. This time, rather than playing cat and mouse with the boulder, she was flying high above. "She''s learning," Valdrik said grimly. "I have to say, I''ve been impressed with her gambits." Justin looked at the Baron. "I''ll be even more impressed if you succeed in keeping us alive." That was when Vorthryn screamed, folding her wings as she shot downward like an arrow loosed from a bow. Her frost breath surged before her, and there was no place to run. Valdrik raised his staff, muttering in the harsh syllables of Vranthillis. Shadows curled outward, forming a jagged shield above him. Whatever the shield was, it caused Vorthyrn to veer aside with a screech. "Didn''t think it would be that easy," he said. "You''ll need to bait her in." "How?" Lila asked. "It''s scared of your Cant of Gravity." "We need to separate," he said. "Otherwise, she''ll be too scared to challenge us openly." "Separate?" Justin asked. "Keep dreaming." "I mean it," Valdrik said. "Go out into the open. Let her come for you. I''ll rush over and use my Cant of Gravity so we can at least keep her grounded." "She''ll see that coming from a mile away." "Do you have a better idea?" Justin breathed a curse. "Not really." "And what about me?" Lila asked. "Stay here for now," Valdrik said. "She''s just as scared of Starlance. Off with you, Justin. Antagonize her somehow. That''s one thing you''re actually good at." "Right, because nothing screams ¡®great plan¡¯ like yelling at a giant frost lizard." "You might be surprised, Mr. Talemaker. Now, off with you." He was preparing another retort, but even Lila was waving him on. Even if he didn''t want to admit it, he saw Valdrik''s point. He raced out into the open, shouting to get the drake''s attention, which was already circling back. He activated Dandy''s Swagger, doing a taunting jig. Vorthyrn shrieked, heading his way with alarming speed. Justin ran as the drake''s claws extended. Looking over his shoulder, Justin activated Gentleman''s Sidestep at the last possible moment. As he slid to the side, the drake screamed past him, within twenty feet of the boulder. That was when Valdrik appeared from behind the boulder, chanting and pointing his staff at the flying beast. It screeched in dismay as it became wrapped in a violet aura. It landed roughly on its feet, its wings falling heavily against its sides. Then Lila rushed forward, Starlance extended. Vorthyrn swept her massive tail around. Justin''s heart stopped; it was going to be a direct hit. But that was when Lila activated her Acrobatic Tumble, leaping over the tail, Starlance extended. The lance met the shield, spreading fire along the point of contact. But before the flames could completely engulf her, Vorthyrn raked Lila with one of her claws, sending Lila hurtling back, Starlance in hand. Justin rushed forward, but he couldn''t protect Lila as she spiraled through the air, her body twisting unnaturally. ¡°Lila!¡± Justin shouted. His heart clenched as she landed on her side, hard. Within moments, he was next to her. Blood was already pooling at her leather armor where the drake''s claws had dug in. Her body shook from shock. But before he could say anything more, a radiant light surged from Starlance, enveloping her body. The ground beneath her cracked with a sharp burst of energy as the enchantment took hold. Lila¡¯s eyes focused, glowing with a fiery intensity that didn¡¯t belong to her. The wounds on her body knitted themselves together. As she stood, a reddish aura surrounded her as she charged forward, her knives in hand. Of course, Justin had nearly forgotten. When Lila''s health was critical, it activated Last Stand, which healed her and gave her the Berserk status. He wasn''t entirely sure what that meant, but he supposed it meant she was going to attack with reckless abandon. But that was not all. An ethereal figure now raced along beside her, now wielding Starlance while Lila lobbed her knives. Like Lila, his fiery form held the faint aura of berserk fury. The drake let out a screech, startled by the sudden change of events. She tried, and failed, to flee, weighed down by the Baron''s magic. Realizing that running was impossible, she turned to face both Alden and Lila, her wings beating a harsh wind laden with hail. Another storm had formed within moments. It reduced visibility and pelted Justin with stinging shards that drew blood. Justin rushed forward. It was all or nothing. He ran with everything he had, never minding the pain. Soon, his entire flame-ridden body was slick with blood. While the flames melted the ice somewhat, it was not a sure shield. It was now or never. With a mental push, he activated Sapphire Aegis. A thick, blue shield surrounded him. It absorbed the storm''s energy¡ªnot just around him, but the entire storm kicked up by Vorthyrn''s wings. In seconds, Vorthyrn''s spell channeled into him, causing the shield to grow ever brighter. Vorthyrn cut off the spell, and with a groan, began loping away. But she could not go fast enough, as if weighed down by a great, unyielding weight. How much time had passed? Justin couldn''t say. But the lack of a storm meant Alden could land a pivotal hit on the frost veil, shattering it entirely. Vorthyrn let out a panicked shriek. The Sapphire Aegis redirected its energy, sapphire light racing down Justin''s arm, collecting in his cane. Five seconds to strike. Justin sprinted as fast as he could, Vorthyrn doing everything she could to pivot out of harm''s way. But Justin would not allow it. With a shout, he extended the drakebone blade as he swung his cane. It was a glancing hit, but it didn¡¯t matter. All the energy collected by the shield shot directly into Vorthyrn¡¯s side. The force of it rippled along her glittering scales, launching her thirty feet into the air like a stone from a catapult. She arced down with a sickening crunch against the cliff of the plateau, her body crumpling into the snow. A pained croon escaped her maw, low and mournful, a sound that sent an involuntary shiver down Justin¡¯s spine. He stood frozen, the cane trembling in his grip. He hadn¡¯t just hit her¡ªhe¡¯d sent her flying. His mind struggled to process it. "Did I...just yeet a drake?" he whispered. ¡°Press the attack!¡± Valdrik¡¯s voice cut through his disbelief like a whip crack. ¡°She¡¯s ours!¡± As one, they charged, Lila and Alden racing ahead of them both. Alden began cutting deeply into the drake''s scales, while Lila aimed for the eyes, only adding to her misery. The Baron cast vortices of furious flames along her length, his gray eyes reflecting the madness of his attack. And it was at this moment that the rest of the party members arrived. Gareth came with his blade and began slashing with inhuman speed. Rothian spread flames along her length, while Eldrin unleashed his arrows. At first, Vorthyrn attempted to fight back, but Kargan and Ryak were there to shield the party. After a minute or so, she gave up, settling into death. Justin couldn''t be sure, but her burning, amethyst eyes seemed to watch him from the midst of the flames before they closed in death. A mighty blast of frost magic expanded outward from her body, throwing them back. Justin weathered it fine with his Vorthak''s Flame, but others were not so lucky. Lila, Rothian, and Gareth were caught by the blast, their bodies covered in ice. Kargan tended to Lila, while the Baron focused on his own men. As Justin caught up to Lila, he was relieved to see that the damage wasn''t severe. The light of the battle madness had left her green eyes, and she stood within his flames, warming up. The entire party stood, staring at the body of the dead drake, still consumed by flames. At that moment, there was a great trembling in the ground, rocks shifting beneath Justin''s feet. A bright green light shone from the top of the plateau. The Baron dusted off his black velvet coat. "Well done, all. It''s time to claim the treasure." The others seem to relax at these words, Rothian and Wolfram even allowing small smiles. Justin and his party simply gathered together, while Ryak closed his eyes in relief. "Thank you," the Iceborne said, looking at Justin. "Whatever your group needs, I am your servant." Justin turned to see Alden facing Lila, giving a low bow. Then, the ghost disappeared along with Starlance. She would lose access to the weapon, but it had been necessary to ensure the victory. Already, Baron Valdrik was heading for the trail that would take him back to the plateau and the drake''s hoard, his party quick on his tail. "Let''s go," Eldrin said. "Before they take all the spoils." 107. The Dispersing of the Hoard Justin approached Lila and Alden, his boots crunching against the frost-rimed ground. She stood a short distance away, her back to him, her brown hair tousled and matted with blood. Before her, the fiery figure of Alden Starfire shimmered faintly, Starlance in hand. Justin hesitated, unwilling to interrupt, but Alden glanced at him and offered a tight-lipped smile. ¡°Come closer, Justin, Wielder of the Sapphire Star. I would like to speak with you both before my time is done.¡± Justin stepped forward, his cane steadying him as he moved. The fires that once burned Vorthryn¡¯s massive form had died away, and now her corpse radiated a chill. It was surprisingly intact, given the beating she had taken. Lila¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver from Alden¡¯s face as she spoke softly. ¡°Thank you, Alden,¡± she said, her voice trembling. ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know how we could have done it without you.¡± Alden smiled, fading slightly before coming back into focus, as if he were fighting to remain. "It is I who owe you thanks. You gave me the chance to bring Vorthryn to justice at last. My dear Elara''s legacy has been cleansed, and for that, I am forever grateful.¡± Lila nodded, her lips pressed tightly. Alden turned his gaze to Justin. ¡°And you,¡± he said, his tone taking on a gravity that made Justin straighten. ¡°You wield the Sapphire Star." "It helped win the battle," Justin said. "Indeed," Alden said. "More than that, Elara has found you worthy. Wear it with honor. But be wary. The spirits of previous wielders of the Star are still bound to it, and not all of them can be trusted." "Like who?" Justin asked. "It¡¯s a mystery that remains unsolved. The wielders of the Star reach back to the realm of myth, back to even the time of the Godswar. Their whispered memories may shine with insight, but caution is key. Listen to their advice, yet tread with care." Justin swallowed. "I will." He had even more questions. "I haven''t heard anything yet." "It may take time for the Star''s magic to intertwine with your core. It is a mighty artifact, the only one of its kind." "It says it allows for travel between World Gates," Justin said. "What does that mean?" "My time is limited, Justin Talemaker, so I urge you to seek answers to that question on your own. Just know there are many who would covet its power." "Like Valdrik." "Aye, and ones even more powerful than he. Trust in yourself, Justin, and you will find the strength to rise to any challenge.¡± Justin nodded, unsure of what else to say. He gestured at the Starlance in Alden''s hand. ¡°It¡¯s a shame she can¡¯t keep that. It feels wrong for you to go and for this weapon to go with you.¡± Alden chuckled deeply. ¡°Do not mourn its loss. Starlance''s true power lies not in its presence, but in the spirit it represents." His gaze shifted to Lila. "That spirit, Lila, is yours. Something tells me that both of you will see and hold wonders beyond even this." Lila¡¯s lips parted as if to respond, but before she could speak, Alden¡¯s form wavered and his fiery glow dimmed. ¡°My time here is nearly over," he said, his voice soft but resolute. ¡°Go forth, and let your deeds write the stories of tomorrow.¡± As Alden began to fade, Justin noticed the faint shimmer of tears in Lila¡¯s eyes. She straightened, raising one of her throwing knives in salute. ¡°Thank you." And then Alden was gone, the light of Starlance fading until nothing was left. It was as if the spirit had never been. The two stood in silence for a moment before Justin touched Lila gently on the shoulder. ¡°We should go. The Baron and his merry band are probably picking through the hoard already.¡± Lila nodded, her face still taut with emotion. ¡°Kargan and Eldrin hung back at least,¡± she said, pointing to the edge of the battlefield where the two waited. They moved quickly, joining their companions before taking the trail that led up to the plateau. The journey was quiet, the only sounds being the crunch of their boots on the rocky ground. When they reached the top, they stopped short. Before them stood not just the drake''s hoard, but a tall, ghostly figure guarding it. He was tall and lean, his flowing brown robes humble, and a pointed hat atop his head. To Justin''s eye, this was a classic Wizard, with sharp features and piercing eyes glowing with ethereal light, like twin stars caught in the void. At first, Justin didn''t know who this was until he recalled the Vault description, which felt like ages ago. This was none other than Sikander, the Wizard who had bound Vorthyrn to this island in the first place, creating this very Vault. ¡°I am Sikander, a Temporal Wizard,¡± the figure declared. ¡°Two centuries ago, my party and I sought to destroy Vorthyrn and reclaim the Sapphire Star of Eyrth. We faced her in this very glacier, and one by one, my comrades fell to her wrath. Alone, wounded, and knowing defeat was inevitable, I invoked the Legendary Spell¡ªthe Cant of Temporal Binding. My magic intertwined with that of the Sapphire Star, creating the Vault you have just bested." Justin figured a "Temporal Wizard" was an advanced class, a type of Wizard that specialized in magic related to time. Sikander paused, his spectral form shimmering faintly as if the memory itself drained him. ¡°With my magic, I shackled Vorthyrn to this island. The cost was my Core and my mortal life. I deemed it a lesser evil, binding the Northern Terror to spare the world of her wrath. But as the years passed, her power grew. The fetters of time and magic weakened. At any moment, she could have broken free. Perhaps even in mere days. If this had been allowed to happen, her vengeance would have been unthinkable.¡± Sikander the Temporal Wizard extended his arms, palms upward, as though presenting himself. ¡°And now, with this task accomplished, my spirit is free to ascend to the Ether Realm. And you have my eternal gratitude.¡± Justin exchanged a glance with Lila, unsure whether to bow, speak, or simply stand there. Sikander continued, his gaze sweeping over the group. ¡°The treasures of this Vault are yours by right,¡± he said. ¡°It is my duty to dispense them fairly. Every member of your party shall receive Gold-Tier Leggings promised by the trials of this Vault. Not only that, you shall receive a permanent Rare boon to aid you on your path. More than that, a Platinum-Tier weapon, assuming you have not received it yet. The ultimate prize for which I lost my own life¡ªthe Sapphire Star of Eyrth¡ªhas already been justly claimed by the Socialite, Justin Talemaker." Justin shifted on his feet as the others looked at him. Yes, the Star was his, but it made him that much more of a target. For now, he was interested in his leg piece, an armor slot that had long eluded him. For the first time, he would be completely decked out with enchanted gear. Sikander began with Valdrik and his party. A pair of deep blue pants floated toward the Baron, lined with frost-touched threads that sparkled in the cavern¡¯s light. ¡°To Dragomir Valdrik, the Lexicant,¡± Sikander intoned, ¡°I grant the Iceguard Trousers. These shall fortify your Endurance by +4 and grant you 50% resistance to ice magic." The Baron accepted them with a nod, his gray eyes gleaming as he ran his fingers over the enchanted fabric. From the way he immediately stored them using a quickly uttered Cant of Repository, Justin guessed the gear he was currently wearing was superior. Rothian was next. A wide belt, ornate and inscribed with fiery runes, appeared from the hoard and drifted toward him. ¡°To Rothian the Pyromancer, I present the Flameweaver¡¯s Cinch. It enhances your Intellect by +4 and reduces the cooldown of all lesser and minor-tier fire spells by 30%." Rothian grinned as he buckled the belt over his robes, the flames at his staff¡¯s tip burning just a bit brighter. Wolfram received a pair of dark, supple breeches. ¡°To Wolfram, I grant the Shadewalker Breeches. They enhance your Coordination by +4 while bolstering your stealth abilities.¡± Wolfram grunted his thanks, slipping into the pants with practiced efficiency, clearly not being one for modesty. Gareth was gifted a pair of sleek black leathers, which he received with deathly silence. ¡°To Gareth the Shadowblade, I present the Duskwraith Leggings. They increase your Power and Endurance by +2 and make you incorporeal as a wraith for a short time after each kill.¡± The assassin accepted his reward without a word; his dead-eyed stare was unsettling. Next came Ryak, who was presented with a pair of sturdy leather breeches adorned with small golden rivets. ¡°To Ryak, I grant the Frostkeeper''s Breeches. These enhance your Perception and Endurance by +2 and double the amount of Frost Shields you can cast per day.¡± Ryak accepted them with a curt nod. Sikander turned to Eldrin, directing a pair of finely crafted leather pants in his direction. ¡°To Eldrin the Ranger, I grant the Pathfinder¡¯s Leathers. These grant a +2 boost to both Endurance and Coordination. While you wear these, they will upgrade your Pathfinder¡¯s Pace boon to Pathfinder¡¯s Stride, improving your party¡¯s speed and efficiency in the wild.¡± Eldrin¡¯s eyes lit up as he accepted the gift. Justin couldn¡¯t help but grin. The upgrade would give them a vital edge when getting away from the Baron, who was now frowning. ¡°To Lila the Bard,¡± Sikander continued, floating a pair of colorful, flowing pants in her direction, ¡°I present the Dervish Trousers. These enhance your Coordination and Charisma by +2 and grant you the boon, Dancer¡¯s Grace, while worn. This will improve your accuracy with thrown weapons while on the move, while preventing dizziness.¡± Lila accepted them with a gracious smile. ¡°Thank you, Sikander." Kargan was next, receiving heavy fur-lined pants that shimmered faintly with icy energy. ¡°To Kargan the Blood Warden, I grant the Frost Eater Legguards. While they provide a mere +2 boost to Endurance, they more than make up for it with their Frost Eater enchantment, which absorbs all ice magic as health.¡± The orc''s amber eyes widened upon accepting the legguards with a solemn nod. ¡°My thanks." Finally, Sikander turned to Justin. A pair of sleek black trousers materialized from the hoard, their fabric shining faintly like polished obsidian. ¡°To Justin the Socialite,¡± Sikander declared, ¡°I grant the Trousers of Quickened Stride. These grant a +2 boost to Endurance and Coordination and increase your combat speed by 10%.¡± Justin smiled as he took the pants, running a hand over their impossibly smooth fabric. ¡°I look forward to breaking these in,¡± he said, tipping his top hat. Sikander inclined his head slightly, a faint smile gracing his spectral face. ¡°In addition to their individual enchantments, all these items bear utility enchantments to protect you from the harsh cold of the North.¡± As the group examined their new gear, Sikander raised a hand again. ¡°The spirits of Elara and Alden Starfire, not to mention myself, thank you for your brave deeds. For your resolve and daring, the Vault of the Star of Elara sees fit to grant you each a Rare Boon: Draconic Bounty." A blue System notification flashed across Justin''s interface. [You have received the Rare Boon: Draconic Bounty!]You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Draconic Bounty: Draw strength from your wealth as dragons and drakes do from their hoards. For every wealth threshold you attain, you gain up to six base points in each of your Core Attributes. Lose the points if your wealth drops below the threshold, but regain them automatically once the wealth returns. Draconic Thresholds:
  1. 1 Gold Crown: Draconic Glimmer
    • Your wealth begins to shimmer with potential, granting +1 to your Core Attributes.
  2. 10 Gold Crowns: Draconic Shine
    • Your growing hoard imbues you with strength, granting +2 to your Core Attributes.
  3. 1 Platinum Shard: Draconic Luster
    • The brilliance of true treasure enhances your resolve, granting +3 to your Core Attributes.
  4. 10 Platinum Shards: Draconic Radiance
    • Your hoard gleams with undeniable power, granting +4 to your Core Attributes.
  5. 1 Mythril Talent: Draconic Majesty
    • The weight of your wealth commands respect, granting +5 to your Core Attributes.
  6. 10 Mythril Talents: Draconic Dominion
    • Your hoard transcends the material, granting you supreme authority and +6 to your Core Attributes.
As Justin read the thresholds, his mind raced with potential. He had collected 60 crowns already, and that number was bound to increase. [Your Draconic Bounty resonates with your hoard, granting +2 to your Charisma!] Justin smiled. What was more, once he unlocked an advanced class, he would gain the same amount in his second Core Attribute, whatever it turned out to be. And the fact that it counted as being added to his base Charisma meant the Amulet of Equilibrium would consider it in future calculations. It was a nice boon indeed, though he would have to weigh carefully if losing the Attribute Points was worth it if he needed to make a big purchase. At least he would get back the points if he gained the money back. To his surprise, there was a denomination above even a platinum shard, apparently called a Mythril Talent. In his head canon, one copper translated to about $1 of his own currency: a pint of ale went for about five coppers at any local tavern, about what he could get it for at any dive bar in his hometown. If that conversion held true, then one "Mythril Talent" would be worth about one billion dollars. The fact that this boon would scale as high as ten of those seemed insurmountable, but he supposed there might be the equivalent of multi-billionaires here on Eyrth. Sikander waited silently, what felt like a dramatic pause for the big prize: the Platinum-Tier weapon. Looking around, it seemed Justin was the only one who had already received his. Sikander extended his arms, and the treasure within the Vault responded. A shimmering light found an object that floated toward the Baron, a scepter forged from silver and inlaid with glowing sapphire runes. A sphere of flawless crystal crowned its top, encasing a swirling storm of blue and white light. ¡°To Dragomir Valdrik, the Lexicant,¡± Sikander intoned, ¡°I grant the Scepter of the Silver Tongue. It fortifies your Charisma and Intellect by +4, reduces the cooldown between your cants, and grants you access to the Cant of Ice Form when wielded." The Baron¡¯s gray eyes shone as he took the staff. ¡°A fine addition to my growing collection,¡± he said, his tone even. That was when another staff floated toward Rothian from the hoard. It seemed to be carved from obsidian, its surface etched with red runes that flickered like embers. At its tip burned a smokeless flame that danced hypnotically. Justin detected the scent of laden ash as it passed overhead. Rothian grasped it with a pudgy hand, his eyes wide with glee. ¡°To Rothian the Pyromancer, I present the Infernal Conduit. Forged in the Great Volcano of Tezcal, it was one of Vorthyrn''s most prized possessions, once wielded by the Pyromancer-Queen Ixchel. This staff shall enhance your Intellect and Perception by +4 each, reduce the cooldown of all your fire spells, and grant them additional explosive potential.¡± Rothian accepted the staff with both hands, his grin wide as flames licked along its edges. ¡°A worthy weapon for a worthy pyromancer,¡± he said, testing its balance. Justin rolled his eyes. Next, Sikander gestured, and the same quiver of black javelins Wolfram had tried to abscond with earlier rose into the air and alighted in his outstretched hands. As Wolfram took one out to inspect it, Justin noticed that they were not solid but semi-translucent. ¡°To Wolfram the Ranger, I grant the Phantom Quiver and its attendant javelins. When cored, it will enhance your Coordination by +6 and ensure your javelins always return to you, unseen and unstoppable, while piercing armor of Gold quality or less.¡± Wolfram grunted his thanks as he slung the quiver across his back. Sikander turned to Gareth, and a sleek katana materialized and floated toward him, seemingly forged from pure shadow. The hilt was wrapped in black silk, while the guard bore the intricate design of a crescent moon. ¡°To Gareth the Shadowblade, I present Midnight Fang, forged in the shadowed tunnels of Tenebralis during the Godswar. A weapon meant for a common enforcer in those days, in these days of lessened magic, it is a weapon meant for a king among cutthroats. It fortifies your Power by +6 and Coordination by +2, extends your stealth abilities, and grants you access to Cloak of Shadows twice per day." Gareth stepped forward, taking the katana with both hands. He gave no words, but the cold glint in his eyes as he sheathed it spoke volumes. The next object to appear was a towering shard of what seemed to be enchanted ice. Its surface was smooth and reflective, like a frozen mirror, and a cluster of jagged frost crystals crowned its top. It floated toward Ryak, who gripped it with long, pale fingers. "To Ryak the Cryomancer, I grant Glacier¡¯s Grasp. It shall enhance your Perception by +6 and Intellect by +2, amplify the power of your frost magic, and sap the strength of your enemies.¡± Ryak bowed slightly, taking the staff in one hand and tapping its icy tip against the ground. Frost spread beneath the weapon''s base. Sikander turned to Eldrin, sending a bow crafted from silvery-white wood floating toward his outstretched hands. Vines of gold and green were carved along its length, merging into intricate, leaf-like designs near the grip. The string, impossibly thin, glimmered with a soft emerald glow. ¡°To Eldrin the Ranger, I present the Bow of the Eclipse Weaver. Its string may appear fragile, but it is crafted from the silk of the Eclipse Weaver, an arachnid from the shadowed jungles of Veralith. It will enhance your Coordination by +4 and your Intellect by +2. Furthermore, the string will lace your arrows with the Eclipse Weaver''s venom, inflicting the Darkness effect.¡± Eldrin¡¯s eyes widened as he took the bow, tracing the intricate carvings along its length with a smile. ¡°This will serve me well." A heavy staff floated toward Kargan. It was carved from dark ebony, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. A crimson gemstone the size of a fist crowned the top, encased in a web of black iron. Faint veins of red light ran through the wood. Sikander addressed Kargan. ¡°To Kargan the Blood Warden, I grant the Crimson Bastion. It will bolster your Endurance by +6 and your Intellect by +2, fortify your wards and shields, and amplify your blood magic to sustain your allies.¡± Kargan¡¯s tusks protruded in an orcish smile as he nodded his thanks, gripping the staff with both hands. ¡°A weapon worthy of a Blood Warden." Twelve curved knives next flew toward Lila. Their blades were slender and razor-sharp, whistling almost musically as they flew, one after the other, sounding something like the chromatic scale. The handles were crafted from polished ivory, fitted with silver caps shaped like musical notes. Their collective hum receded as they gathered themselves in a quiver of supple black leather laced with twelve musical notes, which Lila placed at her side. ¡°To Lila the Bard, I present the Chromatic Knives. They will enhance your Charisma and Coordination by +2 each and will naturally return to you once all have been thrown. These twelve blades are attuned to the chromatic scale, each resonating with one of the twelve musical notes when lobbed. When thrown in harmony with your Bardic songs, they will amplify both the power of your melodies and the impact of your strikes.¡± Lila¡¯s grin widened as she accepted the knives, their iridescent blades glinting with a subtle magical glow. She deftly retrieved three, juggling them in an effortless arc that chimed out a triumphant major chord. With a satisfied smile, she sheathed them again. ¡°These are going to be so much fun!¡± Indeed, Justin was interested in how the blades would interact with Lila''s songs. Plus, since they would return on their own, it negated her need for her Amulet of Everblade, received way back in the Vault of the Guardian Pass. With twelve knives, her options only expanded, and she''d be hard-pressed to run out of blades. Finally, Sikander turned to Justin. Instead of a weapon, a glass vial floated toward him. He took it in his hand, examining it. The vial was crafted from polished glass, with a stopper made of what Justin could only assume was drake bone. The liquid within was a swirling mist, shifting and shimmering like gold under sunlight. ¡°To Justin the Socialite, who has already gained the Cane of the Drake, I instead grant the Essence of the Hoard. Apply this scent once daily, and it will enhance your Charm and Intellect by +1 while aiding in the acquisition of further wealth." Justin caught the vial, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Cologne? I suppose I should be flattered.¡± Sikander¡¯s faint smile suggested amusement. ¡°A fitting reward for one who thrives on influence.¡± Justin set his mind upon the object, the Vault''s magic supplying its use without the need for a scryer''s lens.
Essence of the Hoard (Cologne) Effect: When applied, this cologne grants a +1 boost to Charisma and Intellect for 24 hours, enveloping you in an aura of wealth and power. While worn, it increases the likelihood of finding rare treasures in Vaults and enhances your bargaining skills.
Justin''s eyes widened. Another boost to Charisma was always welcome. Plus, putting on a splash just before entering a Vault or doing a bit of haggling would be wise. He would have to use it judiciously. Cologne could last a long time, but not if he used it every day. As Sikander stepped back, his gaze swept over the assembled party. ¡°Each of these Platinum-tier weapons is imbued with enchantments worthy of your deeds. Treasure them, for they will aid you well in the trials to come.¡± The room fell silent as each member took stock of his or her new equipment. "There is one final gift before my spirit can ascend to the Ether Realm," Sikander intoned, his voice echoing with a lingering note of finality. "While this gift may not hold equal value to all, it shall be of immense use to those who have prevailed against Vorthyrn despite the odds stacked against them due to their low level. Lo! There is magic enough left in this Vault to supply each of you with a Crystal of Expansion. This relic will allow you to upgrade your packs to Gold quality. Once enhanced, these packs shall vastly increase their storage capacity and significantly reduce the weight of the items within. Though their storage is not infinite, this boon will make the burden of carrying unused gear much lighter." With a wave of Sikander''s spectral hand, the air shimmered with faint, golden light. Nine crystalline shards materialized, glowing softly with inner radiance. Each shard was elongated, almost teardrop-shaped. The crystals floated forward and came to rest before each party member. The moment it touched Justin''s palm, it dissolved into a shimmering golden mist and was absorbed by his body. A faint warmth spread through him, settling in the pack slung over his shoulder. [The Crystal of Expansion has upgraded your pack to Gold Quality. You can now store 100% more material!] Instantly, the straps on his shoulders felt lighter, as though a massive weight had been lifted. He gave the pack a quick tug, marveling at how much more comfortable it felt. Somehow, he had crammed an absurd number of items into it¡ªincluding the bulky Cane of Valoria¡ªand now, it seemed as though the pack was eager to accommodate even more. More than that, the once well-worn leather seemed to shimmer as if freshly polished. Gone were the scuffs and scratches that had marked it from countless adventures. In their place was a supple, flawless sheen that spoke of unparalleled craftsmanship. The gold filigree along the edges added an air of opulence. Justin smiled as he inspected his newly enhanced pack. "All that¡¯s missing is the LV icon. This thing could pass for haute couture." "Perfect for the Gentleman on the go," Eldrin said with a smile. Sikander regarded the party before him. "Once again, the Frozen North thanks you for your brave deeds. Fare thee well, Brave Adventurers!" With a bow, Sikander faded into the Ether, and the Voice of the System spoke. [The Vault honors your triumph! Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds.]
The Trial of the Vault of the Star of Elara is complete! Experience Gained: 25,000 940 Golden Crowns, 24 Silvers, and 98 Coppers have been added to your inventory! Your inventory stands at 1 Platinum Shard, 30 Silver Marks, and 24 Copper Pieces! Your Draconic Shine has ascended to Draconic Luster, granting you +3 in Charisma! Your base Charisma is now 40. Your experience stands at 25,827/4,600. Level-up available!]
Justin''s eyes popped at that ridiculous number, even as the wealth of the hoard instantly disappeared before him. 25,000 experience points? It was staggering. He couldn¡¯t be sure, but it was probably more experience in one fell swoop than he had gained thus far. He glanced over at Lila, whose wide-eyed expression mirrored his own shock. Even Eldrin and Kargan, usually stoic, appeared flabbergasted. "That''s a Level 36 Vault for you, I guess," Justin muttered. The Baron, however, seemed entirely unfazed. His party had already gathered around him, their attention fixed on something ahead. Following their gaze, Justin looked up. An ethereal bridge had appeared, leading from the plateau to a previously hidden tunnel. Beyond its shimmering expanse, daylight beckoned. Then, the System delivered a new notification, its text floating before his eyes. [Dragomir Valdrik, Rothian Nightflame, Gareth Everett, and Wolfram Gravesong have left the party. Ryak of the Yarith Iceborne is now the Party Leader.] Ryak moved first, stepping forward with purpose. His new Glacier¡¯s Grasp staff left a light fog in his wake. He came to stand by Justin and the others. ¡°We had better go.¡± ¡°Wait a second,¡± Lila said sharply, her tone brimming with suspicion. ¡°You chose to side with the Baron. Why should we trust you?¡± Ryak didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°I am a member of your party, am I not? I remain committed to the terms of our original bargain. You will not survive the North without an able guide. I joined the Baron because he seemed the most serious about destroying the drake.¡± Lila folded her arms, clearly unconvinced. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re not still on his side. What¡¯s stopping you from leaving the party and turning against us?¡± Justin stepped in. ¡°He¡¯s still bound to the agreement. The contract has a clause¡ªno one can leave a party to avoid its terms. It applies to everyone who was a member at the time the contract was made.¡± Lila scowled but relented with a begrudging nod. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll take your word for it.¡± Eldrin broke the tension, stepping toward the bridge. ¡°Ryak¡¯s right. We need to move.¡± Kargan¡¯s gruff voice cut in. ¡°Where¡¯s Gareth?¡± The Baron turned, clearly as surprised as the rest of them. His gaze swept the group, then the area beyond. ¡°Gareth? Where did you go?" Lila¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°He¡¯s going to try to kill us somehow.¡± Justin shook his head. ¡°He can¡¯t. Not unless my new skill is completely worthless.¡± But Eldrin¡¯s expression turned grim. ¡°No. He¡¯s going for the boat. He must have used his Cloak of Shadows skill to slip away while we were distracted.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ryak said, already heading toward the bridge. ¡°There¡¯s no time to waste.¡± Justin hesitated, glancing back at Valdrik. The Baron simply smiled, a smug curl of his lips. ¡°You¡¯ll never reach it in time,¡± he said lightly. ¡°Enjoy your stay on the island. Don¡¯t worry¡ªit¡¯ll only be for a couple of weeks.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be sorry for this!¡± Lila hissed. ¡°Justin, Lila!¡± Eldrin called from ahead. Ryak and Kargan were already crossing the bridge, their forms half-shrouded in its ethereal glow. There was no time for words. Justin tightened the straps of his pack and broke into a sprint, with Lila close behind. 108. Through Ice and Twilight Justin, Lila, and Kargan chased after Eldrin and Ryak along the length of the ethereal bridge. Justin risked a glance back at the Baron, who simply watched with curiosity. The man was completely assured that they would never get to the boat in time. Still, the Baron was playing a dangerous game. If Gareth did anything to attack them directly, it would consign the Baron and his party to death. But what if Gareth were to do something to the boat, incapacitate it somehow? The act wasn''t one of outright violence, so the Baron seemed willing to risk it. They had no choice. Get there first and get off the island. There was no time to dwell on his mistakes. He tightened his grip on his cane and pushed forward. ¡°Keep moving!¡± Eldrin called from ahead. A flash of movement swept over the party, toward the evening light at the end of the bridge. It was Shadowflight, somehow healed, his silhouette black against the evening sky. Finally, Justin left the Vault behind. He stood with the rest on the glacier¡¯s surface, greeted by a frigid wind that would have sapped his strength were it not for his Vorthak''s Flame. Behind, the opening into the glacier was lost to darkness. The sky above was streaked with fiery orange and deep indigo. Beautiful, but a grim reminder that at this time of year, daylight never lasted for more than a couple of hours. ¡°No sign of Gareth,¡± Lila said. ¡°He could be anywhere.¡± Eldrin knelt, studying the icy terrain with sharp, calculating eyes. ¡°We don''t need to find him. We simply need to reach the boat first. Stick together, and we¡¯ll outpace him." Eldrin gestured toward the icy horizon. ¡°Let''s move.¡± Over the next few minutes, they ran as fast as the ice would allow. The wind blew fiercely, and even through his flames, Justin could feel its chill. Lila stuck close to him while Kargan donned his hood, hunched and running as fast as he could manage. Eldrin ran point with Ryak; of the five of them, the Iceborne was the only one who seemed inured to the cold. The party¡¯s advance led them to a sudden break in the glacier. A jagged crevice yawned before them, its sheer walls glistening with ice and frost. This crevice seemed to be the same one they had followed to the entrance of the Vault. Assuming they could get down there, it was a sure path back to the inlet. ¡°Fantastic,¡± Justin muttered, peering over the edge. ¡°A shortcut straight to our graves.¡± ¡°Not quite,¡± Eldrin said. As if Eldrin''s words were a summons, Shadowflight screeched, gliding low and landing lightly on his shoulder. The bird ruffled its feathers, its keen eyes scanning the group. "I''m glad to see he''s okay," Lila said. Eldrin stroked the bird¡¯s head. ¡°He''s tougher than he looks. Plus, Animal Bond gives him passive healing. It takes time, but he always comes back.¡± "We''re wasting time," Ryak said. "If there''s a way down, we need to find it." Shadowflight let out a low cry, hopping to Eldrin¡¯s arm and pointing with his beak toward a cluster of icy handholds and ledges carved into the crevice wall, previously missed. It was a path, if a treacherous one. "That''s convenient," Lila said. "This island was a pilgrimage site for the Iceborne in the time of my grandfather''s grandfather," Ryak said. "It doesn''t surprise me that traces of previous visitors remain." ¡°Is that even possible to go down?" Kargan asked. "It looks dangerous." Justin eyed the precarious path dubiously. ¡°I''m afraid we don''t have a choice." Eldrin was already going forward, testing the way. Justin willed his cane to provide more light. "What if Gareth is down there waiting for us?" Lila asked. "If he is, then he can''t try anything," Justin said. "Not without dooming himself in the process." "I suppose," she said. "It looks like it''s my turn." She went down, and Justin let her go a little way before bringing up the rear. The descent was slow and nerve-wracking. Each handhold was slick with frost, each ledge barely wide enough for a boot. Eldrin led the way, his movements confident, while Shadowflight flitted ahead, scouting the safest route. Justin followed closely, focusing on Eldrin¡¯s every move. Strangely, his steps felt natural, as if he instinctively knew where to place his hands and feet. His improved Coordination seemed to guide him like an unseen hand. Plus, he might have been getting some extra insight from Eldrin''s upgraded Pathfinder''s Stride. ¡°This boon of yours,¡± Justin called down, gripping an icy outcropping. ¡°I''m a fan." Eldrin smiled from ahead. ¡°Don''t get cocky.¡± Kargan moved with surprising grace for his size, his heavy boots crunching against the ice. Lila followed, her movements deliberate, her bardic agility keeping her steady. They reached a ledge about thirty feet down when Eldrin halted abruptly. The path ended in a sheer drop, the next ledge far below, with no obvious way to access it. ¡°No way down from here,¡± the Ranger said grimly. ¡°We jump,¡± Kargan rumbled. "If Justin can survive a fall from five hundred feet, well, what''s fifty feet between friends?" Kargan raised his new staff, the veins of red light brightening as a bluish light encased each of them one by one in an aura of Sacrificial Armor. Justin flexed his fingers, the magic buzzing faintly against his skin. "Try to roll forward if you can," Eldrin said. "Follow my lead." Eldrin fell forward without hesitation, his Ranger''s cloak billowing behind him. Ryak went next, with just as much grace. Lila took a deep breath, staring down into the icy crevice. ¡°All right. For the record, I hate this.¡± She jumped, landing in the darkness below with a thud. Kargan stood at the edge of the ledge, his blue magic swirling like a protective cocoon around him. The orc let out a nervous breath, his cry echoing as he jumped and landed. Justin glanced down at the sheer drop, his stomach churning. He found that now that he had to jump willingly, it was much harder to find the nerve. With a deep breath, he stepped off. The world blurred as he plummeted, the icy air howling past his ears. He braced for impact, and when it came, the Sacrificial Armor absorbed the worst of the blow, leaving him with only a sharp jolt in his knees and elbows as he rolled forward, not even dropping his cane. He stood, brushing the frost off his coat. ¡°Not as bad as I thought.¡± ¡°Well, we''re all in one piece,¡± Lila said, her voice bright. ¡°Let¡¯s keep it that way.¡± As the group began running again, Lila raised her voice in song. The notes started low and steady, building into a melody that wrapped around them like a warm embrace. Justin recognized the sunny song, one of Lila''s go-tos: "As Fast as Sunlight," which boosted Coordination. Justin felt an immediate lightness in his step, the strain in his muscles easing as his speed increased. That Lila could keep the song going despite the strain only spoke to her abilities.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Shadowflight shot down the crevice ahead, scouting for any obstacles. Within minutes, the shoreline of the shadowed inlet came into view, along with the charred wreckage of the ship Valdrik had hired, sitting in the middle of the water. Eldrin led them toward the stand of rocks that hid the umiak. Justin felt a nervous knot in his stomach, not knowing what its fate would be. Had Gareth gotten here first? If the Shadowblade hadn''t found the path down to the crevice, then he might still be well behind. As Justin rounded the boulder, relief flooded over him in a wave. There it was, along with some of their extra supplies, covered by nothing more than a light dusting of ice and snow. "Thank the gods," Lila said. Eldrin''s gaze scanned the area for threats. ¡°We¡¯re not out of the woods yet. Push it into the water¡ªquickly.¡± They moved as one, Kargan and Ryak taking the lead in heaving the boat toward the lapping waves. Justin and Lila worked on the sides, their hands numb against the icy hull. Eldrin stood guard against anything that could ambush them. Kargan, Lila, and Justin all hopped into the boat as they slid it into the water, which tilted side to side precariously. Ryak and Eldrin worked together at the stern to give it a good push into the ice-ridden inlet, never minding the freezing water. Even if it had only been a few days, far more ice covered the inlet, and the boat plowed through the thin sheen of ice that covered its entirety. "Paddle," Ryak said. "For all you''re worth." They paddled hard, pushing through the ice. Ryak steered with an expert hand. That was when Justin noticed some movement in the water to their right, though there was nothing to cause it. Fear clutched his throat. "Kargan, set a ward!" A blur of motion erupted from the water. Gareth appeared, his form cloaked in darkness as his new blade slashed deep into the umiak''s hull. The sound of splintering wood was like a death knell. Frigid water gushed into the boat, even as Gareth went for another slash. Ryak raised his new icy staff, frost spreading rapidly as a shimmering aegis of ice formed around the boat, protecting it from interference. With another wave of his staff, Ryak froze the gaping hole in the hull, sealing it shut, though half a foot of icy water had spread by this point. Gareth stood frozen in the shallows, his blade dripping seawater. The ice shield shimmered, untouchable. Any attack on it would be considered an attack on the party. Justin wondered how he had gotten away with it, when he realized Gareth¡¯s strike hadn¡¯t been directed at them¡ªit had been aimed at the boat. A loophole, Justin realized, within the confines of the Gentleman¡¯s Agreement. Clever and infuriatingly within the rules. Yet the same could not be said for Ryak''s aegis. If Gareth attacked that, it was game over for them. ¡°You¡¯re out of moves, Gareth,¡± Ryak said coldly. ¡°Stand aside, or meet your doom.¡± "It''s just a shield," Gareth hissed. "The agreement will not be broken if I strike it down" "The aegis is an extension of my will," Ryak said. "You best believe the Creator will consider it an attack. Do you dare?" Already, Justin was using his hands to bail out the water that had entered, and then he got the idea to use his top hat. It worked effectively, and he could just use his Ring of Hygiene to dry off once the job was done. "Keep paddling," Eldrin urged. "Justin, keep bailing us out." The boat bobbed uneasily, but it held. It would have to be enough to get back to the mainland, though Justin was worried about the treachery of the strait beyond. Gareth stood in the icy water, following them deeper into the inlet, the water already up to his chest. His gray, undead gaze burned with fury. Something about the stare was so damn unnerving that Justin wouldn''t have been surprised if Gareth had some skill or boon related to it. Justin quickly put on his top hat again, only to find the feeling went away. It was clearly some sort of Fear effect. He took the hat off again, and the feeling returned, but he had no choice. He needed it to bail out the boat. He was nearly halfway done by now. By the time Justin got the last of it out, he donned his hat and then activated the Ring of Hygiene. The water, dirt, grime, and blood that had clung to both him and his clothing were instantly gone in a flash of yellow light. He glanced back at the dark inlet, but there was no sign of the undead Shadowblade. Justin thought about shouting out an insult, but he thought better of it. There was no point. Ryak refreshed the aegis as the umiak picked up speed, nearly exiting the inlet. No one dared to speak, each focused on the task of rowing the boat farther from the shore. The sound of oars cutting through the icy water filled the silence. Nithral Island and its glacier loomed behind them like a frozen monolith. At last, when they broke free of the inlet and entered the strait, Justin allowed himself to relax. Just a bit. The only thing they had to watch out for was stray patches of ice and the odd iceberg, which, of course, were threats of a different sort. As at least half a mile passed, the rush of adrenaline ebbed, replaced by the ache of fatigue. Lila, seated beside him, adjusted her paddle, her gaze distant. ¡°Well,¡± Justin said, breaking the silence, ¡°that could¡¯ve gone worse.¡± Eldrin''s sharp eyes scanned the water ahead. ¡°You have a gift for understatement.¡± Kargan grumbled from his position at the bow, his gloved hands gripping the bone paddle. ¡°Now what?" "I had planned to use the boat for longer," Ryak said. "But that''s a sizable breach, and the ice doesn''t form a perfect seal. It also upsets the boat''s balance." Indeed, in the waning light, Justin had failed to notice water leaking past ice seal''s edges. Ryak cast another blast of ice magic at it, resealing it. "We could return to the village," Lila said. "Backtrack to Kaldrath and Windfall. Whatever we choose, the Baron and his men are stuck on that island. Forever, maybe." "That''s doubtful," Eldrin said. "His Cant of Gravity can get them off the island. It would be slow, but they would only have to float from ice patch to ice patch. We have a day on them at best." Justin nodded, his thoughts already racing ahead. The two-week truce was a fragile shield, and they needed every advantage to stay ahead. "Eldrin is right," Ryak said. "Going back to the village is the obvious path, and I would not lead the Baron there. Our best move is to disappear into the hidden paths of Land''s End. The kind only my people know." "He knows our eventual destination is Mont Elea," Eldrin said. "If he loses us, then I can guarantee that''s where he''ll pick up our trail." "Indeed, the paths to the Southern Lands are few," Ryak said. "But there is a path I know through the Seraphims. Coming out of the southern part of Land''s End, we would venture into the Everwood and to the Lift of Drakendir. It is not an easy path, infested with trolls, goblins, and worse. But he''s not likely to know it." "That''s the way by which we came into the North," Eldrin said. "Trust me, the Baron knows it well. Are you saying there''s a path south of the Seraphims that doesn''t connect to Thalgar''s Tunnel?" "There are ways. I have traveled them before. But we need not decide now. We have until coming out of Land''s End to decide our eventual course: Draegor''s Keep or the Lift of Drakendir." "And how long will that be?" Justin asked. Ryak paused. "Two weeks, if all goes well." Justin let out a breath. "Of course it''s two weeks." "We have our work cut out for us, either way," Ryak said. "That said, I''ll guide and help you as long as you require me. It''s the absolute least I can do." "What''s past is past," Eldrin said. "Let us look to the future. Hopefully, a future without the Baron haunting our steps. The Templars of Arion are the only ones equipped to stop a threat of his magnitude. If you can stay with us as far as that, we will be grateful." "I would," Ryak said. Justin wanted to change the subject, but the only thing that popped into his head was what he and Lila had learned about Ryak''s son. "Alden Starfire told us something about your son. He fought bravely but ended up succumbing to Rimefang." Ryak''s fingers tightened around his paddle. The Iceborne weren''t ones for showing emotion, but Justin''s Socialite instincts detected a fleeting mix of anguish and pride. ¡°My son¡­¡± he murmured, his voice low. He turned his gaze skyward, as if searching the fading twilight for answers. For a long moment, the only sound was the faint whistle of the wind across the water. Justin shifted uncomfortably, unsure if he should say more. Ryak spoke again, his tone steadier but laced with pain. ¡°Thank you for telling me. I knew as much, but it brings comfort to know he died for the safety of the tribe." Ryak exhaled a long breath that frosted in the chilly air. He then chuckled, as if in memory. ¡°He was always a stubborn one,¡± he continued, his tone softening as the memory seemed to take hold. ¡°Just like his mother. Always charging ahead, even when the odds were against him. If Alden Starfire himself saw his courage, then my son¡¯s spirit is honored beyond measure.¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t just see it,¡± Lila added gently. ¡°He fought alongside him." A faint, bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of Ryak¡¯s mouth. ¡°That sounds like him. Foolishly brave to the end. But to fall to a foe as mighty as Rimefang¡­¡± He straightened, his frosty aura seeming to grow stronger, as though his grief had been channeled into resolve. ¡°It is no shameful death. My only regret is that I wasn¡¯t there to stand with him.¡± Eldrin''s voice was quiet in the approaching night. ¡°He would have been proud of you, as you are of him. Let his memory give us strength.¡± Ryak''s icy blue eyes gazed up at the sky, where the aurorae of the north were dancing. "He''s there now among the Ancestors, watching us from the Ether Realm. It would be a comfort, but what father is comforted by the protection of his son? It should be the other way around." As the stoic Iceborne sat silhouetted against the northern lights, Justin couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of admiration for the man¡¯s composure. If it had been him¡ªif he¡¯d lost someone so close¡ªhe wasn¡¯t sure he could have borne it with such quiet strength. Then again, grief had a way of shaping people differently. It could hollow you out or temper you like steel. Justin¡¯s grip tightened on the paddle as he felt a familiar flicker of guilt rise. He thought of his own brother, gone because of his choices, his mistakes. He couldn¡¯t decide if Ryak¡¯s words were comforting or if they only deepened the permanent ache he carried. The Iceborne might believe in the protection of ancestors and the grand balance of life, but Justin wasn¡¯t so sure. What comfort was there in a world that seemed so arbitrarily cruel? ¡°Your son¡¯s courage wasn¡¯t just a gift to your tribe,¡± Justin said softly. ¡°It¡¯s why we¡¯re standing here now. His sacrifice gave Alden the strength and knowledge to finish what needed to be done.¡± Ryak¡¯s gaze shifted back to Justin, and for a moment, the ice-blue depths of his eyes softened. He gave a single, solemn nod. ¡°Then let us honor his sacrifice by making certain the Baron answers for his crimes. And any who abet him. The Vault''s story is done, but our journey continues.¡± The group resumed their passage along the northern shore, the aurorae flickering above them. 109. Through Fire and Fury Baron Valdrik frowned as he regarded the fallen drake before him. Its massive form lay still, blood pooling beneath its scales. Rothian the Pyromancer stood at his side, wringing his hands. Valdrik''s nose tinged; the portly man positively reeked under his robes. ¡°Is this really going to work, Baron?¡± Rothian asked, his high voice trembling. "It''s a drake, after all. A Level 36 one." Valdrik sneered, turning to fix his subordinate with a cold glare. ¡°Of course it¡¯s going to work! I gained a level from defeating this drake, so I out-level it by one. I should have the strength to pull this off. And if I don''t..." Valdrik left that part unsaid. Wolfram, standing a few paces away, tossed a rock to the side; his gaze flickered to his master with a strange mix of unease and skepticism. Valdrik tried not to be irked by the Ranger''s general attitude. Easier said than done. Baron Valdrik raised his staff and began to utter the Vranthillis Cant of Greater Reanimation. As dark eddies of magic swirled around the drake, the Baron couldn''t help but think of Justin. Once again, the insolent upstart had managed to finagle his way out of the situation. But the question remained: could the Baron finagle his way back into pursuing him? Valdrik repeated the Cant, chanting it again and again, to no effect. A System notification flashed across his vision. [Vorhtyrn''s core resists your Cant of Greater Reanimation.] At last, the Baron lowered his staff, turned away from the drake, and scowled. They were going to have to do this the hard way. ¡°Where is that damnable Gareth? If he¡¯s not back here soon¡ª¡± He cut himself off as Gareth suddenly appeared, stepping out of invisibility with his hands folded in front of his body and blade sheathed. The undead servant¡¯s cadaverous face was unreadable, and the Baron¡¯s frown deepened. He stared at Gareth for a long moment, as though reading some unspoken truth in his expression. ¡°You''ve failed me, Gareth,¡± the Baron said, his voice low and venomous. Gareth said nothing in response. Unlike the others, he seemed to understand that silence was golden. The Baron¡¯s gaze swept over his gathered underlings, each of them shirking at his furious glare. Even Wolfram, but Valdrik was too angry to feel satisfied about that. ¡°In fact,¡± he snarled, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade, ¡°all of you have failed me! How is this possible? How could we let him escape, not once, but twice? He is nothing, and I am everything! I am the most powerful Lexicant and Necromancer on this side of the world. This failure...it will not stand.¡± His tone grew colder, more menacing. ¡°That someone like him could evade my grasp. This insult is an affront to my power!" The Baron¡¯s lips curled into a chilling smile as his eyes darkened. ¡°But the thing is,¡± he said, his voice soft but deadly, ¡°one of you will have to pay for your mistakes.¡± ¡°Not I!¡± Rothian blurted, his voice sputtering and squealing like a pig about to be thrown onto a spit. He trembled as he fell to his knees. ¡°I am ever your faithful servant, my master! I have done nothing but aid you, help you, and serve you! It must be someone else¡ªone of these two!¡± He gestured wildly at the others, his eyes darting between them like a cornered animal. Wolfram scowled at the implication, his lips curling in disdain. ¡°I have done my part, Baron,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve led you to all these forsaken places, guided you through the depths of Drakendir, navigated the wilderness at your side, and tracked down Justin where you could not. That Eldrin knows his stuff, and I hazard to guess that, despite his level, there''s not a Ranger in all Serenthel that can keep up with him. Now, I¡¯ve been patient, but if it means keeping my skin intact, I¡¯m willing to lower my rate and let bygones be bygones. I will not grovel to you, not when I''ve done nothing wrong. Not when you''ve made just as many mistakes as we have, if not more. That said, you still owe me fifty gold for all the trouble I''ve gone through." Valdrik regarded Wolfram coolly. He had to respect the Ranger''s gumption. True, he was already undead, enthralled to another master. A master that Valdrik, quite frankly, didn''t want to mess with, given the circumstances. Gareth, by contrast, remained silent, as was his nature. His pale hands stayed folded in front of him. Only when Valdrik did not let up his gaze did Gareth speak. ¡°You know me well, Master,¡± Gareth finally said, his voice even and measured. ¡°You gave me a task that was impossible. The agreement forbade me from attacking them directly, but I did what I could. I sabotaged their boat¡ªthey may yet fail to escape. If you employ your Cant of Gravity, we can still salvage the situation.¡± The Baron listened to his men, his expression unreadable as he weighed their words. He wasn¡¯t deciding out of anger¡ªno, this decision was born of cold, calculating necessity. Unlike what he had told Rothian, he was still too weak to reanimate the drake by his own power. Even if he out-leveled it. It was a Mythic creature, and as such, the rules of Necromancy were a bit different. All the same, the Cant of Gravity wouldn''t cut it. It was far too dangerous to risk it with the ice in the Strait of Nithral. The drake could be reanimated, and better yet, placed under Valdrik''s command. But its immense power demanded a core for reanimation. And one of these three would have to provide it. The question was simple: who was the least valuable? The Baron considered each man in turn, his sharp gaze lingering on them as he weighed their worth. Rothian. Foolish. Fluttering. But loyal to a fault. He trembled like a child before him now, but what if, one day, he lost his fear of Baron Valdrik? Would his fervent devotion turn to betrayal? The thought gnawed at the edge of Valdrik¡¯s mind, though Rothian''s loyalty had always been unquestionable¡ªfor now. Gareth. Ever faithful. Ever practical. He was a blade in the dark that never questioned its wielder. That unthinking obedience was valuable¡ªessential, even¡ªto a man like Valdrik. But Gareth was a tool, not a thinker. He would never challenge the Baron¡¯s decisions or offer an opposing view. Was that a weakness or an asset? Wolfram. The dark Ranger. He was infuriatingly independent, often daring to disagree with the Baron, and yet it was a quality Valdrik had come to rely upon. Unlike the others, Wolfram had the gumption to push back and offer perspectives the Baron might not have considered. That loss of autonomy would rob the Baron of one of the few voices he valued. Plus, killing him would likely rub his master the wrong way. Valdrik was certain he could destroy him if push came to shove, but it was another thing to worry about. And then there was Wolfram¡¯s utility. In these strange lands, a Ranger was invaluable, especially with the other party boasting one of their own. Wolfram¡¯s skills would surely prove his worth. Yet, at the same time, the Baron couldn¡¯t ignore a simple truth: what use was a Ranger in covering ground if he had a drake? The Baron¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile as he mulled over his decision. He always enjoyed the feeling of deciding others'' lives. Was there any greater power than that over life and death? It took about a minute or two for him to decide. His underlings watched him with misgiving. Even Wolfram seemed to be questioning his earlier insolence. It was a victory, however slight. Maybe the Ranger would show a bit more respect. At last, a slow, cold smile spread across his face as he came to his final decision. He turned to Rothian. ¡°Rothian,¡± the Baron drawled, savoring the way the name hung in the air. The piggy began to squirm, his eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. ¡°You are loyal,¡± the Baron continued. ¡°Very loyal. But loyalty born of fear is fragile. There may come a day when you lose your fear of me, and that would make you the most unreliable of all my servants.¡± ¡°No!¡± Rothian screamed, his voice high and desperate. ¡°Please, Baron! I am far more loyal than any of these! I¡¯ll do anything you want¡ªanything!¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Nevertheless,¡± the Baron said, his voice now cold and calculating, ¡°you lack the unique skills of the others. The drake is dead, and your fire magic is of little use to me now. And more than that, your...infatuation...with fire...causes you to sometimes go overboard, and that''s dangerous. Wolfram is a critical asset, even if his independence annoys me, and Gareth¡¯s obedience and practicality are invaluable. But you? Your foolish nature makes you a liability in high-stakes situations.¡± A whimper escaped Rothian''s throat. He tried to speak in his defense, but his fear betrayed his voice. The Baron¡¯s smile grew sharper as he leaned forward. ¡°Besides, how can your meager power compare to that of a reanimated drake? Can you imagine, Rothian, how glorious it will be to soar through the skies? To serve me with such might? This is the honor I bestow upon you!" Rothian was sobbing now, tears streaming down his face. ¡°But it won¡¯t be me, Master!¡± he wailed. ¡°I won¡¯t feel anything but cold, undead hunger. I¡¯ll no longer be myself. Please, Baron. Please!¡± The Baron¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°I would keep you alive if I could. But the drake must be reanimated¡ªit¡¯s the only sure way to catch Justin and the rest. The only way to avert the disasters that await us if we fail. The life of one Pyromancer is a small thing when weighed against what I stand to lose. Your demise is regrettable, Rothian, really¡ªbut it is also necessary.¡± Rothian let out a scream, one of pure anguish, as a System notification flashed across the Baron¡¯s interface. [Rothian Nightflame has left the party.] Suddenly, flames erupted around the Pyromancer, swirling with wild intensity. The unexpected display pushed the Baron back a step, his eyes narrowing as he studied his enemy. The Baron sneered, even as he took a measured step back. ¡°You would dare resist me?¡± he spat, already preparing a countermeasure. Rothian''s fire grew hotter, and with a feral roar, he surged forward. The Baron uttered an aegis into existence as he was pushed off balance. Yet even as the Baron flew backward, he smiled. A few choice words in Vranthillis saw him land lightly on his feet. ¡°You¡¯re only making it worse for yourself,¡± he said. "Stop resisting, and I can make it painless." Gareth and Wolfram closed in from the sides, Gareth with his curved blade drawn, and Wolfram with a javelin at the ready. They maintained their distance as Wolfram created a circle of flames around himself. "You will taste the wrath of Vorthak!" Rothian shouted. "All will wither!" Valdrik smiled at the battle cry. ¡°You think the lines from the Prophecy of Vorthak will have any effect on me, a Worshipper of Death? Pathetic fool!¡± Before anyone could counter, Rothian''s body erupted in fiery light, his entire form glowing with an incandescent fury. With a deafening roar, he unleashed a swarm of firebolts that rained down upon them, each one crackling with searing intensity. Baron Valdrik reacted swiftly, raising his staff and uttering the Cant of Nullifying Fire. A shimmering shield enveloped every member of his party, deflecting the wave of firebolts. But Rothian''s magic was relentless. Possessed by the fury of the Fire God himself, flames bore down on the barrier, and cracks began to form in the shield. One by one, the shields shattered, extinguished by the sheer might of the Pyromancer¡¯s wrath. Rothian''s voice rang out above the roaring inferno. ¡°You will know the price of betrayal, Valdrik! You will taste the wrath of Vorthak, God of Fire!¡± The flames surged, embers spiraling into a maelstrom of destruction as Rothian''s fury threatened to consume them all. He will burn himself out, the Baron thought to himself. The power of fire waxes in the beginning, but wanes for the one who practices patience. Death comes for all in the end. Valdrik stood firm as Rothian¡¯s inferno raged, his cold eyes watching the chaos unfold with detached calculation. Embers danced, their heat licking at the edges of the battlefield. Wolfram and Gareth flanked him, their weapons drawn, waiting for an opening. ¡°Such theatrics,¡± Valdrik said, his voice taunting despite the rising flames. ¡°Do you honestly believe you can overpower me with rage alone?¡± Rothian snarled, his eyes blazing with fury. ¡°I don¡¯t need belief¡ªI have fire, and fire consumes all!¡± With a violent sweep of his arms, Rothian conjured a wall of flames, cutting the Baron off from his allies. The Pyromancer¡¯s scream echoed as the ground beneath him cracked, molten veins spreading outward like a spiderweb. Valdrik could not abide this spell; it could actually do some serious damage if he weren''t careful. He raised his staff, uttering the Cant of Severance. Dark energy coalesced at its tip, and with a sharp word, he unleashed it. A wave of shadow erupted, cutting off the spell at the source and forcing Rothian back. But the Pyromancer was far from done. Rothian thrust his staff forward, unleashing twin fire streams that spiraled toward Valdrik. The Baron sidestepped one and batted the other away with his staff, once again speaking the Cant of Nullifying Fire, now off cooldown. ¡°Impressive. Why didn''t you show this level of expertise before I decided to kill you?" Rothian''s response was to gaze at his former master murderously. Yes, the Bloodlust of Vorthak had taken him. "But know this, Rothian," Valdrik continued. "Fire always burns brightest before it dies.¡± Valdrik nodded at Gareth, who seized the moment, darting through the dissipating flames with his curved blade raised. Rothian turned in time to deflect the strike with a fire lashing from his staff, creating a shockwave. Gareth tanked the hit with his sword as he pressed the attack, forcing Rothian to retreat step by step. From the other side, Wolfram hurled one of his dark javelins. The shadow-imbued weapon pierced the air, shattering the fiery aegis Rothian had raised around himself. As the javelin struck a glancing blow, the pyromancer howled in pain. Flames flared around him as he clutched the wound. The javelin disappeared and reappeared in Wolfram''s hand. ¡°You will regret that, Ranger!¡± Rothian bellowed. His body became ensconced in flames as he began to dance with a grace that belied his rotund form, his fiery feet tracing runic patterns on the stone floor. Valdrik frowned at the display, as the fire flared from Rothian''s sides in resemblance to a dragon''s wings. Had he unlocked this new spell after leveling up? "The Dragon Dance," Valdrik said. "I must stop underestimating my enemies." Rothian''s staff shot skyward, and the air grew stiflingly hot. The flames around him converged, spiraling into a massive sphere above his head. The fire roared as it expanded. Valdrik¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°At last, you show your full hand.¡± The Baron used a minor spell to increase the volume of his voice. Gareth and Wolfram would not survive this if they stuck around. "Run!" The order was needless. Both of the Baron''s underlings were fleeing for any shelter they could find. The massive sphere of fire pulsed with power as Rothian''s voice roared above the din. ¡°Burn them! Burn them all!¡± The Baron crouched to face the coming storm. The sphere exploded, raining fire across the battlefield. Columns of flame erupted in chaotic patterns. The ground quaked under the sheer power of the spell. Valdrik used his Cant of Nullifying Fire, which had come off cooldown. His current staff, Gravebinder, had been with him for years now, always at Platinum-tier. But thanks to the Crystal of Ascension, its now Mythic-tier was doing wonders for his battle capabilities, reducing the cooldown of all his Vranthillian Cants. He could never show it in public, though one day soon, if all went well, he would wield it in the open. But even so, the shield barely lasted a few seconds. Valdrik cursed as he uttered the Cant of Shadow Jump, causing him to shoot a couple of hundred feet away, where Wolfram and Gareth were waiting. At last, the power of the spell waned, and the roaring flames subsided. The battlefield was scorched, the ground cracked and smoldering. Valdrik surveyed his surroundings, his eyes falling on his two underlings. The damage they had taken was far more severe than he had initially supposed. Both were incapacitated¡ªbodies battered and armor scorched¡ªbut their bodies were salvageable. As long as the Baron could feed them with his magic, they would regenerate. Whatever the case, the Baron would stand alone against Rothian. The Dragon Dance spell, Rothian¡¯s ultimate gambit, had spent its fury. Valdrik knew the limitations of such magic¡ªpowerful but draining, a desperate final move after a string of failed attempts. As Valdrik walked toward the Pyromancer, Rothian staggered, his breaths labored, the once-majestic flames around him now flickering weakly. His robes hung in charred tatters, and his hands trembled as he tried to summon another spell. ¡°You¡¯ve exhausted yourself,¡± Valdrik said, his voice cold and steady. ¡°But your story is not to end here. For you, this is just the beginning." He raised Gravebinder, pointing it at Rothian. The Pyromancer was far too weak to resist, accepting his fate without complaint. ¡°Now,¡± the Baron said, his voice a low growl, ¡°you will see what true power looks like.¡± With a flourish of his staff, he began to chant the Cant of Ascension. Dark, sonorous words filled the air, vibrating with power. Rothian screamed as an ethereal light, his very essence, tore free from his body. The luminous core drifted toward the head of the Baron''s staff, collecting there as a ball of swirling black energy. The Baron¡¯s lips curved into a satisfied smile as he completed the transmigration of Rothian''s core. But he was not done, and the increased power would not last long. Raising his staff once more, he began to utter the Cant of Greater Reanimation. This time, the words came faster and sharper. He could feel their power in a way he had never felt it before. [Your Cant of Greater Reanimation has ascended to the Cant of Epic Reanimation!] Black tendrils shot from the Baron''s staff as he uttered the Cant again and again. And as the shell of dark magic entered the drake, encasing it, the once-proud monster''s body began to shift. At first, its battered wings twitched faintly. Then its massive tail jerked against the ground, sending up clouds of dust. Piece by piece, the colossal creature stirred, its stiff, jerky movements laced with tendrils of shadowy magic. Burn marks marred its once-pristine scales, while the gaps in its armor-like hide revealed dark sinew beneath. But even in its ruined state, the corpse of Vorthyrn the Frostbound was an awe-inspiring sight. At last, the creature pushed itself onto its hind legs, towering over the Baron. Its glowing, hollow eyes snapped open, radiating an eerie white light. The drake''s head dipped low, its massive snout coming within inches of Valdrik''s face. Its breath was cold, laced with the acrid stench of decay, already taking hold several hours after its death. To a Necromancer like the Baron, it was a sweet perfume. [Vorthryn the Frostbound is bound to you in undead thralldom!] [You have gained 50,000 experience points! Your experience stands at 105,500/2,600,000.] The Baron dismissed the notification. It was more experience points than he had expected, but well-deserved in his opinion. Instead, the Baron looked deep into Vorhtyrn''s undead eyes, each as large as his face. He stared unflinching, his smile widening. ¡°Heed me, Vorthyrn,¡± he intoned, his voice dripping with authority. ¡°You are mine now. And together, we will do glorious things." The drake let out a guttural, rasping roar that echoed across the battlefield, its tattered wings unfurling like banners of death. Valdrik allowed himself to feel its terror. In a voice that scraped like stone, it answered. ¡°What is your command...master?¡± Valdrik placed a hand on the drake''s snout, his touch possessive. ¡°Stay here for now," he instructed. "I have some fools to deal with. But once I''m done, take heart. For the Terror of the North will fly again." 110. Sanctuary Among the Aurora Trees The party continued paddling the umiak along the ice-ridden shoreline. Above them, the aurorae shimmered, casting an otherworldly glow across the frozen expanse. Around them, the silence of the frozen north was almost oppressive, broken only by the occasional crack of ice or the rhythmic splash of their paddles. Out here, the sense of isolation was extreme, and the Baron felt like nothing more than a distant memory. Justin knew better than to let himself think that way. It was a mistake to underestimate the Baron or what he might be planning. But still, it felt good to have won one. He felt the weight of the Star of Elara against his chest, right next to his Amulet of Equilibrium. He still couldn''t believe the Ascendant Artifact was his. Its power was still gathering, but it was nice to know that once a day, he had a way of enduring any amount of damage for a full ten seconds, and not only that, but punching back with all that stored energy. Whatever the Baron had in store, he would always have to consider that. Then there was the possibility of travel beyond Eyrth. Justin couldn''t even wrap his mind around that at the moment. What hit closer to home was the fateful decision he had made. Not anything to do with Valdrik or Vorthryn, but the opportunity he had turned down. He thought of his meeting with Elara in the Realm Between Worlds. And right now, at this moment at least, he was kicking himself for not taking advantage of it. The Baron''s words, spoken back at Harrington''s party, returned to him in full force: "Everyone you¡¯ve met so far, aside from me, is just part of the game, no matter how real they seem.¡± If the Baron was right, then Justin had essentially traded the chance to return to Earth for a false reality. Then again...what would have actually happened if he had accepted that deal? The fact that there was a portal at all suggested that the Baron was wrong. This was a real place, some sort of alternate reality. If it weren''t real, would Justin have been transported here with a portal? This reality would be entirely in his mind. But Elara had said that this world was also as real as he wanted it to be. That if he chose to return to Earth, it might even stop existing altogether, but only for him. But didn''t that suggest that somehow, somewhere, in another dimension perhaps, he would have abandoned the others to their deaths? Justin was far too tired to puzzle it out. Especially when a more immediate problem broke him from his thoughts. The ice seal Ryak had conjured was beginning to fray. No matter how much magic Ryak cast, it couldn¡¯t stop the steady peeling of wood as the umiak scraped against stray pieces of ice and rocks hidden beneath the surface. Each collision sent a fresh groan through the vessel, a reminder that their journey on the water was nearing its end. ¡°I don¡¯t think this thing is going to last much longer,¡± Justin said, his tone half-warning, half-resigned. Ryak kneeled to inspect the seal, his brow furrowing. The glow of the aurorae reflected faintly in his pale blue eyes as he studied the damage. ¡°I see what you mean,¡± he said. ¡°But we¡¯re close. We should be reaching Tulimak Fjord soon. It¡¯s the largest one jutting in from the Ghostly Sea. Lots of hidden paths there¡ªpaths only the Iceborne know.¡± He looked up, his expression determined. ¡°If we can¡¯t lose the Baron here, we won¡¯t lose him anywhere.¡± ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± Lila said, glancing uneasily at the water seeping through the damaged hull. ¡°Because if you¡¯re wrong, we¡¯ll be sitting ducks.¡± ¡°Lila¡¯s right,¡± Eldrin muttered from his perch at the front of the boat, his sharp eyes scanning the shoreline. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how hidden this fjord is if we¡¯re still moving this slowly.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s make it count,¡± Kargan grunted, digging his paddle into the icy water with renewed force. The party steered the battered umiak into the mouth of the fjord. The water ahead was frozen solid, a vast sheet of ice reflecting the faint green and purple hues of the northern lights above. With no way to paddle further, they pulled the boat ashore, their breaths clouding in the frigid air. ¡°This is it,¡± Ryak said, stepping onto the icy bank. His voice was quiet, but there was an undertone of relief. ¡°We¡¯ll travel on foot from here.¡± The group worked quickly. They unloaded their cargo and packed it neatly into their newly expanded packs, the enchantments allowing them to carry far more than should have been possible. Every now and then, Justin glanced over his shoulder, half-expecting to see shadows moving along the fjord¡¯s icy cliffs. ¡°What do we do with the boat?¡± Justin asked, pulling the last of their gear free. ¡°We destroy it and hide it," Ryak said simply. ¡°If the Baron¡¯s men come this way, we can¡¯t leave them anything to track us with.¡± It took about twenty minutes to pull the boat apart. Ryak battered it with his ice magic while the rest hauled off the dismantled pieces into a nearby cave. The group worked in silence, piling rocks over the wreckage until the boat was hidden from view. As they finished, Justin dusted off his hands and gave the heap of rocks a wistful look. ¡°Rest in peace, boat,¡± he said. "It served its purpose," Ryak said. "The fjords at this time of year are impassable by boat, anyway. And the sea will be all too soon, in a matter of weeks or even days." Ryak gestured for the group to gather their things. ¡°We must keep moving. I know it¡¯s late, and I know you¡¯re tired. But if we stay here, we risk the Baron catching up. We need to put a few miles between ourselves and the fjord. With Justin''s flames, we have all the warmth and light we need to travel in the dark." Justin sighed but nodded. "Lead the way.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Following Ryak''s lead, the party trekked south along the frozen fjord. They stuck close to the shadows of the cliffs, the only cover available in the open expanse. Justin¡¯s Vorthak''s Flame burned steadily around his body, providing much-needed warmth in the biting cold. He knew, however, that the flames made them visible to any creatures that might prowl these icy wastelands. Still, they had no choice¡ªthe severe cold meant his flames were the only thing preventing them from freezing to death. His companions stayed near him, close enough that they could feel the heat radiating from his body as they walked. The only one who seemed to not linger nearby was Ryak. "Do you ever get cold, Ryak?" Justin asked. Ryak didn''t turn as he answered, continuing to walk using his glacial staff as a walking stick." We Iceborne are used to the cold. But even we must go into hiding when the weather turns colder." "Colder?" Kargan said, shuddering. "This is bad enough." "It gets worse," Ryak said ominously. "Thankfully, our path will lead south, but I doubt we can outpace the weather. If not for Justin''s flames, I would suggest a much slower pace of just a few miles a day, building a fire every couple of hours to warm up." "Maybe the weather will slow the Baron down," Lila said. "Rothian has fire magic," Kargan said. "And even the Baron can cast fire magic as needed. Plus, magical shields can mitigate the worst of weather effects." "The point is to keep moving," Ryak said. "Never take anything for granted." Thankfully, the frozen water along the shoreline, though treacherous in places, was stable enough to allow quick progress. The crunch of their boots on the icy terrain was the only sound aside from the howling wind. The miles melted as they trudged into the seemingly endless night. Here, in the far north, darkness reigned for most of the day¡ªabout twenty hours of pitch black, broken only by northern light shows, with a scant four hours of twilight. Justin wondered if there was ever a point this area experienced "polar night," where it was totally dark with no sunrise. Probably not, but it was gloomy to think about. Justin pushed forward mechanically, his mind blank from exhaustion. He was too tired to dwell on everything that had happened¡ªthe Baron, the vault, the Star of Elara¡ªand too focused on keeping his companions warm to let his thoughts wander. The fjord widened as they progressed, revealing hidden branches and offshoots, but Ryak led them steadily down the main expanse. He moved with the confidence of someone who knew the land intimately, his Iceborne heritage guiding their steps, only edified by Eldrin''s Pathfinder''s Stride. At last, after what felt like an eternity, Ryak led them closer to the western wall of the fjord, which was cloaked in darkness. Then, as if out of nowhere, a small cleft appeared, and Justin closed his eyes in relief. He was ready to sleep. ¡°This is it," Ryak said. "It¡¯s just the right size for an umiak to navigate in warmer weather, but it''s frozen now. Whatever the case, it will take us to the Hallowed Fjord." "The Hallowed Fjord?" Lila asked. "Isn''t this our campsite for the night?" "We have a few more miles to go. I''m not taking any chances." "Lead on," Eldrin said. The passage was barely wide enough for them to walk single file, the icy walls towering above them while the glow of Justin''s flames illuminated the narrow cleft. When they emerged on the other side, the sight that greeted them took Justin¡¯s breath away. A vast, shadowed fjord stretched before them, its cliffs glimmering with crystalline growths. Here and there, glowing silver trees laden with ice clung to the rocky walls, their light casting a moonlike luminescence over the frozen landscape. The wind, which had been so fierce in the Tulimak Fjord, was almost absent here. Justin could have sworn it was also ten degrees warmer. As they continued, Ryak spoke. "The Hallowed Fjord is sacred to the Iceborne. Only the Northern tribes know of it. Normally, non-Qilungit are not allowed here, but such has been your service to our people that the Ancestors will certainly allow your passage." He looked up into the sky, where the aurorae burned more intensely. "See? They are smiling upon us now." Justin almost mentioned he thought it was due to the interaction of the sun''s radiation with the planet''s magnetic field, but he thought better of it. Whatever his thoughts, he had to admit there was an undeniable sense of safety in this sanctuary. The strange glow of the trees and crystals was somehow calming. ¡°What are these trees called?¡± Eldrin asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen their like before.¡± ¡°Those are aurora trees,¡± Ryak replied, gesturing toward the towering, silvery trees with their shimmering, frost-coated needles. ¡°They only grow in the Sacred Fjord and are harvested for their aurora sap." "I''m not familiar with that, and I''ve seen just about everything botanical on this continent," Eldrin mused. "It¡¯s an essential ingredient for crafting many of our higher-tier items¡ªpotions, enchantments, and even artifacts. From time to time, we may sell it to a few trusted sources.¡± Eldrin smiled. "Would it be too forward to offer my services?" Ryak looked at the Ranger thoughtfully. "Indeed, it is sacrilege for one not trained in their craft to harvest the sap. But if we ever come upon some that has naturally bled from the tree, perhaps you can take a vial for yourself. For your personal use, of course." "I would be honored," Eldrin said. "We Rangers have some skills related to potions. It is a craft that is near and dear to me." "We will see," Ryak said. "Even for all that you have done for the Qilungit, there are those who would kill you for setting foot in this place. At this time of year, however, we are unlikely to find them." After another mile or two, Ryak stopped and pointed to a stand of silver aurora trees nestled against the cliffs. As they neared, Justin could get a better sense of what they looked like. Their trunks were smooth and metallic, almost as if crafted from polished silver, reflecting the faint hues of the aurorae above. The branches stretched high and wide, evergreen needles shimmering with a frost-like coating that glimmered as they swayed in the frigid wind. Small, glassy orbs hung from the branches, what had to be frozen droplets of aurora sap caught in mid-fall. Within the grove, Justin caught a fragrance that was like a melding of pine resin and apple. Justin, however, was more interested in what was behind the trees: a hidden cave entrance, easily missed by the untrained eye. ¡°At last,¡± Ryak said. ¡°As for the sap, Eldrin, we can see about it upon waking." The group had to kneel to even enter it. The passage within was narrow, but branched off into larger chambers glittering with ether crystals. Ryak led them to a concealed alcove hidden by a large, removable stone. With Kargan and Eldrin¡¯s help, he shifted the rock aside, and the party filed in. They replaced the rock, sealing themselves in what felt like a snug, albeit cramped, haven. The alcove was about the size of a small living room; if Justin had to guess. The walls were smooth and glistening faintly in the light of Justin¡¯s flames. He glanced around. "I hope there''s ventilation in here." Ryak gave him a glance. ¡°There are vents carved into the rock. You won¡¯t see them, but they¡¯re there. Don¡¯t worry. And with your Vorthak''s Flame, we won¡¯t have to worry about smoke.¡± Justin nodded, letting out a breath. The flames around his body flared slightly as he settled down. The alcove would probably warm up on its own, given the tight quarters, but he could at least shut them off if he needed to without losing access to the Affinity. The group began unpacking their gear. No one offered to keep watch. With the stone blocking the entrance, there was no need, and the brutal ordeal of the Vault had left them all too drained. They needed sleep, and this seemed as good a place as any to finally rest. Justin leaned against the cool stone wall, at last allowing his flames to dissipate. Another level-up awaited him in the morning. At Level 14, he stood to unlock a new boon that was not merely an upgrade of one already adopted. He closed his eyes as the darkness of sleep took hold. 111. Sacred Flames A System message appeared, its text unfurling across Justin¡¯s vision. [You have reached Level 14. Life, like a fine suit, is often tailored with difficulty. Yet it is in those difficulties that greatness takes shape. Keep walking the path with dignity¡ªit will always be worth it.] Justin blinked and tilted his head slightly as the ethereal interface expanded before him. [You have two Attribute Points to distribute.] Justin smiled, touching the Sapphire Star resting on his chest, which pulsed at his touch. By now, he had as many Attribute Points as a character at least ten or even twenty levels higher than he was. It was not a bad position to be in. Without hesitation, Justin allocated both to Charisma. The number on the interface flickered briefly before updating: [Your Charisma is now 42.] [Your Amulet of Equilibrium has ascended! It now grants you +7 to all other Attributes.] The next message followed immediately: [As a Level 14 Gentleman, you have unlocked your next boon. Choose wisely¡ªthere is no going back.] Justin studied the interface as two options materialized before him.
Refined Riposte Your mastery of grace allows you to turn defense into offense. Whenever you successfully dodge an attack, you immediately counter with a precise strike that never misses, provided your enemy is within reach. Each successful counter-attack grants you Momentum, increasing your combat speed by 10%. Momentum can stack up to two times, but the effect ends after 10 seconds.
Chameleon Charm Your sharp instincts and innate charisma allow you to seamlessly adapt to the customs and etiquette of the society you find yourself in. After brief observation, you can skillfully mirror speech patterns, mannerisms, and social cues, reducing suspicion or hostility. With Chameleon Charm, you are always at home, no matter where you find yourself.
Justin stared at the two options hovering before him, their descriptions glowing faintly in the ethereal interface. Refined Riposte sounded familiar. He could have sworn it, or a similar boon, had accompanied the Duelist Focus he had passed on. The name of that boon returned to him: Elegant Counter. The difference between Refined Riposte and Elegant Counter was that the latter promised double damage during the counter while this one didn''t. Even so, it promised a clear edge in combat¡ªa counterattack that never missed, coupled with a speed boost. While not as powerful as the Duelist version, it still thematically fit his Gentleman Focus, which functioned as a jack-of-all-trades type of Focus. Refined Riposte would pair well with his current combat capabilities. It was easy to imagine a situation where he boosted his evasion via Seraphis''s Clarity, while the sum total of his Attributes would grant even more through his Essence of a Gentleman boon. Not only that, he had a guaranteed dodge skill that was certain to trigger the riposte, potentially making him a whirlwind of elegance in combat. It was an undeniably powerful boon, one that could very well save his life in the dangerous situations he kept stumbling into. And yet, he was torn because there was Chameleon Charm, a deceptively simple offering that Justin suspected was better than it first appeared. It wouldn¡¯t help him in a fight, true, but Justin had already seen firsthand how much easier life could be when he fit in seamlessly. Manners and customs were difficult to pull off for those not raised in them, and the higher the class, the more arbitrary the rules. If he ever wanted to rub shoulders with the rich and powerful, it would always be a mark against him. He would have to hire tutors to teach him proper etiquette, and that could take years to get right. And teaching could only carry you so far; at some point, you had to practice what you learned in the field and suffer setbacks and embarrassments on the journey there. He had grown up without much money, only getting into college because of decent grades. But even in his hometown and in college, the rich children had different ways of acting and behaving that were subtle and not always easy to pin down¡ªcues that gave them preferential treatment and certain advantages. Justin could best describe it as "entitled providence." Because they believed they should have it, they got it. And these affectations were absorbed from birth. Chameleon Charm would give him an incredible advantage. Because it was a boon; there were no cooldowns. He would simply be better at doing and saying the right things after observing them in action. It would be incredibly nice not to have to worry about that. Another thought occurred to Justin. If everything Valdrik said about Earthers and the Templars of Arion was true, then blending in was a matter of survival. He wasn''t sure if audiences with nobility, or even royalty, lay ahead of him. But if he didn''t know the proper protocol and he was styling himself as a Gentleman, wouldn''t that lead to questions about his past? Still, it gnawed at him. The last boon he¡¯d chosen had been social-focused, and while it had saved him with Valdrik, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he might be setting himself up for failure by doubling down on yet another social-based skill. Yet the idea of walking into any room, any society, and commanding respect¡ªeven among those who would look down on him¡ªwas too tempting to ignore. Social Chameleon was a different manifestation of the "Survive to Kill" mantra. Refined Riposte would definitely aid him in the combat sphere, but Justin aspired to leave that life behind one day. And already, as a Gentleman, he was punching far above his weight with his greatly boosted Attributes. He let out a slow breath. Sometimes survival wasn''t just about winning the fight. It was making sure the fight never happened in the first place. With a decisive mental click, he selected Chameleon Charm. [You have chosen Chameleon Charm. The finest tool of a true Gentleman is the ability to adapt with grace and poise. With Chameleon Charm, no door is closed to you, no society is beyond your reach.] With that, the Voice of the System departed, and he found himself back in the cave. As they ate breakfast, the party shared news of their level-ups and newfound abilities. Lila revealed her new skill upon reaching Level 13: Siren Song. The ability allowed her to calm and entrance enemies within its range, potentially turning a chaotic battle into something more manageable. ¡°It¡¯s not flashy,¡± she admitted, ¡°but I¡¯d rather end fights before they start.¡± Justin nodded approvingly as Eldrin announced he had reached Level 14, putting Justin on equal footing with him, at least in levels. Eldrin¡¯s new boon, Quick Shot, allowed him to draw and fire his bow faster without losing accuracy, making him even deadlier in ranged combat. ¡°One shot¡¯s all I need,¡± Eldrin said, inspecting the string of his new Eclipse Weaver bow. Justin turned to Kargan, surprised to learn that the Blood Warden had advanced to Level 10, allowing him to adopt a Focus. He chose something called the Sanguine Rejuvenator, which he said would help his healing abilities. He said he was torn between it and another one that would have him more focused on producing stronger shields, but more than anything, he wanted to use his magic to heal. Kargan¡¯s new Focus Boon, Crimson Reservoir, gave him a pool of pure Life Force outside himself that he could draw directly from the Nether. This, he said, would give him an extra resource for casting heavy healing spells before he was forced to tap into his own reserves.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Who knows," Kargan said. "Maybe for the smaller fights, I won''t even have to draw from my own Life Force at all." Finally, all eyes turned to Ryak. Unlike the others, he was quiet about his boon, offering only a cryptic explanation. ¡°It strengthens my defenses,¡± he said simply, his pale blue eyes distant. ¡°Enough to hold the line when it matters.¡± They were growing stronger with every step of the journey, but so was the Baron. As they packed up and prepared to move out, Justin couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much further they would need to climb before they were ready to face what lay ahead. The party emerged from the cavern into the weak twilight of the Hallowed Fjord, the sun not even high enough to show its face. Justin''s eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light. Today was warmer, so there was probably no need for the Vorthak''s Flame, but he could activate it when the occasion called for it. Ryak strode forward, leading the group into the grove of shimmering aurora trees just outside the cave. Eldrin followed close behind, his gaze sweeping over the silver needles in quiet fascination. Ryak motioned him closer to one of the trees, pointing to a perfectly spherical globule of aurora sap that had fallen to the ground beneath. The orb glowed iridescently, shifting colors with the faintest movement of light. Justin couldn''t help but notice the similarity to the Prismatic Core he had picked up all the way back in the Wildwood Forest. ¡°This one is yours,¡± Ryak said solemnly, stepping aside to let Eldrin approach. "It''s the least our people can do for your assistance. Just a little bit in your potions will go a long way." Eldrin moved forward, carefully plucking the sap globule and placing it into a large glass vial. He studied it closely, his eyes narrowing in thought before lighting up with recognition. ¡°This is...incredible. I can tell it¡¯s excellent for healing." Ryak nodded. ¡°Indeed. Aurora sap is a potent accelerator for all healing potions. Mix it into any potion, and its effects will be twice as powerful¡ªsometimes more, depending on your talents as an alchemist. It can mix with just about any beneficial effect. But it will ruin any poisons you try to mix, with sometimes extremely volatile effects. So, be careful with that.¡± Eldrin nodded, sealing the vial and tucking it safely into his pack. ¡°Then this will be of great use to me. Thank you, Ryak, for allowing this.¡± Justin, who had been observing the exchange from a short distance, stepped closer. ¡°What got you into potions so much, Eldrin? Is it just your class, or something more?¡± The Ranger¡¯s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the question. He hesitated before answering. ¡°Well, if I had my way, I¡¯d be more of a healer than a damage dealer. Anytime the Voice gives me a choice between potion craft or something else, well, I''m inclined to choose the potions. The world has enough pain and sorrow." He hesitated a moment. "There¡¯ve been...times in my life where I wished I could fix the pain caused to those I cared about.¡± Eldrin¡¯s voice trailed off, and he seemed reluctant to elaborate. His expression tightened briefly before he shook his head. ¡°But we don¡¯t need to talk about that.¡± The offhand comment left Justin thoughtful. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was his keen Socialite instincts or the fact that he and Eldrin had grown closer, but something about the Ranger¡¯s tone seemed to hint at a deeper story. Justin pressed lightly. ¡°What do you mean, Eldrin?¡± The Ranger¡¯s expression hardened slightly as he shook his head again. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the task at hand.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Justin said with a shrug. He glanced at the others. ¡°We should probably get moving. The Baron and his men aren¡¯t going to wait for us.¡± Ryak, who had been gazing toward the next bend in the fjord, turned back to the group. ¡°That they are, no. We need to get to the end of this place. If you think these aurora trees are impressive, just wait until you see Kythralis, the Heart of Winter.¡± Justin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Kythralis?¡± Ryak nodded, his voice tinged with reverence. ¡°It¡¯s the oldest and largest aurora tree in all the fjords, sacred to the Iceborne. Its sap is said to have the power to heal wounds that no magic can touch, and its roots run so deep that they are said to drink from the veins of the world. To my people, it is more than a tree¡ªit is a symbol of life and endurance in the North. We won''t be stopping there, of course. Even I wouldn''t dare bring any of you within the shelter of its boughs; the Ancestors can only tolerate so much. But we will pass within sight of it to enter the Aurora Caverns." "Underground again," Justin said. "Better than this wind," Kargan said with a shudder. Ryak nodded. "Indeed. We must choose between the danger of the elements or the danger of the monsters that call the Aurora Caverns home. Not as large as the networks of the Seraphims, of course, but still quite deep. Ethereal veins from the Heart of the World itself extend as far as the deepest caverns there. In older days, when the Iceborne were stronger, they would sometimes be mined. No longer. Our path will not take us to that depth. But hopefully, far enough to get us out of Land''s End and back on the caravan routes that lead from Kaldrath to Draegor''s Keep." "That''s where we''ll have to choose our direction, right?" Justin asked. Ryak nodded. "That''s right. It''s hard to imagine the Baron finding us in the fjords here, but it''s quite possible that he will find us in the Frostplain beyond, where there is little shelter on the tundra. He knows our general direction, and I don''t want to underestimate his capabilities." "Well said," Eldrin said. "None of this can be put to rest until we reach Mont Elea." Justin remained quiet. Yes, there was that. The original plan had been to peel off at Draegor''s Keep, with Lila with him at least, but now he wasn''t so sure. Would it be possible for him to go to Mont Elea and keep his identity secret? For all he knew, the Baron was lying about the Templars hunting down Earthers, but something told him there was at least some truth to it. In that case, perhaps his new Chameleon Charm boon would help him blend in. "We had better not waste any more time," Justin finally said. With that, the party set off, their steps crunching over frost and snow as they made their way toward the sacred heart of the fjord. As they walked, Justin checked his character sheet to see how the numbers stacked up:
Name: Justin Talemaker Class: Socialite (Gentleman Focus) Level: 14 Experience to Level 15: 21,227/6,000 (Level-up available!)
Attributes: Power: 20 (10 + 10) Coordination: 18 (10 + 8) Endurance: 19 (10 + 9) Intellect: 17 (10 + 7) Perception: 17 (10 + 7) Charisma: 49 (42 + 7)
Stat-boosting Equipment: The Cane of the Drake: +6 Charisma, +2 Power The Coat of Highcliff¡¯s Elegance: +1 Endurance, +1 Coordination Squire¡¯s Armlet: +1 to Power Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest base Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Highest base Attribute: Charisma (Base 42): +7 to Power, Coordination, Endurance, Intellect, and Perception.
Stat-boosting Boons: Stately Presence: +1 Charisma Draconic Luster: +3 Charisma (base) Eyrth¡¯s Ascension: +14 Charisma (base)
Looking at the huge pool of experience points from the Vault, Justin was practically guaranteed to get two more level-ups. That would put him at Level 16. After surviving the horrors of the last Vault, he expected nothing less. With Ryak in the lead, the party continued their trek down the Hallowed Fjord. Hours passed in near silence, the only sounds the crunch of boots and the occasional whistle of the icy wind. The fjord seemed to narrow the further they went, its towering walls pressing inward until it felt more like a canyon. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, and as the wind picked up, Justin activated his Vorthak''s Flame once more. It was hard to tell how far they had walked¡ªfifteen, maybe twenty miles¡ªbut the journey dragged on, each step heavier than the last. At last, Ryak came to a halt in the darkness, turning back to face them. His breath clouded the air as he spoke. ¡°We¡¯re nearly there. Just around this bend is Kythralis. About a mile more.¡± Eldrin nodded. ¡°Lead on, Ryak.¡± They had been walking a few more minutes when the Ranger frowned. "I smell something...strange." There was a shift in the wind, and Justin smelled it too. A tendril of fear snaked down his spine. It was unmistakable, smoky but strangely sweet. "Fire?" Justin noticed Ryak''s pace quicken. His normally composed features tightened with unease. "No," Ryak said, shaking his head. "We don''t allow fire this close to Kythralis." "That''s definitely fire," Justin said. Lila''s face paled. "But that would mean..." Without waiting, Ryak broke into a sprint. ¡°Wait!¡± Eldrin called, his voice sharp as he picked up the pace, following closely behind. Justin exchanged a glance with Lila and Kargan before running after them. Minutes later, they rounded another bend¡ªand froze. What lay before them was a valley, its sheer walls rising high around the edges, cradling a tree so massive its boughs stretched beyond the top of the fjord itself. Kythralis was breathtaking, its silvery bark glowing faintly in the twilight and its enormous branches draped in shimmering aurora-like foliage. But it was surrounded by a ring of fire, perilously close to defiling the sacred tree. The fire roared hungrily, its orange and red tendrils licking at some sort of shield surrounding the tree¡¯s trunk and lower boughs. The red flames cast a hellish glow across the valley. Strange shapes could be discerned among the flames, seeming to spread them closer to the tree in an attempt to break the shield. Ryak stumbled to a halt, his eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°No,¡± he whispered. ¡°This cannot be happening.¡± Justin stared, the pit in his stomach growing deeper with every second. "It''s Valdrik. It has to be." "But how?" Lila asked. "There''s no way for him to be ahead of us!" "Come on," Ryak called. "There may yet be time to save it." Ryak sprinted forward, not waiting for everyone else. Justin and the others followed. 112. The Plot Device Strikes Again (AKA A Gentelmans Guide to Screaming at the Sky) That was when something happened that Justin did not expect. A shimmering system notification appeared before him.
[Quest Alert] Quest Name: Save Kythralis, the Heart of Winter Recommended Party Level: 12 Average Party Level: 13.8 Risk Level: Normal. Your party is suitably equipped to complete this quest.
Quest Description: The sacred Kythralis Tree, a symbol of life and endurance for the Iceborne people, is under attack. A tribe of Infernal Fyrspawn has emerged from the Aurora Caverns, drawn by the tree¡¯s ancient power. Their fiery onslaught threatens to consume the Heart of Winter entirely. You and your party must intervene before it is too late. Stop the Fyrspawn from defiling Kythralis and save the Iceborne¡¯s most sacred landmark.
Objectives:
  1. Defeat or drive away the Fyrspawn demons.
  2. Extinguish the flames threatening Kythralis.
Rewards:
  • Increased favor with the Iceborne people.
  • Potential access to the Aurora Caverns¡¯ lower depths.
  • 1,000 experience pointss.
Justin skimmed the details. ¡°Level 12. Better than our usual odds.¡± ¡°The Fyrspawn shouldn¡¯t even be here,¡± Ryak said. ¡°They were sealed in the lower tunnels centuries ago. How could they have escaped?¡± ¡°The Baron,¡± Lila said. ¡°He seems like the type to use anything he can.¡± Justin wondered. It would have required him to not only get to these Aurora Caverns before him, but to also reach these Fyrspawn and hash out a deal, all in the space of thirty-six hours or so. It just didn¡¯t seem possible unless he had access to teleportation or something. Ryak shook his head. ¡°This can¡¯t be his doing.¡± Justin caught shadowy figures around the burning tree. To Justin¡¯s eyes, they looked positively demonic, with low, grating laughter echoing through the valley. ¡°I must beg your help again,¡± Ryak continued. ¡°We are the only ones who can possibly stop this. In reward, you can take as much of the sap as you want. The sap of Kythralis is especially potent.¡± Justin sighed. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s take down these Fyrspawn.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t go in there without a plan,¡± Lila said. ¡°What are their weaknesses?¡± ¡°They are weak against water, ice, and earth magic,¡± Ryak said. ¡°They are also vulnerable to the darkness effect. So, Eldrin¡¯s new bow will be key. Try to hit them in the eyes, if you can, and it will go easier.¡± The Ranger nodded. ¡°Sounds like a plan. Let¡¯s approach from the left side. I¡¯ll fire arrows to weaken them. Justin will take the lead. He can blast them with his drake¡¯s breath and dodge as needed. And in an emergency, he has the Sapphire Star. Kargan, keep wards up and heal. Lila, hang back and launch those knives. If Justin gets surrounded, direct your Siren Song. Boost Coordination; that will be key in Justin¡¯s dodging and my accuracy. Ryak can cast ice shields as needed, but for the most part, he¡¯ll do damage. Focus them down one at a time.¡± ¡°Do they have anything besides fire magic?¡± Justin asked. ¡°Are there status effects to watch out for?¡± ¡°Like all demons, they can inflict Fear by their mere presence,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°But your top hat should keep you safe. Just keep them focused on you, and the rest of us should be fine.¡± ¡°We need to move now,¡± Ryak said. A tentative plan hatched, the party approached cautiously from the side of the burning tree, staying low and keeping to the shadows. The Fyrspawn appeared wholly focused on their task, their fiery forms gathered in clusters around the sacred trunk. Streams of flame shot from their clawed hands, feeding the inferno inching closer to the base of Kythralis. Justin wondered why they didn¡¯t just directly attack the tree when his eyes caught something remarkable¡ªa veil of ice magic emanating from the tree itself. It was quite similar to the one that Vorthyrn had, to the point where Justin wondered if the tree itself was sentient and had access to the same tier of ice spells as the drake. The air around the tree shimmered where the opposing magics clashed, creating bursts of steam that hissed and swirled in the freezing wind. Justin thought through each of his Affinities. Nothing gave him a direct counter to fire magic, unfortunately, but he could at least greatly boost his evasion with Seraphis¡¯s Clarity, and if he needed to, switch to Lathalon¡¯s Grace for additional healing. As it stood, combined with his Essence of a Gentleman boon and the Harmony Affinity, his base evasion would be nearly 25%. He just had to trust his instincts and allow his inner bonuses to guide him in battle. Lila quietly slipped to the flank, two of her curved Chromatic Knives poised. Eldrin nocked an arrow on the black string of his new Eclipse Weaver bow and moved into position, almost disappearing entirely as he knelt. Kargan stood just behind Justin, his Crimson Bastion already glowing red with latent magic. Ryak¡¯s Glacier¡¯s Grasp staff pulsed as he prepared himself for battle. And Justin stood at the forefront, his mind strangely calm as he stepped forward into the light of the ring of fire. Twirling his Cane of the Drake, Justin set his gaze on the nearest Fyrspawn. It stood roughly eight feet tall, its form reminiscent of a minotaur, with a massive, muscular frame and curved horns that jutted from its fiery skull. Its skin, if it could be called that, seemed to be made of charred obsidian. In one clawed hand, it wielded a jagged, fiery sword, its edge flickering with tongues of flame. The other hand crackled with a fiery whip coiled and ready to lash out. It continually cracked the whip, each attack lashing at the tree¡¯s frost veil and inching the flames closer to the sacred silver bark. ¡°Minotaurs, but on fire,¡± Justin said with a heavy sigh. ¡°Great.¡± Thankfully, none of the monsters caught the words. At that moment, a shield of Sacrificial Armor covered Justin, offering protection from at least the first hit, wherever it happened to come from. As it stood, the Ranger didn¡¯t have a clear shot at the closest demon¡¯s eyes, but Justin had just the remedy for that. Justin activated Dandy¡¯s Swagger, strutting like a panther as he flourished his cane. He opened with Poison Barb. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you an ugly sight! Tell me, do you always compensate for a lack of skill by setting things on fire, or is tonight a special occasion?¡± The nearest Fyrspawn¡¯s glowing eyes snapped toward Justin, letting out a guttural snarl. But that was when one arrow buried itself right in its left eye. It gave a piercing wail that drew the attention of the other demons. They garbled in a harsh dialect, two of the demons peeling off while the other three hung back to hold the line against the tree. As Eldrin peppered the first demon with arrows, dark magic ensconced its fiery eyes. The monster whipped blindly, spreading flames at random and nearly hitting one of its comrades that was rumbling by on long, almost goatlike legs. It actually scored a hit, drawing a flash of fire. The afflicted demon screamed, attacking with its own whip. The two demons were now locked in battle, while the third charged toward Justin. ¡°Ashralok burn you!¡± it roared. Justin tilted his head. ¡°Ashralok? He doesn¡¯t seem like much of a gentleman.¡± Flames erupted from the demon¡¯s body as it drew its whip back. Behind him, Lila burst into her song that boosted Coordination, then threw her knives, their notes echoing in harmony with the song. As the knives flew toward their target, Justin felt a further lift. It was as if her Bardic Inspiration, in concert with the knives, only made him that much nimbler.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Justin sprang into motion, timing the dodge just right as the demon¡¯s whip lashed the ground and spread flames that sizzled against his shield. Pointing his cane toward the demon¡¯s face, he unleashed the weapon¡¯s Drake¡¯s Breath. A line of pure cold blasted the demon¡¯s face from the drake¡¯s open maw, drawing a pained roar. Justin seized the moment, giving the demon a few good thwacks with his cane on its knees. Ice spread at each point of impact with a sizzle, locking the demon¡¯s legs and forcing it to the ground. He extended the cane¡¯s blade, driving it directly into the monster¡¯s heart. Ice bloomed from the point of impact, and instantly, the demon¡¯s flames were doused as it crumpled to the ground. Justin stepped back, faintly surprised. Damn, that was easier than he thought it would be. Justin switched his attention to the next two demons, which by now had stopped fighting each other and were focusing on Ryak and Kargan, the former blasting heavy ice magic while the latter created shields and wards to break up their rhythm. Lila launched a new volley of knives while keeping up her song; once again, the metallic harmonization synced with the notes she sang. He approached from the flanks, behind the rightmost demon. But before he could land the hit, the demon whirled and cut with its jagged sword. He instantly activated Gentleman¡¯s Sidestep, executing a Neo-like move that saw the sword¡¯s flames passing within inches of his coat. He righted himself, once again striking hard and powerfully at the demon¡¯s knees. Like the other, it was brought down quickly. Arrows whistled above him, landing in the demon¡¯s face and blinding it with the magic of Eldrin¡¯s bow. It was child¡¯s play to stab the thing, letting ice spread out from within it. Like the other one, it went down. Now there were only three left. And even better, they were struggling to push back against the tree¡¯s icy magic. There was no way to deal with both the tree and the battle¡¯s new entrants. One of them gave a mighty roar, apparently calling for a retreat. They fled into the darkness of the valley. Instantly, Kythralis pushed with its shield, not only immediately dousing the demons¡¯ flame, but also catching the most laggardly Fyrspawn on the retreat, instantly encasing it in a block of ice. ¡°We can¡¯t let them escape,¡± Ryak said. ¡°They¡¯ll warn the rest of their tribe.¡± Eldrin darted ahead, tracking the demons¡¯ fiery footprints in the snow. He loosed arrows, each shot not doing much damage against the demons¡¯ backs, but at least slowing them down. Kargan charged, his wards deflecting stray firebolts as Ryak took the lead, creating a series of ice spikes that buried themselves in the most laggardly demon¡¯s back. It toppled to its knees, Lila throwing her Chromatic Knives on the move. It crumpled to the ground, its fires going out. Justin focused on the last demon, which was perilously close to reaching a wide cave entrance ensconced with ice, what had to be the Aurora Caverns. With a low growl, it spread flames behind, creating a slippery slurry of ice and dirt that the group was hard-pressed to pass. Justin, who was in the lead, used his Drake¡¯s Breath to freeze the ground, making it solid enough to pass, with Eldrin right at his heels. Both men crested the rise, the Ranger unleashing a flurry of arrows in quick succession. The monster slowed down, but not close enough to stop it from being swallowed by the cave entrance. Justin reached the mouth of the cave and was about to pursue further when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous to enter now,¡± Ryak said. ¡°There¡¯s worse than Fyrspawn in there.¡± A notification flashed across his interface.
Quest Completed: Save Kythralis, the Heart of Winter Experience Received: 1,000
[Your experience stands at 22,227/6,000 (Level-up available!)] Justin nodded. ¡°Sorry we couldn¡¯t get that last one in time.¡± ¡°We tried our best. Now, maybe we should go back to the tree and¡ª¡± That was when there was an ethereal hum as a blanket of green magic covered the cave entrance, filled with strange runes. Justin¡¯s mouth dropped, and for a moment, he couldn¡¯t say a word. By now, the others had caught up and were staring in similar disbelief. ¡°No,¡± he said weakly. ¡°We just went through this. I refuse to go in there.¡± He stared into the sky. ¡°You¡¯re just messing with us now, aren¡¯t you? Is this what you call a plot? Really? Another Vault! Come on!¡± The others watched him with growing concern on their faces. But Justin wasn¡¯t done. ¡°And let me guess, if we refuse to do this and go back, we just so happen to stumble directly into the Baron¡¯s waiting arms, don¡¯t we? Hot on our heels, licking his chops for round two. Or is it round three? Or round five thousand? Oh, how original. Bravo! Where have I seen this before? I don¡¯t remember asking for another encore!¡± Justin jabbed his cane toward the entrance as if it were an unwelcome guest. ¡°Honestly, at this point, it¡¯s like the universe is using a script generator. ¡®Option A: Face unspeakable horrors in a Vault. Option B: Face unspeakable horrors from the Baron. Option C... Oh wait, there is no Option C!¡± He turned back to the others. The weight of it all¡ªVault after Vault, danger after danger¡ªcame crashing down like a tidal wave. He fell to his knees, his cane clattering against the ground as he buried his face in his hands. ¡°I can¡¯t do this,¡± he murmured, his voice cracking. ¡°Not again. And again. And again. I never wanted this. I was supposed to go to Belmora and find a job or something until I decided to deliver that gods-damned parcel! Instead, I¡¯m freezing my ass off at the butt end of nowhere with a cartoon villain chasing me no matter where I go.¡± Justin trailed off. Thinking about it, maybe the Baron was right. Maybe this place wasn¡¯t real and was just some malevolent deity trying to screw him over at every turn. But he supposed every man had his breaking point, and maybe he had just reached his. The others stood in silence. Whether they were surprised or shocked by his reaction, Justin couldn¡¯t say. ¡°Now, maybe it¡¯s not so bad,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°It makes sense, if you think about it. Their god probably gave them the ability to create a Vault to defend themselves from us. We just have to go forward and clear it.¡± ¡°They can do that?¡± Lila asked in disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s so unfair.¡± Ryak shifted on his feet. ¡°I¡¯ve never known it to happen so quickly, but...yes. When certain conditions are met, it is possible to become a Vault, so to speak. They will get certain bonuses defending against us, while certain rewards are offered to us for clearing it. Vorthyrn, for example, became a Vault, which allowed her to survive on that island for nearly two centuries.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Kargan said. ¡°Well, maybe we can approach and see just what we¡¯re up against.¡± He looked at Justin. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s probably not so bad. We just cleared a Level 36 Vault, after all.¡± Justin wanted to whine some more, but he knew he didn¡¯t have the luxury. He stood up, dusted off his coat, and adjusted his top hat, letting out a shaky breath. ¡°Forgive me for that display.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± Eldrin assured him. ¡°We all have our moments. I¡¯ve had mine, to be sure.¡± Justin¡¯s throat clenched. He gathered himself for a moment, facing the others. ¡°I want you to know you can count on me. Sometimes, it just feels like the entire universe is out to get us. And yet that doesn¡¯t mean we can stop trying. Because we are all depending on each other.¡± Lila offered a weak smile. ¡°I feel the same way you do, Justin. Darkest before the dawn and all that.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lose heart,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We have a truce from the Baron, thanks to you. If we work hard, we stand to have a chance of losing him for good. The only way we can do that is to keep going.¡± Justin nodded. ¡°Well, let¡¯s see what we¡¯re up against.¡±
Vault Discovered: The Smoldering Refuge Recommended Party Level: 13 Average Party Level: 13.8 Risk Level: Normal. Your party is suitably equipped to deal with the challenges of this Vault. Description: In their desperation, the Fyrspawn have invoked the power of their dark patron, the Greater Demon Ashralok, to transform the entrance to the Aurora Caverns into a Vault. This hastily conjured stronghold, known as the Smoldering Refuge, now brims with infernal energy. To clear this Vault, you must destroy the tribe¡¯s infernal altar before Ashralok can fully manifest his presence. The timer only begins once you enter the Vault.
Rewards Upon Completion:
  • Experience: Scaled to party member level and individual contributions.
  • Guaranteed Silver-Level Artifact: For each party member.
  • Gold Level Ascension Crystal: For each party member.
Do you accept the Vault¡¯s challenge?
¡°Easy peasy, right?¡± Lila asked. ¡°This is the first Vault where we actually meet the level requirements.¡± ¡°We still need to proceed with caution,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°That said, it says the timer won¡¯t start until we actually enter. That gives us a chance to rest and get a new level-up.¡± ¡°I think that¡¯s the right move,¡± Ryak said. ¡°They shouldn¡¯t be attacking again. A Vault that has just manifested won¡¯t be breaking containment anytime soon. I suggest passing the night near the tree. Besides, I would like to see if the tree escaped damage. I hope so.¡± Justin nodded. If that fight was any indication, going in guns blazing was probably not the best idea. They needed to rest, and the extra level could prove key. ¡°Let¡¯s head back,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°We¡¯ll come back tomorrow morning, rested and stronger.¡± Upon reaching the mound from which the silver tree grew, Ryak examined its trunk, nodding in satisfaction. ¡°The tree¡¯s magic held. We came along just in time.¡± ¡°It¡¯s too coincidental,¡± Lila said. ¡°Are we sure Valdrik had nothing to do with this?¡± ¡°It is strange,¡± Eldrin said, looking at Ryak. ¡°Is there any faster way into the Hallowed Fjord than what we did?¡± ¡°Not unless he can fly,¡± Ryak said. ¡°I don¡¯t think even that gravity spell he has would cut it. The terrain between the fjords is utterly impassable.¡± ¡°So, no,¡± Justin said. ¡°Just a strange coincidence.¡± ¡°We should rest,¡± Ryak said. ¡°There is another shelter not far from here. It is normally used by the Keepers of the Tree, and...¡± He trailed off, as in realization. ¡°We must hurry,¡± Ryak said. He led them past the great tree, toward the opposite side of the fjord from the Aurora Caverns. They soon found the shelter, a shallow cave filled with benches, a fire pit, and several smaller aurora trees. ¡°No one here,¡± Eldrin said. ¡°Do you think they fled?¡± ¡°Who are these Keepers of the Tree, anyway?¡± Justin asked. Ryak shook his head. ¡°Just like it sounds. Normally, a few Iceborne are left behind to watch over Kythralis when no one else is here. Sometimes, they go off to hunt, but normally they would leave at least one or two behind to mind things. It¡¯s...possible there was no one here when the Fyrspawn attacked. It is strange.¡± He turned to the others. ¡°Either way, we can camp here for the night. It should be safe enough.¡± Justin almost wanted to say it wasn¡¯t safe for these ¡°Keepers,¡± but he kept the thought to himself. Kargan set a strong ward, and soon they had a fire going, along with a warm stew. Justin had to say it was nice to have the benefit of a real fire rather than his Vorthak¡¯s Flame. There were too many strange occurrences for one night. Whatever the case, he was exhausted. Perhaps the morning would bring answers and clarity. And, of course, his next level-up.